News Summary
San Diego is replacing aging electric vehicle (EV) charging stations while offering free charging in May 2023. This initiative aligns with National Clean Air Month and aims to promote sustainable transportation options. The city is collaborating with EVerged under a 10-year agreement to improve EV access. Community input is encouraged, and the planned installation of 400 new stations by 2028 will help address the growing demand for EV infrastructure as San Diego targets net zero emissions by 2035.
San Diego is enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by replacing aging stations throughout the city while offering free EV charging during May 2023. This initiative coincides with National Clean Air Month and aims to encourage residents to utilize more sustainable transportation options.
The city will begin the replacement process for old EV chargers at various locations, including parks, beaches, and libraries, starting Monday and continuing through May 23. The newly installed chargers will provide free charging access throughout the month, allowing residents and visitors to charge their electric vehicles without charge.
This effort is part of the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Program (PEVCP), which aims to facilitate the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The program aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan Measure 2.3, which aims for San Diego to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. The replacement of old charging stations is a critical step towards reaching that goal and addressing the growing demand for EV infrastructure.
In addition to replacing stations, San Diego has entered into a 10-year exclusive concession agreement with EVerged. This partnership entails financing, designing, permitting, operating, and maintaining the EV chargers located in city-owned parking lots. The collaboration is expected to enhance the accessibility and availability of EV charging stations across the city.
Community engagement is encouraged through the EV Community Input Survey, where residents can share their feedback on the charging infrastructure. The need for more accessible charging options is growing, as California has witnessed a significant increase in public EV charging stations. The state’s total has doubled over the last four years, reaching 18,224 stations. However, the demand for charging infrastructure continues to exceed supply, with California aiming for 1.2 million public chargers by 2030.
San Diego County has emerged as a hub for electric vehicle adoption and features numerous EV-friendly properties. Increased availability of charging infrastructure is helping to address past ownership challenges associated with electric vehicles.
The California Transportation Commission has recently allocated over $8 million for projects aimed at enhancing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure in San Diego, part of a broader state investment in transportation that totals $830 million. In addition, California has received $62 billion in funding via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is expected to improve the state’s charging network and create over 170,000 jobs statewide.
As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve customer satisfaction, the ‘Get It Done’ app will be expanded in 2024. The upgraded app will allow users to report complaints related to the new electric vehicle charging stations. Currently, the app provides a platform for reporting issues with city parks and vacation rentals, and it receives a high volume of user engagement. To address user concerns, city officials are exploring methods to enhance satisfaction with the service, noting previous declines in user experience related to parking violation reports.
The app features a GPS function that simplifies the process of reporting location-based issues, promoting ease of use. The city is also introducing additional complaint categories, including those related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enhance accessibility and usability for all residents.
The initial rollout of the first ten new EV chargers is anticipated by the end of 2023, with a total of 400 charging stations planned for installation over the next five years. This comprehensive approach to upgrading San Diego’s EV charging infrastructure is a vital part of the city’s commitment to a clean and sustainable environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York’s Electric Vehicle Mandate Faces Challenges
Big Changes at Tesla: Is a New CEO on the Horizon?
California Celebrates Earth Day with Sustainability Initiatives
Elon Musk Reprioritizes Focus as Tesla Faces Profit Decline
California Celebrates Electric Vehicle Milestone
California Marks Milestone in Electric Vehicle Sales
California Surpasses Gasoline Nozzles with EV Chargers
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: California electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- The EV Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Times of San Diego
- Google News: EV charging infrastructure California
