San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA -- Mayor London N. Breed announced the launch of a pilot program to demonstrate public curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging in San Francisco. For the first time, EV charging providers will be able to install their infrastructure at select on-street parking spaces. The pilot aims to gather data and insights for future large-scale implementation while supporting San Francisco's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This effort aligns with the Mayor’s Climate Action Plan and EV Roadmap, which includes goals of increasing electrification of all new registered vehicles to at least 25% by 2030 and reaching 100% by 2040. Similarly, the California Air Resources Board established regulations in 2022 ensuring that all new vehicles sold by 2035 will be zero-emission. To achieve these goals, the City is expanding EV charging to include curbside stations in addition to existing off-street options, building on progress toward installing over 1,700 public chargers by 2030. Currently, San Francisco has around 1,000 public EV charging stations.

Last year, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids accounted for 37% of all new vehicle sales in San Francisco. As the second densest city in America, with many residents living in multi-unit dwellings without access to off-street parking, expanding curbside charging is essential.

“We are taking aggressive steps to dramatically expand our electric vehicle charging infrastructure as part of our Climate Action Plan and to meet the needs of San Franciscans who are quickly adopting the use of electric vehicles,” said Mayor London Breed. “Cars and trucks on our streets generate nearly half of all emissions in San Francisco, impacting the health of our residents, especially in low-income communities of color. This pilot program will not only help us meet this growing demand but advance our broader carbon reduction efforts and contribute to a healthier, cleaner San Francisco.”

Charger access is currently lower in Black and Latino majority neighborhoods and areas with below-median household incomes. Utilizing the curb for charging infrastructure aims to ensure equitable distribution of public charging options and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

“We have a lot of work ahead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, and easily accessible public curbside EV charging will be an important part of the mix,” said District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “For much of last year we have been working with SFMTA and San Francisco Environment Department to study the feasibility of citywide public curbside charging, and this pilot program is a crucial next step in that effort. By bringing charging to more neighborhoods, we are making it possible for residents without off-street parking to own and charge electric vehicles. I want to thank Mayor Breed for her leadership and for moving quickly to launch this pilot.”

In March, Supervisor Mandelman partnered with SFMTA and SF Environment Department on an initiative for a Curbside EV Charging Feasibility Study set to conclude later this year. The study aims to develop a framework guiding installation, operation, and maintenance of on-street public charging infrastructure. The pilot program accelerates these efforts by committing sooner installation timelines while providing valuable data for policymaking.

How the new pilot works:

EV charging providers can apply at sf.gov/ev-curbside detailing their technology and proposed locations. The City will review applications against necessary criteria supporting its Climate Action Plan and equity goals before applicants proceed with required permits such as Excavation Permits from Public Works.

Once installed, a data-gathering partnership with providers will monitor usage metrics supporting SFMTA’s ongoing feasibility study guiding comprehensive citywide policy development for curbside EV charging over up two years or until citywide implementation completion.

The program involves various City departments including SFMTA; Department of Public Works (DPW); SF Public Utilities Commission; SF Environment Department (SFE), engaging community stakeholders ensuring broad support towards successful implementation.

“The curbside EV charging pilot is an essential step toward meeting San Francisco’s climate goals bridging transition towards clean energy prioritizing transit walking bicycling decarbonizing transportation,” said Jeff Tumlin Director SFMTA “Supporting both low-carbon trips widespread adoption electric vehicles advancing city’s goals reducing greenhouse gas emissions air pollution.”

“This pilot vital step achieving environmental justice reducing emissions citywide,” said Tyrone Jue Director SF Environment Department “Expanding access EV charging makes easier residents switch electric vehicles critical achieving Climate Action Plan’s goal net-zero emissions by 2040 Increased availability accelerate adoption cleaner vehicles improve air quality health outcomes especially historically underserved neighborhoods.”

“Curbside charging tools needed day multifamily housing access power cars,” said Marc Geller Co-Founder Golden Gate EV Association “Golden Gate EV Association proud support initiative ensure robust infrastructure owners across San Francisco.”

“We applaud city outlining clear straightforward approach bringing accessible affordable convenient residents” Tiya Gordon Co-Founder COO it’s electric Brooklyn-based startup participant YesSF “Focusing solutions addressing biggest barriers urban rely street parking”

San Francisco continues progress electrification:

Reducing emissions office buildings homes transitioning zero-emission transportation:

In 2020 phased out natural gas new significantly renovated buildings.

In 2021 mandated brand-new above-ground construction all-electric instead natural gas law doesn’t apply renovations existing properties ensures developments aren’t reliant fossil-fuels.

Requires large commercial buildings use greenhouse-gas-free electricity by 2030 Existing commercial buildings larger must switch CleanPowerSF SuperGreen option powered entirely renewable energy projects solar wind.

2019 groundbreaking legislation first nation requiring commercial parking lots garages more than spaces install stations least spaces.

2022 Planning Code modernized expedite creation robust network visitors revised land-use zoning move fossil fuel-based transportation future created clear pathway sites automotive uses such convert location.

CleanPowerSF expanding renewable portfolio new battery storage project increasing total megawatts storage projects store energy providing cleaner affordable electricity commitment battery helped California surpass capacity increase since critical state goal clean electricity

Supporting businesses transition home workplace fleet focused investing transit supporting walking biking non-car modes

For more information visit sfgov.org/ev-curbside

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