Energy Purveyors Invest $24 Million In EV Charging Stations

SAN CARLOS, CA — Three heavy hitters in the clean energy arena are banking on energizing San Mateo County residents on electric vehicles with a $24 million investment in charging stations for 2020.

Peninsula Clean Energy and the California Energy Commission — which are splitting the commitment, along with the Center for Sustainable Energy are partnering to launch the incentive project for EV charging locations over the next few years.

The project is an initiative of the Energy Commission’s California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project, which works with local community partners to develop and implement regional incentive projects for charging infrastructure that supports the adoption of EVs statewide.

“Expanding EV charging stations in our communities is the logical next step in our efforts to make driving an electric vehicle accessible and affordable,” said Jan Pepper, chief executive officer of Peninsula Clean Energy. The not-for-profit electricity agency chosen by the community serves about 290,000 accounts in San Mateo County.

"We are pleased that the Energy Commission is so supportive of PCE’s suite of EV programs," Pepper said. "PCE already has incentives for purchase or lease of new electric vehicles, and a program to help low-income residents who want to buy a used EV. Now we’re making sure that all drivers will be able to easily charge their cars at work, at home or at various public locations."

PCE is also providing public EV marketing campaigns, test drive events, an additional $2 million for outreach and technical assistance to help property owners prepare to install EV chargers as well as technical support for school districts switching to electric school buses.

"The Energy Commission is excited to partner with Peninsula Clean Energy to increase access to convenient charging for electric vehicles in San Mateo County," state Commissioner Patty Monahan said.

Electric vehicle advocates have surmised the lack of charging stations represents the main reason consumers hold off from switching to the technology for the transport.

See also

• Free Electric Vehicle Test Drives, Peninsula Clean Energy Offers