Overview

Plug in and Go Metro.

Metro has introduced electric vehicle (EV) charge stations at five Metro Rail station parking lots: Union Station, Sierra Madre Villa, Universal City/Studio City, El Segundo, and Willow St.

The new Level 2 charge stations allow riders with EVs to conveniently charge their cars while using the Metro system.

How It Works

1. Sign up for an account here.
   • Once you register, you’ll receive a smart card for use at any Metro EV charge station.
2. Park your vehicle at a Metro charge station marked with the parking symbol to the right.
3. Swipe your smart card to start charging.
4. Plug in and Go Metro.
5. Get notifications (via e-mail or SMS) to find out when your EV is fully charged.

Pricing

Charging costs $1 per hour with a $3 cap per charge, and users will be billed through their account. Parking is free at all charge stations except at Union Station.

Locations

Four EV charge stations are located at each of the following Metro Rail stations:

Sierra Madre Villa Station
149 N. Halstead St., Pasadena 91107 

• Charge stations: 1st level of parking structure; enter from Sierra Madre Villa Av entrance
  (NOW OPEN)
  

Union Station
801 N. Vignes St., Los Angeles 90012

• Charge stations: P2 level (Area D) of parking structure
  (NOW OPEN)

Willow St Station
2750 American Av., Long Beach 90806 

• Charge stations: 1st level of parking structure near west entrance
  (NOW OPEN)

Universal City/Studio City Station
3913 Lankershim Bl., Studio City 91604

• Charge stations: Northeast side of parking lot off of Campo De Cahuenga
  (NOW OPEN)
  

El Segundo Station
2226 E. El Segundo Bl., El Segundo 90245 

• Charge stations: Parking lot
  (NOW OPEN)
  

Download a map of charge station locations.

Benefits

As a leader in sustainability and green technology, Metro is the first transit agency in the nation to introduce and operate EV charge stations at its Park & Ride lots.

By participating in this new program, you’ll enjoy several benefits:

• Low Price: You can charge all day for just $3.
• Convenience: Your vehicle will be fully charged when you return from your travels.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By combining an EV trip with public transit, you’ll further help to reduce our region’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
• Expansion to More Stations: Metro will expand its EV charging program as regional demand increases.

FAQ

How were the five stations selected?

The five Metro Rail stations were selected because of their proximity to major transportation hubs and busy traffic arteries. Metro also selected the stations to encourage use of its transit system (and Park & Ride lots) in different regions for travel to/from Downtown LA.

How do I sign up?

Please visit our network provider’s website (EV Connect) to register for an account. You will receive a confirmation e-mail, once registration is complete. Within five business days you will also receive a smart card, known as a RFID key fob, which will provide access to the charge stations.

How do I access my account?

To access your account, go to metro.net/evaccount and login using the e-mail address and password you provided during sign up. If you forget your password, use the “Forgot password?” button located on the login page. 

What type of charge station is being provided?

Metro has installed 20 208/240v 30amp Level 2 charge stations. They are capable of providing up to 7.2kw of power to your EV, however, the speed with which your EV’s battery re-charges will depend on the capability of your on-board charger.

What will it cost to charge my car?

Charging will cost $1 per hour with a $3 cap per charge. There is no monthly or start-up fee, and charging costs are rounded off to the nearest whole minute, not the hour.

How do I top-up my account with more credits?

To purchase additional credits, login to your account at metro.net/evaccount. Click the “Buy Credits” button located near the top left of the page next to your credit balance.  Then select a plan and process payment to purchase credits. You can also setup your account to automatically replenish credits by clicking on the “Set Auto-Pay” button located next to the “Buy Credits” button. 

How can I check my balance and usage?

You can check your credit balance and usage after each charge by logging onto your account at metro.net/evaccount.

Does one plug fit all cars?

The charge stations incorporate the SAE J1772 (North American Automotive Industry Standard) plug. All newer model electric cars, including the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Ford Focus Electric, Toyota Prius Plug-in and Mitsubishi iMiEV, will be able to plug into a Level 2 charge station. A small number of specialized EVs (e.g., Tesla models) may require a plug adapter. Check with your vehicle manufacturer for details.

How do I activate the charge station?

You initiate a charging session by swiping your key fob over the RFID reader on the front of the unit. This will initiate the charge session. Then simply plug the power cable into your vehicle. The first time you initiate a charge session there may be up to a 30 second delay, as the charge station contacts the network and confirms your RFID. After this initial authorization, the charge station should recognize and authorize your account immediately.

Will I be notified when my charging session is complete or interrupted?

Yes, you can elect to receive an e-mail or SMS notifying you that your charging session is complete or has been interrupted.

Will I need to move my car if I am done charging?

As a courtesy to other drivers trying to use the charge stations, we ask that you move your car as soon as possible once your charging session is complete.

Who do I contact if I need assistance at the EV charge station?

For assistance with your vehicle charging needs or after hours help, please contact 213.922.GO.EV (4638). You can also e-mail us at ev@metro.net. Please be ready to provide your account name and your RFID key fob ID number.

How do I know what my RFID number is?

Your RFID number can be found on a sticker affixed to your key fob.

Once my account is created do I need to keep my RFID number?

We recommend that you keep your RFID number for your records.

Can I have multiple RFIDs associated with my account?

Yes, the network allows multiple RFIDs to be associated with an account. Charging credits are attached to User Accounts and are shared among RFIDs assigned to that account. 

Can I use my key fob with other charge station networks?

The key fob is only compatible with Metro’s EV charge stations. Metro’s network provider will continue to participate in trade group efforts to explore interoperability.

Can I use my key fob for multiple EVs?

Yes, the key fob is linked to your account and you can use it for multiple vehicles.