Today, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced the addition of a new array of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Anza Borrego Desert State Park becoming the first utility company to bring EV charging infrastructure to a California state park. The chargers are part of SDG&E’s Power Your Drive for Parks and Beaches program, which is designed to expand public charging access at high-traffic community destinations, including state parks and beaches.
“As more Californians choose electric vehicles, charging needs to be available in the places people already live, work, and spend time,” said Miguel Romero, senior vice president and chief commercial officer at SDG&E. “Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is a great example of how we’re expanding access to convenient charging while making EV charging easier for residents and visitors alike.”
The new chargers give drivers options depending on how long they plan to stay. The addition of three DC fast-charging nozzles helps meet the growing demand for public charging in our region and the state of California. DC fast charging can provide about 50 miles of range in 15 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charging equipment.
Through the Power Your Drive for Parks and Beaches program, SDG&E is bringing EV charging to more of the places San Diegans visit and enjoy. The program has already energized 89 Level 2 charging nozzles and 11 DC fast-charging nozzles across the region, with an additional 16 Level 2 charging nozzles under construction.
The Old Town installation builds on other program milestones, including installations at Imperial Beach Sports Park and San Pasqual Ball Park, where 10 chargers marked SDG&E’s first public charging station on tribal land. Additional charging locations at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the Paso Picacho and Sweetwater Trail areas of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park are all expected to come online by the end of October.
“We’re excited to introduce this great opportunity for visitors to plug in their cars, unplug from the everyday and journey through San Diego’s rich and diverse history,” said California State Parks San Diego Coast District Superintendent Lisa Adams. “Adding EV charging expands the ways people can reach and experience Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. We are proud to partner with SDG&E and others to expand access to our state’s natural and cultural resources in ways that support a more sustainable future.”
The Power Your Drive for Parks and Beaches program reflects the ongoing collaboration between SDG&E, California State Parks, the California Public Utilities Commission and other stakeholders to expand access to charging infrastructure at popular destinations throughout California. For more information on driving electric, visit sdge.com/EV.