San Diego Invests $16.5M in EV Chargers for Communities

Electric vehicles just became more accessible for thousands of San Diego families, especially those in neighborhoods historically left behind by green technology investments.

San Diego County announced Monday it's funding a $16.5 million project to install 67 EV charging ports at nine public libraries and recreation centers across the city. The best part? It won't cost city taxpayers a dime.

The county's Air Pollution Control District approved two major grants through its Clean Air for All Program. One grant provides $9.6 million for five locations, while another adds $6.9 million for four more sites. City partner EVerged will contribute an additional 25% in matching funds.

Most charging stations will arrive in Council Districts 8 and 4, areas the grant specifically targets as "historically under-resourced communities." Locations include Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library, Skyline Hills Library and Recreation Center, Linda Vista Recreation Center, and six other community hubs.

"This grant funding will enable us to move toward a cleaner, healthier future for San Diego, at no cost to the city," said Heather Werner, deputy director of the Energy Division of the city's General Services Department.

Construction starts this fall, with all stations operational by 2028. The timeline gives planners room to design installations that work smoothly for each unique community space.

The Ripple Effect

This project launches the first phase of San Diego's ambitious Public Electric Vehicle Charging Program, which aims to install hundreds of chargers citywide over the next decade. The city owns more than 400 parking lots, with nearly 100 at recreation centers and libraries where families already spend time.

Future phases will expand charging access to beaches, municipal buildings, fire and police stations, parks, and open spaces. The strategy makes charging as convenient as parking, removing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption for families without home charging options.

By placing chargers where people already gather for library visits, youth sports, and community programs, San Diego is making clean transportation part of everyday neighborhood life rather than a luxury requiring special trips.

Cleaner air starts with accessible options, and this project delivers both to the communities that need them most.