Approximately 340 Chargers to Be Installed Under Two Newly Approved Programs
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 7, 2019 –Under two newly approved electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure programs, San Diego Gas & Electric will equip some of the most frequented community facilities in the region – schools, parks, and beaches – with approximately 340 EV chargers. This is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by SDG&E to expand EV charging to make it easier for more people to switch to zero-emission transportation, which is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
“Millions of people visit schools, parks, and beaches each year, and more and more visitors are arriving in electric vehicles,” said Estela de Llanos, SDG&E’s vice president of clean transportation, sustainability, and chief environmental officer. “We are committed to making electric vehicle charging widely available and accessible to all of our customers, so they can charge anytime, anywhere—whether they are at work, home, their child’s school or enjoying a day at the park or beach.”
Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) gave SDG&E the greenlight to implement two public charging pilot programs at approximately 50 sites: one pilot (authorized under Assembly Bill (AB) 1083) will bring chargers to 22 state beaches and state, city and county parks; the other (authorized under AB 1082) will bring chargers to 30 schools and other educational institutions, including K-12 campuses, vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. Both pilot programs will prioritize the installation of chargers in communities that are disproportionately impacted by air pollution. The locations where the chargers will be installed will be determined after consultations with the appropriate stakeholders and analysis of site conditions.
“This initiative will not only make charging more accessible, but it will also benefit the health of our students,” said Cindy Marten, superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District. “We recognize the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and it starts with transportation.”
Two types of chargers will be installed as part of the pilot programs: Level 2 (208-240 volt) chargers, which can provide up to 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging, and DC fast chargers (480 volt), which can provide about 20-30 miles for every 15 minutes of charging.
“California State Parks Foundation looks forward to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at our state parks and beaches, which will provide an additional amenity for park visitors, as well as support visitor behaviors that contribute to a cleaner environment,” said Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation. “Public-private partnerships are key to ensuring investments are made that support the long-term infrastructure needs of some of our most cherished outdoor recreation areas.”
The newly approved pilot programs add to SDG&E’s growing portfolio of clean transportation initiatives. Under the Power Your Drive program, SDG&E has already installed approximately 3,000 chargers at apartments, condo complexes, and workplaces. SDG&E is also piloting the installation of charging equipment for electric delivery trucks and shuttles; ground support equipment at the San Diego International Airport; trucks, forklifts, and other equipment at the Port of San Diego; and at Caltrans Park and Ride sites in the region.
Most recently, the CPUC authorized SDG&E to build charging infrastructure for a minimum of 3,000 plug-in medium-duty and heavy-duty (MD/HD) electric vehicles and equipment, including transit buses, school buses, delivery trucks, and forklifts. This initiative also supports the electrification of refrigerated semi-truck trailers, which are vital for transporting perishable goods.
The movement of people and goods – powered largely by gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles – currently accounts for more than 40 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in California. That percentage is even higher in the San Diego region – about 50 percent. To reduce transportation-related GHGs, California has set a goal to have 5 million EVs on the road by 2030. SDG&E’s proportion of that target is 500,000. This level of EV adoption requires a rapid expansion in charging infrastructure.
Tailpipe emissions are also a major contributor to air pollution. The American Lung Association gave this region an “F” for the number of High Ozone Days recorded, ranking the San Diego-Carlsbad metropolitan area No. 6 in the nation for having the worst ozone pollution.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.