Long-Lewis Auto Group Partners with ADS-TEC Energy to Revolutionize EV Charging at Leading Ford Dealerships in Alabama
ADS-TEC Energy a renowned global innovator specializing in battery-based energy storage solutions and cutting-edge ultra-fast charging systems, recently announced a significant milestone in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development in Alabama. The Long-Lewis Auto Group, the state’s oldest and largest automotive retailer, has integrated ADS-TEC’s battery-buffered ChargeBox ultra-fast charging platform at several prominent Ford dealership locations across Alabama. These include Long-Lewis Ford of Hoover, Long-Lewis Ford of the River Region, and Long-Lewis Ford of the Shoals.
This strategic deployment enables EV owners and drivers in Alabama to access public ultra-fast charging facilities that significantly reduce charging time, addressing a critical gap in the state’s EV charging network. The ChargeBox platform, known for its revolutionary battery-buffered technology, delivers rapid charging speeds of up to 320kW without requiring extensive upgrades to existing electrical infrastructure. This feature makes it uniquely suited to locations like these dealerships, which are situated in areas where power grid capacity is limited or constrained.
Meeting Alabama’s Growing EV Demand
Electric vehicle adoption across the United States continues to accelerate, and Alabama is no exception. However, despite the growing popularity of EVs, many areas in Alabama remain underserved by EV charging infrastructure, particularly fast and ultra-fast chargers. This creates a significant hurdle for EV owners, especially in more rural or suburban locations where long waits for charging or the absence of fast chargers discourages potential buyers and limits the convenience of EV ownership.
Recognizing this challenge, the Long-Lewis Auto Group made a decisive move to bring top-tier charging technology to their dealerships, aligning with their commitment to provide exceptional customer experiences and support sustainable transportation initiatives. By partnering with ADS-TEC Energy and deploying the ChargeBox, Long-Lewis is not only enhancing its service offerings but also actively contributing to the expansion of EV infrastructure in Alabama.
What Makes ADS-TEC’s ChargeBox Stand Out?
The ChargeBox platform is distinguished by its use of innovative battery-buffered technology. Unlike conventional direct current (DC) fast chargers, which often demand expensive and time-consuming upgrades to the local electrical grid to support high power loads, ChargeBox stores energy in an integrated battery system. This buffer reduces the load on the grid during charging sessions, enabling ultra-fast charging speeds even at locations with limited power supply.
This approach offers multiple advantages:
- Reduced Installation Time and Cost: Because the ChargeBox does not require major electrical infrastructure upgrades, dealerships can install the units faster and with lower capital expenditure.
- Scalability: The system can be deployed in various locations regardless of grid limitations, expanding the reach of ultra-fast chargers to underserved regions.
- Enhanced Customer Convenience: EV drivers can charge their vehicles quickly—within minutes rather than hours—helping alleviate “range anxiety” and supporting long-distance travel.
Ryan Ware, General Manager of Long-Lewis Ford of the River Region, emphasized the importance of this technology for their dealerships and community: “At the Long-Lewis Auto Group, there is nothing more important than our community – including our employees, current customers, future customers and all Alabama residents. As EV adoption in our state continues to rise, the right charging technology must be installed to support ultra-fast charging requirements. Our customers cannot wait hours to charge their vehicles and as some of our dealerships are in more rural locations, we cannot afford any grid strain. ADS-TEC Energy’s ChargeBox is the only EV charger that could support our infrastructure needs. We’re excited to offer this ultra-fast EV charging capability at our dealerships and to provide it to the community.”
Long-Lewis Auto Group: A Legacy of Innovation and Community Commitment
Founded over a century ago, the Long-Lewis Auto Group has grown to become Alabama’s premier automotive retailer. With dealerships dating back to the early 1900s, the group now operates multiple locations that retail more than 1,500 vehicles each month — making it roughly eleven times larger than the average dealership. Their size and reach give them a unique ability to influence automotive trends and consumer choices across the state.
Beyond sales volume, the Long-Lewis Auto Group is nationally recognized for its focus on consumer and employee satisfaction, community involvement, and social responsibility. Their collaboration with Ford underscores their dedication to sustainable mobility through initiatives like the Ford Power Promise, which aims to make EV ownership more accessible and convenient by addressing the core needs of customers.
By integrating ADS-TEC’s ChargeBox at key Ford dealerships, Long-Lewis is enhancing the overall ownership experience for EV drivers, providing reliable and accessible charging solutions that support customers throughout Alabama’s diverse regions.
Alabama’s Commitment to EV Growth and Infrastructure
Alabama is experiencing significant momentum in electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure investment. According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, the state has attracted more than $2 billion in EV-related investments, reinforcing its growing EV supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. This influx of investment is a testament to Alabama’s commitment to a cleaner transportation future and the economic opportunities EVs bring to the region.
The arrival of ultra-fast public charging solutions like the ChargeBox is a critical component of this ecosystem. It enables EV drivers to charge quickly and conveniently, fostering consumer confidence and encouraging broader EV adoption.
ADS-TEC Energy’s Role in Accelerating EV Infrastructure
Jason Powers, Vice President of North America at ADS-TEC Energy, highlighted the company’s vision and the significance of this collaboration with the Long-Lewis Auto Group: “When we first announced our facility in Alabama, we were determined to make ultra-fast EV charging more accessible to drivers throughout the state. By deploying our ChargeBox solution, the Long-Lewis Auto Group is bringing the capabilities of ultra-fast EV charging to residents across Alabama, reaching areas that to-date have been plagued with little – or no – charging options. We’re honored to collaborate with Alabama’s oldest and largest auto dealer to showcase the state’s growth in EVs and electrification.”
ADS-TEC’s innovative energy storage and charging solutions represent a new wave of infrastructure technology that not only meets today’s charging demands but also anticipates the needs of future EV growth. The ChargeBox platform’s ability to overcome grid limitations while delivering ultra-fast charging makes it an ideal choice for automotive retailers, municipalities, and commercial properties aiming to support electrification efforts.
The Broader Impact on Alabama’s EV Ecosystem
The deployment of ADS-TEC’s ChargeBox at Long-Lewis Ford dealerships is more than just a business move — it’s a catalyst for EV ecosystem development in Alabama. As more drivers experience the convenience and speed of ultra-fast charging, confidence in EV technology will grow, further driving demand and accelerating the transition to electric transportation.
This initiative also serves as a model for other dealerships and businesses in the state, demonstrating how cutting-edge charging technology can be integrated without the need for disruptive and costly infrastructure upgrades. This scalable, flexible approach to charging infrastructure can help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of electrification reach all communities.
As Alabama continues to position itself as a leader in EV manufacturing and infrastructure investment, partnerships like that between Long-Lewis Auto Group and ADS-TEC Energy will be instrumental in shaping the state’s clean energy future. By providing fast, reliable, and accessible charging at multiple dealership locations, they are helping to remove barriers to EV adoption and making electric vehicles a practical option for all Alabamians.
The combination of Long-Lewis Auto Group’s expansive network and commitment to community, alongside ADS-TEC’s advanced charging technology, creates a powerful force driving the EV revolution forward in Alabama.
