IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Because of High Pollution Burden, Southern California City Gets EV Chargers for Free

SDG&E will be installing and maintaining over 200 electric-vehicle charging stations in National City — for free.

(TNS) — San Diego Gas & Electric Co. plans to install more than 200 electric vehicle charging stations in National City. For free.

The City Council approved the first eight stations on March 20. The stations will be installed on existing parking spaces along A Ave. between City Hall and Kimball Park.

Because National City is considered a “disadvantaged community” for its air pollution by the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, SDG&E will install and maintain the charging stations at no cost to the city.

National City is surrounded by highways, and transportation is a leading source of air pollution, said SDG&E Communications Manager Helen Gao.

“Transportation electrification is a key strategy to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

The stations will be available to city employees who have SDG&E’s Power Your Drive app, which lets electric vehicle drivers pay for the charging station through their phone, or a special key fob, according to National City.

Hourly rates vary to encourage drivers to charge during off-peak hours.

SDG&E has already installed 3,000 charging stations in apartment complexes and workplaces throughout San Diego County, including 110 in Chula Vista. They plan to install more in the South Bay, including 228 in National City, Gao added.

©2018 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.