Summary
– San Diego City Council approved plan to add EV chargers to public spaces
– State law requires EV chargers at new construction sites by 2023
– True Upside Consulting awarded contract for installation and maintenance
– Partnership includes installation of chargers at libraries and rec centers
– Next phase to include beaches, parks, municipal buildings, police and fire stations
Article
The San Diego City Council has approved a plan to add hundreds of new electric vehicle chargers to public spaces within the city over the next two years. This initiative is in response to a 2023 state law requiring the installation of EV chargers at all new construction locations, and San Diego’s plan extends this requirement to older and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The goal is to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and feasible for residents across the city.
In order to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the charging stations, the city council has awarded a contract to True Upside Consulting. Under the terms of the agreement, True Upside will pay the City for the use of public property and will own and operate all the chargers placed in City parking lots. This public-private partnership is viewed as innovative and will help to deliver more EV charging stations to residents, in line with the city’s commitment to advancing its Climate Action Plan.
Mayor Todd Gloria expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it exemplifies the city’s dedication to advancing its Climate Action Plan and ensuring that electric vehicle charging is accessible and feasible for all residents. The plan is expected to include the installation of chargers at public locations such as libraries and recreation centers, with the next phase of construction expanding to city beaches, parks, open spaces, municipal office buildings, and police and fire stations. This comprehensive approach to installing EV chargers aims to make electric vehicle charging convenient and accessible throughout the city.
By including a wide range of public spaces in the plan for installing electric vehicle chargers, San Diego is taking steps to make EV charging infrastructure accessible to all residents. This focus on equity and accessibility is particularly important in older and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, where access to electric vehicle chargers may be limited. By partnering with a private company for the installation and maintenance of the charging stations, the city is able to leverage resources and expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the plan.
The expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a key component of San Diego’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. By increasing the availability of EV chargers in public spaces, the city is encouraging residents to make the switch to electric vehicles, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The partnership with True Upside Consulting is seen as a valuable step towards achieving the city’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options for all residents.
Overall, the plan to add hundreds of new electric vehicle chargers to public spaces in San Diego represents a significant investment in sustainable transportation infrastructure. By prioritizing equity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, the city is demonstrating its commitment to creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for all residents. This innovative public-private partnership will help to deliver more EV charging stations to residents across the city, making electric vehicle charging more accessible and feasible for all.
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