SF moves to expand curbside EV charging network
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More curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers could be coming your way soon.
The big picture: San Francisco officials announced Tuesday plans to expand its network of curbside EV charging stations through new public-private partnerships.
Why it matters: Despite a surge in demand for EV charging in recent years, roughly 70% of residents live in multi-unit dwellings, making home charging inaccessible, according to city leaders.
Catch up quick: The city is working to install curbside chargers in the Dogpatch and on Treasure Island as part of the EV charging pilot program started under former Mayor London Breed.
- "We do anticipate that this will be a city-wide program focusing on where we have apartment buildings and other residential density," Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA's director of transportation, told Axios.
Driving the news: Mayor Daniel Lurie and Board of Supervisors president Rafael Mandelman are spearheading legislation that would create long-term permitting pathways for more curbside EV charging.
- These pathways would streamline the process for private vendors to apply for and install EV charging infrastructure in coordination with city agencies like the Department of Public Works, Lurie said Tuesday.
The big picture: Those moves build off the pilot started by Breed, which led to the debut of San Francisco's first two curbside charging stations last April at 55 Fillmore St. (They're owned and operated by the private company It's Electric.)
- Usage of these chargers has risen to 70% since then, San Francisco Environment Department spokesperson Joseph Piasecki told Axios.