Thousands of electric vehicle charging stations could be installed in San Mateo County over the next four years due to a newly proposed state and local funding partnership that aims to invest $24 million to incentivize installations.
Using $12 million from Peninsula Clean Energy and another $12 million proposed by the California Energy Commission, the recently-announced partnership intends to provide funds and guidance to property owners looking to install EV charging stations through the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP).
Increasing the number of charging stations in the county will inspire more electric vehicles on the road, thus improving air quality and saving drivers money, officials said. Drivers of electric cars reportedly save an estimated $1,200 annually in maintenance and fuel costs compared to a gas-powered car.
“Peninsula Clean Energy is moving to the forefront of the state’s electric vehicle infrastructure efforts with this significant investment,” said Andy Hoskinson, senior manager for EV Initiatives with the Center for Sustainable Energy, which implements the CALeVIP. “Local EV sales should increase as residents realize they can find convenient charging stations in San Mateo County.”
Assemblymember Phil Ting echoed that sentiment, saying “the lack of charging stations is one of the main reasons consumers are reluctant to make the switch to electric vehicles.”
“We can’t move the needle on EV adoption unless we aggressively expand our charging infrastructure,” he said. “This state and local funding partnership would not only support the current demand in the South Bay and Peninsula, but also help meet the needs of future EV drivers.
A similar partnership and incentive program is being proposed for Santa Clara County to vastly expand EV charging infrastructure across Silicon Valley.
