Boston is driving towards an electric future by significantly expanding its network of EV chargers. In an ambitious effort to elevate its status as an EV-friendly city, Boston has made a commitment to install a vast array of public curbside EV chargers.
Recharge Boston and Its Vision for EV Accessibility
The city’s initiative, Recharge Boston: Boston’s Zero Emission Vehicle Program, envisions a future where all its residents are just a brief walk away from an EV charging station or car share. The program’s near-term aim includes the deployment of 250 curbside EV chargers to serve the community better.
Current State of EV Charging in Boston
At present, EV charging facilities pepper Boston in various forms, popping up at private establishments such as condominium complexes, hotels, and shopping centers. While these stations are available for public use, accessing them often incurs a parking or entrance fee, an inconvenience the new program seeks to eliminate. This shift promises to make EV charging more straightforward and hassle-free, removing barriers like the awkward necessity of paying for garage access just to recharge your vehicle.
Partnerships Paving the Way for Curbside Charging
The city has entrusted two specialized companies with the installation of the new curbside chargers: Brooklyn’s own Itselectric and Jersey City-based Greenspot. According to anonymous sources cited by the Boston Globe, these contracts will extend for a decade once finalized.
Innovative Charging Solutions by Itselectric and Greenspot
Itselectric delivers power to its Level 2 chargers through collaborations with nearby private buildings, offering them a slice of the revenue pie. They provide EV drivers with portable chargers linked to their individual accounts, allowing for easy access to the charging network. Greenspot operates in a similar vein by revenue-sharing with property owners and offers a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers to accommodate different needs.
Boston’s adoption of these business models is strategic, alleviating the financial burden of infrastructure expansion from the city’s shoulders.
Monitoring the Market’s Response to EV Charging
This project essentially serves as a litmus test for the viability of private-sector-led EV charging services. Eric Bourassa, transportation director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, shared his insights with the Globe about this explorative phase in EV infrastructure development, emphasizing the necessity of experimentation with business models.
What’s Next for Boston’s EV Charging Network
In the upcoming two years, the cityscape of Boston will see the establishment of new curbside EV chargers. Locations are still in the deliberation process, with the city working in tandem with the chosen companies, though community requests from past years will be a strong influence. Once the sites are fixed, Boston authorities will be the final arbiters in setting the charging rates.
With these progressive steps, Boston is driving full-speed ahead towards a more environmentally friendly and electrically charged future.
