Electric vehicles charging
Electric vehicles being charged. Photo courtesy SDG&E

The San Diego City Council has approved a plan to add hundreds of new electric vehicle chargers to parking lots of public spaces such as libraries and recreation centers throughout the city within the next two years.

A 2023 state law requires installation of EV chargers at all new construction locations. San Diego’s agreement goes even further, including older and historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The city council awarded a contract to True Upside Consulting for installation and maintenance of the charging stations. Under the terms of the contract, True Upside will pay the City for the use of the public property and will own and operate all the chargers on City parking lots.

“This innovative public-private partnership will help deliver more EV charging stations to San Diegans across the city,” Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement.

“The agreement exemplifies our commitment to advancing our Climate Action Plan and ensuring that electric vehicle charging is accessible and feasible for our residents.”

After chargers are installed at libraries and rec centers, the next phase of contruction will include city beaches, parks and open spaces, municipal office buildings, and police and fire stations.