City of San Diego to install hundreds of EV charging stations
The new chargers will first be installed at public libraries and recreation centers, then branch out to all city-owned parking lots over the next five years.
SAN DIEGO — When it comes to getting an electric vehicle, one of the biggest roadblocks is having somewhere to charge it.
The City of San Diego is now tackling that issue of accessibility by signing a deal that will create a network of hundreds of charging stations throughout all communities.
Over the next two years, recreation center and library parking lots like the one in Valencia Park will be transformed, offering electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city of San Diego. It’s a move that some San Diegans looking to go electric say they are looking forward to.
“Tesla is my dream car,” said Jennifer White. “Someday! I’m keeping hope alive.”
White said one of the roadblocks to realizing her dream — aside from the expense of an e-vehicle — is having a place to charge it up.
“When I do get my electric vehicle, I already know where the libraries are so I know where I can power up!,” she added,
She’s excited about the city’s new plan to install hundreds of new EV charging stations throughout all neighborhoods in the city, starting first with libraries and recreation centers and then branching out to all 400 city-owned parking lots over the next five years.
“Especially in neighborhoods like this one. creating accessibility to everybody to be able to have them is really important, especially for me,” said Nicolle Lee.
Under this new city contract., a company called True Upside based in Virginia will install and maintain the charging stations, paying the city for the use of the public property. True Upside would own and operate the chargers during the ten-year-contract, and would be responsible for rapid repairs that might be needed.
“Reliable, convenient access to charging is not yet available and may be a barrier to EV ownership,” said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava.
While that ownership is growing — increasing by 50 percent year over year here in San Diego — for some San Diegans, that lack of access to EV stations remains a barrier.
This new deal also helps the city in realizing parts of its ambitious Climate Action Plan, which calls for all city vehicles to be electric by 2035. For more information on the Climate Action Plan, click here.
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