XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast EV Charging Partner to Accelerate High-Power Charging Network Across Illinois
In a significant step toward strengthening electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the United States, XCharge North America has announced a strategic collaboration with JOJO Superfast EV Charging to deploy a robust high-power charging network throughout the state of Illinois. This partnership marks a major milestone in advancing accessible, ultra-fast EV charging solutions in the Midwest while addressing key challenges such as range anxiety and grid reliability.
XCharge North America, the regional arm of XCHG Limited, brings to the table its expertise in high-power charging systems and battery-integrated technologies designed to enhance grid stability. Meanwhile, JOJO Superfast contributes its vision of building a widely accessible charging ecosystem that caters to everyday drivers. Together, the companies are setting out to redefine how EV infrastructure is planned, deployed, and experienced by consumers.
Comprehensive Turnkey Deployment Strategy
Unlike traditional charging infrastructure rollouts that often involve multiple stakeholders operating in silos, this partnership emphasizes a streamlined, end-to-end deployment approach. XCharge North America will not only manufacture the advanced charging hardware but will also oversee each project phase—from site selection and design to installation, commissioning, and operational support.
This turnkey strategy ensures consistency, efficiency, and speed in delivering high-quality charging facilities. By centralizing responsibility within XCharge NA’s specialized solutions team, the partnership reduces deployment delays and ensures that each location meets rigorous performance and reliability standards.
High-Power Charging Network Rollout
The initial phase of the project will introduce a total of 800 kilowatts (kW) of ultra-fast charging capacity across nine strategically chosen locations. These sites have been selected to maximize accessibility and convenience, particularly for drivers in high-traffic retail and travel corridors.
A key highlight of the rollout is the placement of charging stations at outlets of Menards, one of the most prominent home improvement retailers in the Midwest. By integrating EV charging infrastructure into well-frequented retail destinations, the initiative ensures that drivers can conveniently charge their vehicles while shopping or running errands.
Each location will feature four advanced C6 Smart DC Fast Chargers, delivering a total of eight charging ports per site. These chargers are engineered to provide ultra-fast charging speeds, significantly reducing wait times and enabling EV users to quickly return to the road.
Initial Site Deployment Timeline
The network rollout is already underway, with two locations operational and several more scheduled for launch over the coming months:
- Menards Crestwood – Currently operational
- Menards Bridgeview – Currently operational
- Menards Hodgkins – Expected launch in May 2026
- Menards Tinley Park – Expected launch in May 2026
- Menards Sterling – Scheduled for Q3 2026
- Menards Freeport – Scheduled for Q3 2026
- Menards Galesburg – Scheduled for Q3 2026
- Main Street, Carbondale – Scheduled for Q3 2026
- Aurora Outlet Mall – Scheduled for Q3 2026
This phased rollout reflects a carefully planned strategy aimed at building a cohesive network that serves both urban centers and regional travel routes across Illinois.
Launch Event Highlights
To commemorate the launch of the new charging network, JOJO Superfast hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Crestwood location—the first site to become fully operational. The event brought together key stakeholders from industry, government, and local communities, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Notable attendees included Joe Sheehan, CEO of JOJO Superfast; Alex Urist, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Marketing at XCharge North America; Ken Klein, Mayor of Crestwood; representatives from Commonwealth Edison; and officials from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
The presence of these stakeholders highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in accelerating the transition to clean energy transportation.
Leveraging Public and Utility Incentives
One of the defining aspects of this project is its effective use of state and utility-backed incentive programs to accelerate infrastructure deployment. By leveraging financial and logistical support from public initiatives, the partnership demonstrates how policy frameworks can translate into tangible community benefits.
A major contributor to the project’s success is the “Make-Ready” rebate program offered by Commonwealth Edison. This initiative helps offset the costs associated with upgrading electrical infrastructure, making it easier to deploy high-capacity charging stations.
Additionally, funding support from the Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program—administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act—has played a crucial role in enabling equitable access to EV charging. This program focuses on ensuring that underserved communities benefit from the state’s transition to clean energy.
Together, these incentives have created a supportive ecosystem that enables rapid deployment while reducing financial barriers for infrastructure developers.
Addressing Range Anxiety and Accessibility Challenges
For many potential EV buyers, range anxiety remains one of the biggest obstacles to adoption. Limited access to reliable and fast charging options often forces drivers to carefully plan their routes, which can diminish the convenience of electric mobility.
This partnership directly addresses these concerns by introducing high-speed charging solutions in easily accessible locations. By situating chargers at popular retail destinations and along key travel routes, the network ensures that drivers can recharge their vehicles without disrupting their daily routines.
Joe Sheehan, CEO of JOJO Superfast, emphasized the importance of accessibility in his remarks during the launch event. He noted that communities in areas such as the South Side of Chicago have historically faced limited access to EV infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to fully embrace electric mobility.
With the deployment of this new network, JOJO Superfast aims to change that narrative by providing fast, reliable, and widely available charging options.
Technology-Driven Charging Experience
At the heart of this initiative is XCharge North America’s advanced charging technology. The C6 Smart DC Fast Chargers deployed at each site are designed to deliver high performance, intelligent energy management, and seamless user experiences.
These chargers integrate battery storage capabilities, which help balance energy demand and reduce strain on the electrical grid. This feature is particularly important in high-demand scenarios, where multiple vehicles may be charging simultaneously.
By combining high-power output with smart energy management, the system ensures consistent performance while supporting broader grid stability—an increasingly critical factor as EV adoption continues to rise.
A Vision for Scalable EV Infrastructure
Beyond the initial nine locations, the partnership between XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast represents a scalable model for future expansion. The companies aim to replicate this deployment strategy across additional regions, creating a comprehensive network that supports the growing number of EV drivers.
Aatish Patel, President and Co-founder of XCharge North America, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. He emphasized that the company is not merely installing hardware but is focused on delivering a superior charging experience that instills confidence in EV users.
This approach aligns with the broader industry trend toward integrated solutions that combine hardware, software, and services to create seamless and reliable charging ecosystems.
Driving the Future of Clean Transportation
The collaboration between XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast underscores the importance of partnerships in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation. By bringing together technology providers, network operators, utilities, and government agencies, the project demonstrates how coordinated efforts can deliver impactful results.
As EV adoption continues to grow across the United States, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in building the infrastructure needed to support widespread electrification. By focusing on accessibility, reliability, and performance, the partnership sets a new standard for EV charging networks in the Midwest and beyond.
Ultimately, the deployment of this high-power charging network is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a step toward a cleaner, more connected, and more sustainable future for transportation.
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