Costa Mesa Opens 40-Charger EV Hub with Market, Lounge

Charging your electric vehicle just became as convenient as grabbing coffee with a friend.

Rove, an EV charging company, opened its second Southern California location in Costa Mesa this week, featuring 40 fast chargers and on-site amenities designed to make the charging experience actually enjoyable. The facility sits conveniently near the 405 freeway on Harbor Boulevard, making it accessible for both commuters and local residents.

The center tackles one of the biggest complaints EV drivers face: what to do during charging stops. A scaled-down Gelson's market called ReCharge sits right on-site, offering everything from hot coffee to household essentials. A comfortable lounge with WiFi and restrooms gives drivers a place to work or relax while their car charges.

The charging itself takes just 15 to 30 minutes for most modern EVs, enough time to grab groceries or answer emails. The average charge costs about $20 and delivers 150 to 200 miles of range, significantly cheaper than filling a gas tank at current prices.

Rove designed the experience to eliminate common frustrations. Their chargers accept Apple Pay, credit cards, and debit cards directly without requiring apps or accounts. You simply swipe and start charging, just like paying at any store.

The facility welcomes all EV brands. While Tesla Superchargers dominate the location, most new electric vehicles can now use these NACS chargers regardless of brand. Rove's own chargers accommodate less common CHAdeMO and CCS ports, ensuring nearly any EV can charge there.

The Ripple Effect

Costa Mesa Mayor emphasized that 60% of city residents are renters who lack home charging options. This facility gives them the reliable charging access that makes EV ownership practical. Bill Reid, Rove's CEO, said their first location in Santa Ana exceeded expectations and won numerous industry awards since opening in October 2024.

Ryan Adams, president and CEO of Gelson's, called the partnership a natural fit since customers spend 15 to 30 minutes charging anyway. The collaboration transforms what could be a boring wait into productive time.

More locations are planned near major freeways throughout the region, all with the same goal of making electric vehicle ownership easier and more convenient.

Rove promises 100% charger availability, addressing another common complaint about broken or offline public chargers. The company is betting that comfortable, reliable charging hubs with real amenities will accelerate EV adoption across Southern California.