In February, the City of La Verne participated in the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) effort to develop a regional Electrical Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Plan. The plan provides an overview of the current barriers to expanding EVs and identifies key steps in implementing EV infrastructure that support the State’s sustainability goals.
“Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular across California, and we need to prepare our local infrastructure for this shift,” said Mayor Tim Hepburn. “I am proud that we are gearing up La Verne for a future where electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace.”
As California plans to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles to combat climate change, local jurisdictions, including La Verne, are beginning to develop plans that support this effort. The EV Infrastructure Plan sponsored by SCAG creates policy guidance and best practices for 18 cities across Southern California.
Based on current projections, La Verne can expect more than 6,500 electric vehicles to be registered in the City by 2030, requiring upwards of 1,000 chargers. To gain insights on how La Verne can create a strong foundation for this shift toward EVs, the City participated in an in-depth analysis of its current policies, infrastructure, permitting processes and public education efforts.
As part of the analysis, SCAG completed several site evaluations throughout La Verne and developed sample layouts for suitable sites. The study identified five high-visibility sites for EV charging infrastructure, including the Civic Center parking lot. Other factors such as lighting, ADA considerations, parking lot size and proximity to power also impact how cost effective and suitable a site may be.
Once the priority areas for EV charging stations are identified, the City can move forward with implementing EV infrastructure. The plan includes four different scenarios that reflect different stages of this dynamic process to address both short-term and long-term goals. This allows the City to plan for future changes while prioritizing community needs.
La Verne has already begun expanding its EV infrastructure and is currently working with SoCal Edison to implement public EV chargers through Charge Ready. There are currently four EV charging stations in La Verne, and the City continues to explore commercial installation opportunities. Residents can also add EV charging equipment to their property by following the permitting process outlined on the City’s website.
More information regarding additional charging sites will be made available as the City continues to make progress on this sustainability effort. To learn more about the benefits of EVs, visit SCAG’s website.