Bakersfield, Calif., Local 428 members have worked on much larger projects. But none illustrate the future of the transition to clean energy as clearly as an electric truck stop they completed this spring.

The first-of-its-kind station, which opened in May, is the fourth electric truck charging depot opened in California by WattEV, which specializes in building out the charging infrastructure for heavy-duty electric vehicles. But this is the first that combines solar power with a battery energy storage system, or BESS, giving the facility a reliable energy source that is not dependent on weather conditions.

WattEV has received $109 million in federal grants during the last two years to help with the transition to clean energy, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by President Joe Biden.

"These really are the next horizon of EV charging work," said Ninth District International Representative Micah Mitrosky, who specializes in energy and clean transportation. "We're going to see chargers becoming more powerful and that can charge vehicles more quickly. This is going to create a lot more work for both the inside and outside branches."

Local 428 Business Manager Brian Holt said about 10 to 12 members worked on the project. The facility covers 119 acres, and WattEV officials say it is the largest solar truck stop in the world.

Trucks will receive a charge in less than 30 minutes that will allow them to travel at least 300 miles. The charging time is expected to get shorter and travel range to expand as the technology improves.

Local 428 landed the work because of a project labor agreement with other trades in the area. Holt noted that members often work on utility-grade solar projects, but not usually on one this small.

"We've done plenty of solar," Holt said. "We've done plenty of battery storage. We've done plenty of facilities. This time, it's all on one site at one time."

More is coming.

Bakersfield, a city of about 400,000, is a longtime hub for farming and oil production, and increasingly for manufacturing. Getting goods out to California and the rest of the world remains crucial, and now it's being done under the state's aggressive clean energy goals.

The new facility is near the junction of California state highways 99 and 58, a vital truck route to the San Joaquin Valley, one of the country's most productive agricultural areas. Besides Bakersfield, WattEV's other three California electric truck stops are in San Bernardino, Gardena and the Port of Long Beach, a major logistics port on the West Coast.

None have both the battery storage and solar component like the one in Bakersfield, however.

"I think there will be more of these," Holt said. "As community members, we're pleased to be part of the solution and helping the state meet its climate goals."

Billy Powell, a Ninth District international representative who services Local 428, credited the local for its long history of excellence working in all forms of energy. That expertise transferred to this project, he said.

"Constructing the first electric truck stop with a solar power microgrid and a battery storage system is a significant step forward in a sustainable infrastructure," Powell said. "It demonstrates their commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

"This multifaceted approach reflects a forward-thinking mindset, acknowledging the diverse energy needs of today and tomorrow while actively working toward solutions that benefit both the environment and communities we live in," he added.

Ninth District Vice President Dave Reaves praised the positive relationship Local 428 has with the signatory contractor.

"The IBEW is working collaboratively with employers like WattEV to stay on the forefront of community energy needs and new technologies," Reaves said. "I applaud Local 428 for their innovative work on this groundbreaking electric truck charging depot that will lead to similar work and projects for our members across California and the country."

The Bakersfield facility consists of three 1.2-megawatt charging systems, along with 16 dual-cord and 15 single-cord combined charging systems of 360 and 240 kilowatts, respectively. It has 5-megawatt solar on site connected to the BESS.

Plus, there was plenty of room left for things at traditional truck stops, including places to eat and changing facilities.

The move to fully electric truck stops will create work opportunities for other branches besides construction, Mitrosky said. For instance, many utility members will be building out and ensuring a safe electrical grid as more demands are put on it.

"In order to get all these big electric truck stops onto the grid, there will need to be more investments in grid infrastructure," she said.

Plus, there's the organizing of employees performing maintenance and repairs on these new medium and heavy-duty electric trucks. Many IBEW members are building EV charging stations, and Mitrosky noted the Ninth District has a committee studying new training and apprenticeships for clean vehicle mechanics.

"It fits right in our wheelhouse," she said. "There's going to be a ton of mechanics who will have to have the electrical skills and training to safely do this work. We'd like to see this workforce become IBEW members."