DDOT's New Pilot: Expanding Access to Public EV Charging in Residential Areas
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) have launched an exciting initiative: the Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot. This project aims to make EV charging more accessible in residential neighborhoods across the city. The pilot is a collaboration with It's Electric, an EV charging company, and is funded by a federal grant.
DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum emphasizes the district's commitment to sustainability, stating, 'The District is dedicated to becoming carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2045. DDOT is making it easier for residents to choose eco-friendly transportation options.'
The pilot involves installing sixteen single-port Level-2 chargers, each serving two adjacent parking spaces in eight locations across the city. The first location is open in Ward 1, next to The Festival Center, offering convenience and accessibility. These chargers require users to bring their own charging cables, but District residents can request a free cable through the It's Electric app.
Pepco's region president, Amber Perry, expresses enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'Pepco is thrilled to partner with It's Electric and DDOT to bring convenient curbside EV charging to District neighborhoods.'
Judy Chang, Project Director for It's Electric, highlights the project's impact, saying, 'These curbside chargers are a significant step towards vehicle electrification in DC, demonstrating innovative transportation infrastructure.'
Bill Mefford, Executive Director at The Festival Center, shares the positive impact on the community, 'We are excited to partner with DDOT and It's Electric to bring convenient charging to our neighborhood. This initiative allows us to extend our commitment to the community and reinvest in our initiatives.'
The pilot is a significant milestone in the Bowser Administration's efforts to expand access to publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and encourage residents to switch to zero-emission vehicles. For more information, visit the official website: https://sustainability.ddot.dc.gov/pages/pilotprojects.
