Temporary venues during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles are unlikely to have enough time to permit and build permanent DC fast-charging infrastructure before the event, concluded a recent white paper from Xos that analyzes the charging infrastructure needed to support zero-emission transportation.

The report, titled "Powering the Games: A Fleet Charging Solution for LA 2028," estimates daily charging demand at 588 MWh across more than 40 venues and nine geographic zones in Southern California.

The analysis is based on published fleet figures and stated usage assumptions, including about 2,700 Metro zero-emission buses, 500 Highland Electric school buses, and an estimated 8,000-plus rideshare EVs.
California permitting data shows utility interconnection averages 38 weeks after construction is complete, while complete charging projects can take 11 to more than 36 months, according to Xos findings.

The Los Angeles-based company said those timelines leave little opportunity to build permanent charging infrastructure at many temporary Olympic venues.

What the White Paper Found

Xos, an electric commercial vehicle and fleet electrification technology company, said permanent DC fast-charging infrastructure could cost an estimated $40 million to $55 million before utility upgrades.

Xos said its mobile battery energy storage approach avoids utility interconnection, can be deployed in days, and can be redeployed after the games.

The white paper also states that mobile battery energy storage with solar could provide charging at remote venues, help buffer peak electricity demand, and support renewable energy goals.

Each Xos Hub unit provides simultaneous AC and DC charging with up to 150 kW per charge head across four connections and 210 to 630 kWh of onboard storage. Up to 10 units can be linked together to provide more than 6 MWh of storage while also supplying power for venue operations.

Xos Already Serving The LA28 Power Network

Xos said it has deployed eight Xos Hub units with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and counts Highland Electric Fleets and Blue Bird Corp. among its customers.
CEO Dakota Semler said the company's analysis focuses on delivering charging infrastructure within the Games' timeline, arguing that mobile energy storage is better suited for temporary venues than permanent charging installations.
Chief Operating Officer Giordano Sordoni said transportation plans for the Games are largely established, leaving energy delivery as one of the remaining infrastructure challenges that mobile energy storage is designed to address. Xos said the white paper is available to qualified media and stakeholders through the company.