The programme aims to help meet the ambitious goals of San Diego’s landmark Climate Action Plan. The City has increased the number of electric vehicle ports from 32 to 68, thereby bringing the total number of charging stations to 15 different locations citywide. The new installations add another step toward slashing greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035 – a key goal of the Climate Action Plan.
Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer was joined by City Councilmember Lorie Zapf and environmental leaders to make the official announcement. The stations were funded through a $500,000 grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC), secured by the City’s Economic Development Department with partners Centre for Sustainable Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric and charging station operator and manufacturer OpConnect.
“We hope that by locating charging stations in popular destinations, it’s easier and more convenient to use electric vehicles as well as encourage more people to purchase electric vehicles” Mayor Faulconer said. “You can enjoy staying at a park, beach or library a little longer knowing you can charge your car there.”
Councilmember Zapf added that boosting San Diego’s electric vehicle infrastructure means creating sustainable communities that are cleaner and greener for future generations.
EV chargers at Hourglass Community Park, Mira Mesa, San Diego
Adopted in December 2015, the Climate Action Plan is a package of policies created to benefit San Diego’s environment and economy. It helps create new jobs in the renewable energy industry, improve public health and air quality, use resources more efficiently, increase clean energy production and improve quality of life. The plan lays out steps to achieve the goal of cutting greenhouse gases in half by 2035, including shifting a majority of the City’s fleet to electric.
In addition to being good for the environment, the City’s charging station infrastructure is easy to operate and affordable. At a rate of $1.75-1.80 per hour, vehicles can be charged using all major credit cards. The City is hoping that its increasing number of easy-to-use stations at popular city landmarks will increase usage among residents and visitors.
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