What do Costco and SpaceX have in common? Not much… until now. Thanks to a group of former SpaceX engineers, the parking lot of a Florida Costco just became one of the fastest EV charging hubs in the country. Their startup, Electric Era, installed six fast-charging stations in just 54 days — and yes, they’re already live and operational.
So, how did this come together so fast, and what does it mean for the future of EV charging?
Launch
The story starts with Electric Era, a company founded by ex-SpaceX employees who took their experience in rapid, precise engineering and aimed it at solving a problem right here on Earth — slow and inconvenient EV charging. They partnered with Costco and picked a location in Florida. By May 30, six charging stations were up and running.
From signing the contract on April 7 to flipping the switch just 54 days later, it’s an incredibly short timeline for an industry where things usually move at a snail’s pace.
Setup
Electric Era didn’t follow the typical complex construction process. They rethought the entire system using what’s known as “first principles” — a method of problem-solving where you question every assumption and rebuild from the ground up.
The result? A fast-charging setup with 98.5% uptime, 24/7 monitoring, and universal plug types (CCS and NACS connectors). And yes, there’s a 32-inch screen at each station for promos and a loyalty module that syncs with Costco’s membership program.
Speed
Most EV fast chargers take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to bring a car’s battery to 80%. Electric Era’s chargers fall into that same range but with a much better experience. Why? Because while your car is charging, you’re already inside Costco grabbing your essentials — and probably a few snacks you didn’t plan to buy.
So while your EV gets juice, you get groceries. That’s what makes this such a win-win setup.
Benefits
For Costco, this partnership is a no-brainer. Every time someone plugs in their EV, they’re likely to spend at least 30 minutes in-store. That’s 30 minutes of browsing, shopping, and impulse buying — the kind of behavior that retail dreams are made of.
And for customers? It’s convenience. Charging doesn’t feel like a chore anymore; it becomes a background task to your shopping trip.
Expansion
Is this setup only in Florida? For now, yes. But don’t worry — more locations are already in the planning stage. The beauty of Electric Era’s model is its speed and simplicity. No digging up parking lots, no complex rewiring, and no months-long delays.
They’ve designed their chargers to be easily dropped into existing sites like gas stations, malls, and big-box store parking lots. Fast, scalable, and reliable — exactly what the EV market needs.
Growth
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, over 70% of fast EV charging in the U.S. happens on high-power DC chargers. And that number is growing. But here’s the catch — location matters.
Installing chargers where people already spend time — like grocery stores and retail centers — makes adoption much easier. It reduces “range anxiety” (the fear of running out of battery) and makes EV ownership more practical.
Momentum
Federal programs like NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) offer funding of up to 80% for fast-charging stations — as long as they meet reliability and power standards. Electric Era’s system checks all those boxes, making it a perfect candidate for this funding.
By aligning with these policies, they’re not only speeding up deployment but also tapping into public incentives that help cover costs. Smart move.
Strategy
Electric Era’s plan is as clean and efficient as their tech:
- Install fast chargers where people shop.
- More chargers attract more visitors.
- More visitors justify more stations.
- More stations reduce EV fear and boost sales.
It’s a feedback loop that supports everyone — retailers, customers, automakers, and clean energy advocates.
This isn’t just about faster EV charging. It’s about reshaping how and where we do it. And it’s a perfect example of how space-age thinking can improve day-to-day life here on Earth.
FAQs
Where was the first Costco EV charger installed?
In a Costco parking lot in Florida.
Who built the Costco EV chargers?
Electric Era, a startup by former SpaceX engineers.
How fast are the Electric Era chargers?
They charge up to 80% in 20 to 60 minutes.
Will more Costco locations get chargers?
Yes, expansion plans are already in motion.
Does the charger link with Costco membership?
Yes, it includes a loyalty module for members.
