San Diego Utility Proposes Major EV Charge Infrastructure Expansion

The latest major utility to jump on board the electrification revolution is Southern California’s San Diego Gas and Electric, one of the largest Public Utilities in California if not the nation. With San Diego strategically positioned on the U.S, Mexico border, it’s estimated that no fewer than 3 million souls hit the roads and highways of the region per day -- a great location for a case study in the cause and effects of car-generated air pollution. Not ready to plug in. Check out Acura’s NSX hybrid supercar.

Major public utility embraces and electrified auto future

For San Diego Gas & Electric the handwriting is on the wall -- the future in personal transportation is an electrified one. With every major auto manufacturer wishing to retain its share of the world's largest new car market, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County, represent no less than ¾ of the population of California (20 million or so,) with even more cars, many of them 10 years or older. Here’s Honda’s answer to a ZERO carbon auto emissions future.

According to SDG&E (San Diego Gas and Electric,) 50% of all carbon emission measured in San Diego come from gasoline and diesel fueled internal combustion engines. They have a solution.

SDG&E proposes an unprecedented expansion of public electric vehicle charge stations.

In reading the SDG&E news release of January 20, we learn that the utility has proposed to the Federal Public Utilities Commission a 7 step plan to initiate the installation of private and public quick charge stations, while expanding the use of electric-only service vehicles at the Port of San Diego, and San Diego International Airport, while promoting and expanding an electric “Green” public transportation and Taxi network throughout the greater San Diego region. I spend a week in the seat of Kia’s answer.

Here’s the plan: *"In order to support clean air and a healthy climate, the transportation sector as a whole, including passenger vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and fleet vehicles must all transition to clean, low-carbon technologies," said Debra Kelley, advocacy director for the American Lung Association. "The American Lung Association in California supports SDG&E's efforts to expand access to electric transportation in our region, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions."

Taken together, SDG&E's transportation electrification proposals aim to jumpstart the EV sector and test cutting-edge technology.

The larger residential project would focus on customer homes and smart charging with special EV rates to encourage off-peak charging.

Residential Charging Program: Installation of up to 90,000 charging stations at single family homes throughout the company's service area. Airport Electrification: Installation of up to 45 charging ports to enable electrification of approximately 90 new pieces of ground support equipment at San Diego International Airport.

Port Electrification: Installation of several electric vehicle charging stations and research meters to study the charging habits of heavy and medium-duty electric trucks and forklifts at the Port of San Diego.

Fleet Delivery Trucks: Installation of grid-integrated charging stations for about 90 fleet delivery vehicles at approximately six business locations; Electrify Local Highways: Grid-integrated charging infrastructure to four Park-and-Ride locations; Green Taxi/Rideshare/Shuttles: Incentives to purchase electric taxis and shuttles and install charging stations at five locations frequently traveled by taxis, shuttles and rideshare vehicles. 50 EV drivers from rideshare companies would receive fueling credits on their electric bills.

Dealership Incentives: EV educational programs and financial incentives for the sale of EVs.

*Source San Diego Gas and Electric 2017