City of San Bernardino receives $14M to build EV charging stations

San Bernardino has received a $14 million federal grant to build the city’s first public charging network for electric vehicles, officials announced Tuesday.

The funding is from the Federal Highway Administration’s Charging and Feuling Infrastructure Grant Program and will cover the costs for Arcadia-based EVC to construct and operate 101 electric vehicle charging stations at parks, libraries, senior centers and other locations in San Bernardino.

The project calls for 77 Level 2 and 24 DC fast chargers at 15 city-owned locations — six parks, a soccer complex, the main library, City Hall, police department, City Yard and several downtown parking facilities. All sites will have Level 2 and DC fast chargers, Level 1 outlets to charge e-bikes and scooters and a 200-kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system.

“This grant propels San Bernardino toward a greener, more resilient future,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “By adding over 100 community EV charging stations, we are not only improving access to sustainable transportation but reaffirming our dedication to environmental progress and community growth.”

The absence of accessible chargers has discouraged many people from owning electric vehicles, “especially renters and residents of apartments,” city officials said, adding that the forthcoming charging infrastructure “is expected to increase EV adoption and provide convenient, affordable, and reliable charging for San Bernardino residents.”

The project’s contractor EVCS manages more than 300 EV charging facilities in the western United States and will contribute $3.5 million to cover part of the equipment, construction and operating costs.

Officials said the city will also partner with a yet-to-be-determined local nonprofit or school to develop workforce initiatives such as internships and apprenticeships in EV technology for local high school and college students.

The FHA is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which through the CFI Program awarded nearly $636 million to 49 recipients across the nation to deploy electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure. A goal of the program is to install EV charging equipment in places people live and work and along designated “Alternative Fuel Corridors.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, said in a statement, “By equipping our communities with publicly accessible clean energy solutions, we are investing in a more sustainable and affordable future for Inland Empire residents. This grant will help San Bernardino implement EV chargers throughout the City, taking crucial steps to combat climate change, reduce air pollution and improve public health.” 

The project’s total cost is nearly $17.6 million, and it will require City Council approval in the coming months. 

The city is one of six entities in the state and the only one in Southern California to receive the CFI grant.

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