Program Launches with 100 Chargers Set for Installation
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) announced the Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Permit program in late August, with plans to install 100 public curbside chargers across the city by 2030. The program aims to address the charging challenges faced by apartment residents who lack access to private garages or home chargers, making electric vehicle ownership more accessible. Mayor Daniel Lurie stated that this initiative is a crucial step toward achieving the city’s climate goals and lowering the barriers to EV adoption.
Under the program, residents can apply to have a Level 2 charger installed on their block or recommend suitable locations through an online feedback tool. SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum noted that community feedback identified charging availability as a major obstacle to EV adoption, particularly for renters and apartment or condo residents who lack private parking. The new curbside chargers will offer a more affordable charging option, reducing reliance on costly fast-charging stations.
Pilot Program Success Paves Way for Expansion
The initiative builds on a pilot program launched in April 2025, during which SFMTA partnered with startup It's Electric to install a small number of curbside chargers and gather user feedback. The pilot revealed strong demand for curbside charging, though existing infrastructure fell far short of meeting needs. SFMTA stated that the pilot provided valuable insights, including optimal charger placement, usage patterns, and public acceptance, which informed the broader rollout.
The installation of the 100 chargers will be handled by Hetch Hetchy Power, PG&E, and CleanPowerSF. These chargers will operate as public resources, available to all EV owners, though availability cannot be guaranteed at all times. Given the limited number, SFMTA emphasized that priority will be given to high-demand areas, with resident recommendations helping ensure equitable distribution of resources.
U.S. Cities Play Catch-Up in Global Curbside Charging Trend
Compared to European cities, the U.S. has lagged in curbside charging infrastructure. Cities like London and Oslo have already deployed extensive networks of curbside chargers, allowing residents to charge their vehicles while parked. Oslo, in particular, is known for its dense network of slower chargers, enabling EV owners to top up during daily parking. In contrast, most U.S. chargers are concentrated along highways, which serve long-distance travel but fail to meet the daily needs of urban residents.
New York City recently announced plans to add 600 curbside chargers, bringing its total to 688, including the existing 88. This reflects a broader push among U.S. cities to close the curbside charging gap. Startups are also driving innovation in this space: It's Electric’s chargers are designed for simplicity and ease of installation, while Voltpost specializes in retrofitting existing lampposts with EV chargers, saving space and costs.
While the U.S. has an advantage in private charging infrastructure for single-family homes, curbside charging remains essential for densely populated cities. San Francisco’s plan to add 100 chargers, though modest, signals a shift in urban EV infrastructure development. Whether the city can scale up these efforts will be a key factor in accelerating EV adoption in the years ahead.
