Philadelphia Adds 900 EV Charging Ports Over 10 Years

Philadelphia EV owners who set their alarms for 6 a.m. just to grab the neighborhood's only available charger are about to get a major upgrade. The city just approved a plan to install hundreds of public charging stations across neighborhoods that need them most.

Two companies, It's Electric and PositivEnergy, will install chargers with more than 900 ports over the next decade. The first stations go live next year, bringing charging access to residents who currently rely on extension cords snaked out windows or lengthy drives across town.

The setup is a win for everyone involved. The companies cover all construction and maintenance costs, while the city pays nothing upfront. In return, Philadelphia receives escalating revenue shares starting at 17% to 23% depending on the contract, generating at least $140,000 annually.

Christopher Puchalsky, director of policy at the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, says the timing couldn't be better. Philadelphia just received another F grade for air pollution from the American Lung Association, with 60% coming from gas-burning vehicles.

The charging stations will focus on neighborhoods currently left behind. Areas without existing chargers or city parking lots get first priority, using a community input process similar to how Indego bikeshare stations are selected.

Most locations will feature Level 2 chargers that fully charge vehicles in six to eight hours, perfect for overnight parking. City-owned parking lots operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority will get Level 3 fast chargers that reach 80% capacity in about 30 minutes.

The Ripple Effect

This project shows how cities can expand green infrastructure without taxpayer funding. By partnering with private companies willing to invest upfront, Philadelphia creates jobs, improves air quality, and generates ongoing revenue for the city.

The contracts specifically prioritize environmental justice neighborhoods, communities that face both underinvestment and pollution burdens. Bringing charging stations to these areas removes a major barrier preventing residents from switching to cleaner vehicles.

Residents can request charging locations through an online map on the city's website. OTIS will work directly with community groups to finalize station placements, ensuring the network serves real neighborhood needs rather than just wealthy areas.

While federal EV infrastructure funding remains uncertain under current politics, the city isn't waiting around. Officials plan to apply for additional grants in August, but the program moves forward regardless.

Philadelphia is proving that cleaner air and equitable access can go hand in hand.