Tulare’s Mefford Field to host renewable truck & vehicle charging center

Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers, in partnership with Central Cal Truck Stops, LLC, proudly announces an agreement with the City of Tulare to transform a 26-acre portion of Mefford Field into a state-of-the-art Renewable Energy Truck and Vehicle Charging Center. This landmark project marks a major step toward sustainable transportation and economic development in the San Joaquin Valley, creating approximately 50 new jobs while supporting California’s renewable energy goals.

The Tulare City Council approved the collaborative effort at its December 17 meeting. This innovative travel center will feature a range of transitional and renewable fuels, including renewable diesel, ethanol-based gasoline, renewable compressed natural gas, hydrogen, and electric vehicle (EV) charging powered by green electricity. The facility is designed to serve both local residents and Highway 99 travelers, offering critical infrastructure for California’s growing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet.

 

A Shared Vision for Sustainability

“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation,” said Cyclum CEO Brian Profitt. “We are thrilled to work with the City of Tulare to bring our NextGen Travel Center vision to life. This project will provide vital renewable fueling options, support the local economy, and align with California’s ambitious clean energy goals.”

Mayor Patrick Isherwood added, “This project represents a win for Tulare. Not only are we fostering sustainable transportation, but we are also creating jobs and positioning our city as a hub for renewable energy innovation. We’re excited to partner with Cyclum on this forward-thinking initiative.”

City Manager Marc Mondell emphasized, “Mefford Field is an ideal location for a project of this scale and significance. The City is committed to supporting Cyclum in realizing this vision, from environmental assessments to infrastructure improvements. Together, we’re setting an example for other communities to follow.”

 

Commitment to Community and Environment

Under the agreement, the City of Tulare will conduct environmental assessments and undertake necessary property improvements, allocating up to $750,000 for remediation and demolition work if needed. Cyclum will cover any additional costs and collaborate with the City to secure grant funding and other resources to support traffic and infrastructure upgrades related to the project.

Cyclum’s NextGen Travel Center will create up to 75 jobs for the local community, offering diverse roles in customer service, operations, and management. By prioritizing local hiring and providing competitive wages, Cyclum is committed to supporting economic growth and empowering the community while driving innovation in the travel industry.

“Cyclum is proud to invest in Tulare and help position it as a leader in renewable energy infrastructure,” said Cyclum Founder, Shaun Lee. “This project is just the beginning of our commitment to bringing sustainable travel solutions to communities nationwide.”

Construction of the Mefford Field Renewable Energy Travel Center is scheduled to begin in 2025 and is part of Cyclum’s larger initiative to develop 400 NextGen Travel Centers across the country.

7 thoughts on “Tulare’s Mefford Field to host renewable truck & vehicle charging center

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  1. Nothing says “Tulare Proud” like a charging station. Charge your batteries with happy endings! That is what some would call progression and moving away from a Agricultural centric economy.

    • I am quite sure that these charging stations come in handy to even those owning agricultural properties and businesses who drive Hybrid cars and trucks. Won’t be long before their farm equipment such as tractors, cotton pickers, etc will be Hybrids as well. Can’t stop progress from happening, not even in an agricultural economy.

    • Frank, how are cars charged with electricity moving away from Ag? Should we go back to horses and oxen in the fields? Do you use oil in your lamps still? Electricity is great – get on board.

  2. Do we know which 26 acre portion of Mefford Field?

    Every year, the World Ag Expo uses the parking lot at the southwest corner for Park And Ride, and everyone who uses it loves it. At the end of a long day, when your feet are sore, getting an air-conditioned ride back to your car is wonderful. Thank you to Toyota for providing brand-new minivans every year.

    If the 26 acres is at the southeast corner (ideal) or northwest corner (less than ideal), then this project is probably not a terrible idea.

    Generally, I’m not in favor of projects that can’t make it without government funding. I’d rather that the City of Tulare solve their decades long problem with terrible roads. Every few (very few) years, they repave Tulare Avenue in front of the high school, and within six months the road has gone to crap again. That is ridiculous.

    But if Tulare feels the need to spend $700,000 on _something_, I suppose this isn’t the worst thing they could spend the money on.

  3. Didn’t California suspend the electric truck mandate recently? The decision to build the site was probably in the pipeline already but we’ll see how profitable the site is.

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