San Francisco Expands Curbside EV Charging Programme

San Francisco has entered the next phase of its Curbside EV Charging Pilot programme, marking significant progress in its efforts to expand EV charging access. Spearheaded by Mayor London N. Breed, the initiative aims to address the growing demand for EV infrastructure and ensure equitable adoption for residents without off-street parking.

The programme, a collaborative effort among City departments, including the SFMTA, Public Works and the Environment Department, will advance proposals from three innovative EV charging providers: Urban EV, Itselectric and Voltpost. Together, they will pilot cutting-edge technologies to create scalable solutions tailored to San Francisco’s diverse communities.

A collaborative approach to innovation

As part of the programme, EV charging providers submit proposals detailing their technologies and installation plans. Approved applicants then work with the City to secure necessary permits and refine their proposals for optimal feasibility and impact.

The pilot includes a robust data-gathering partnership to monitor metrics such as usage and demand, which will inform future citywide EV charging policies.

Mayor Breed highlights the programme’s importance: “From our historic cable cars to the autonomous vehicles on our streets, San Francisco’s spirit of innovation is visible all around us. Soon, curbside charging will be another example of how we lead the way. By partnering with cutting-edge charging providers, we are providing a new service and paving the way for scalable solutions that can serve communities across the City.”

Pioneering EV charging solutions

The three EV charging providers selected for this phase bring distinct approaches to curbside charging:

Urban EV

A San Francisco-based company that integrates user-friendly charging stations into residential neighbourhoods. Their solutions enhance access for residents without off-street parking while minimising urban disruption. “Urban EV is proud to call San Francisco home and to collaborate with the City on this groundbreaking pilot programme,” said Alex Grant, Urban EV Founder.

Itselectric

A Brooklyn-born company that partners with property owners to utilise untapped electricity supply for compact, user-friendly chargers. Tiya Gordon, COO of Itselectric noted, “Our partnership with San Francisco allows us to demonstrate a low-impact curbside charging model that not only brings no-cost infrastructure to the City but economic benefits to its residents.”

Voltpost

A San Francisco and New York-based company that retrofits existing lamp posts into modular, Level 2 EV chargers. Luke Mairo, Co-founder of Voltpost highlighted their mission: “Our lamppost retrofit technology demonstrates how urban spaces can be transformed to meet the demands of a cleaner transportation future.”

A legacy of climate leadership

Mayor Breed’s administration has a track record of advancing electrification and sustainability initiatives. From launching CleanPowerSF to modernising zoning laws for EV infrastructure, San Francisco has made significant strides in reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy. Recent legislation, including mandates for EV charging in commercial lots and all-electric building requirements, highlights the City’s commitment to an all-electric future.

Community impact and next steps

The pilot programme will initially focus on neighbourhoods such as Duboce Triangle and the Dogpatch, with potential expansion citywide. By prioritising accessibility and equity, San Francisco aims to make EV ownership viable for all residents.

As San Francisco moves forward with its Curbside EV Charging Pilot, the City is addressing today’s sustainability challenges and setting a blueprint for urban electrification nationwide. The initiative promises to create a cleaner, greener future for all through collaboration, innovation and community engagement.

Stay informed and inspired with the EV Magazine community by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Each week, receive in your inbox the latest industry news and in-depth insights into the world of electric vehicles, sustainability and cutting-edge innovations

Subscribe now, don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the fast-evolving EV industry

EV Magazine is a BizClik brand