Policymakers, city officials, community leaders and energy officials participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony in Rancho Cordova. Photo by uvVisions photography 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In a milestone moment for small business fleet electrification, Mitra EV, a California-based leader in EV infrastructure, launched the country’s first network of shared fast-charging hubs for small urban fleets on May 15 in Rancho Cordova.

With two sites, at Aztec Solar, 11370 Trade Center Drive, and Sierra Pacific, 2576 Mercantile Drive, the event marked the public debut of Project REEF, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded initiative designed to revolutionize how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) transition to electric vehicles.

“These charging stations represent more than just a groundbreaking here,” said Jason Hanson, owner of Sierra Pacific Home & Comfort, whose facility now hosts five new fast chargers. “They really represent a vision towards adopting, innovating, and always finding another level.”

The launch celebration drew policymakers, energy officials, and community leaders, all rallying behind a vision that blends clean technology with economic empowerment for smaller businesses.

A group of Sierra Pacific team members stand alongside one of their new EV fleets provided through the partnership with Mitra EV. Photo by uvVisions photography 

Despite being the backbone of California’s fleet economy, 99% of fleets in the state operate fewer than 50 vehicles, small and medium-sized businesses have historically struggled with high EV costs, complex regulations, and limited charging infrastructure. Mitra EV’s model aims to eliminate those barriers by offering turnkey electrification: fleet leasing, permitting, charging infrastructure, and compliance all in one package with no upfront cost.

“Most small businesses don’t have a fleet manager or time to navigate complex EV rules,” said Brian Duncan, co-founder of Mitra EV. “We take care of everything. We lease the vehicle, install a charger, and even build shared DC fast chargers they can earn money from.”

The company’s signature model places Level 2 chargers at fleet depots for exclusive overnight use and adds DC fast chargers (DCFCs) that, when idle, are shared with other fleets creating a new revenue stream for small and medium-sized businesses. Fleet owners can earn over $100,000 annually from shared charging access, all while saving 30 to 50% on fuel and maintenance.

“This has taken a little while but it has finally come to fruition,” said Ed Murray, president of Aztec Solar. “We had to deal with the city for permits, and they have been great to work with. We are seeing real success with the vehicles already.”

Mayor Siri Pulipati of Rancho Cordova praised the effort as a model for local collaboration.

“We are not just celebrating electric vehicle chargers today,” Pulipati said. “We are celebrating proof that innovation, partnership, and community leadership can build something that benefits everyone.”

Mitra EV, a California-based leader in EV infrastructure, launched the country’s first network of shared fast-charging hubs. Photo by uvVisions photography 

The initiative’s backers emphasize the economic upside of electrification, particularly for working-class communities and businesses.

“Electrifying these fleets isn’t just good for the air,” said Marissa Campbell, co-founder of Mitra EV. “This project is so important because it gives businesses the opportunity to have an advantage that mostly large companies only have today. Small companies are worried about keeping their visions open and running their day-to-day operations. This gives them the opportunity to save on their expenses.”

Campbell emphasized that even business owners unfamiliar with EVs can participate.

“All they have to say is, ‘Hi, I’m interested.’ We walk them through everything, build it, wrap it and permit it,” Campbell said.

Galina Russell, another Mitra EV co-founder, added, “Small and medium fleets are the economic engine of our neighborhoods. When they grow, our workforce grows and that means our communities grow.”

From the federal level to Sacramento’s streets, the launch drew high praise. Nancy Skinner, a California Energy commissioner, and former state senator, applauded the vision.

“Access to fast charging like this is exactly what we envisioned when we funded zero-emissions transportation infrastructure,” Skinner said. “It’s helping us meet California’s ambitious climate goals.”

Josh Gumacal, representing Rep. Ami Bera’s office, echoed that sentiment.

“These are vital community partners we are seeing today. They are helping make clean transportation possible for our small businesses,” Gumacal said. “We get to celebrate the nation’s first network of shared fast charging hubs for small urban fleets. This project seeks to serve and aid our mall businesses to transition to more affordable, accessible, clean transportation.”

Mitra EV plans to build 10 shared charging hubs across the Sacramento region and expand the project across other urban areas. Photo by uvVisions photography 

Councilmember Eric Guerra, Sacramento City Council District 6 representative, highlighted the public health benefits.

“Clean fleets mean cleaner air, especially in districts like mine where there is a lot of manufacturing and a lot of goods movement. This is how we move forward to have a win, win, win,” aid Guerra. “What we really want to do here today, what we are celebrating, is how we pull together to find good solutions to strengthen our economy, but more importantly, making sure that our kids have an opportunity to breathe clean air in the future.”

According to representatives Mitra EV plans to build 10 shared charging hubs across the Sacramento region and expand the project across other urban areas.