In a significant step towards expanding access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, San Francisco has entered the next phase of the city’s Curbside EV Charging Pilot Program by advancing proposals from EV charging companies.
The three leading EV charging providers set to advance their proposals to the next phase include Urban EV, it’s electric, and Voltpost.
The strategic initiative, announced by the city’s mayor, London Breed, aims to achieve San Francisco’s climate action goals and support the adoption of EVs for residents without off-street parking.
This collaborative effort between various city departments, including San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), San Francisco Public Works (SFPW), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and the San Francisco Environment Department (SFE), will involve community stakeholders to gain support and ensure its successful implementation.
Interesting Read: Self-Driving Cars Will Soon Deliver Food
Implementing Curbside EVs
Under this initiative, EV charging providers will submit detailed technology and installation proposals for review to ensure alignment with the city’s Climate Action Plan and equity goals. Approved applicants can obtain the necessary permits, including excavation permits from Public Works.
To develop a comprehensive policy, data-gathering partnerships will be established upon installation, allowing charging providers to monitor usage, demand, and other key metrics. This proactive approach will support San Francisco’s goal of installing several chargers in the next two years or until the city completes its city-wide implementation effort.
Commenting on the initiative, Mayor Breed emphasized, “From our historic cable cars to the autonomous vehicles on our streets, San Francisco’s spirit of innovation is visible all around us. By partnering with cutting-edge charging providers, we are not only providing a new service but also paving the way for scalable solutions that can serve communities across the city.”
Balancing Innovation with Sustainability
The city’s strategic effort to advance its EV landscape aligns with sustainable initiatives advocating for clean power programs, natural gas emissions, building electrification, community program funding for electrification, emission reduction, urban greening, composting, waste and toxics reduction, and environmental justice programs.
SFMTA Director of Transportation, Jeffrey Tumlin, underscored, “This pilot exemplifies the city’s efforts to reduce carbon emission[s] from the transportation sector and meet our climate goals. We can help improve access to a cleaner commute by supporting multiple modes of low-carbon transportation.”
Permission to propose charging stations in Duboce Triangle and Dogpatch will begin during this phase, with potential expansion to additional neighborhoods slated for the future.
San Francisco’s EV charging initiative demonstrates the government’s significant role and impact in supporting solutions to balance global innovation with sustainability.
Read More:
DMT: Making Sustainability Top Priority in Abu Dhabi
Europe’s Smartest Cities: Striking the Right Balance Between Sustainability and Innovation