Supervisors boost sustainable infrastructure by adding new EV charging stations

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is expanding the county’s capacity to support electric vehicles by bringing two new charging stations to Ayala Park in Bloomington. The charging stations, which will service up to three vehicles at a time, are expected to be available for public use by Nov. 2.

“Developing sustainable infrastructure is vital to our region’s economy, environment and quality of life,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “This moves us closer to achieving our Countywide Vision, which sets sustainability as a key goal.”

In September 2022, the county launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Initiative to expand access to EV charging throughout the county. The initiative included installing five dual-head, Level 2 charging stations at the San Bernardino County Government Center campus at Third Street and Mountain View Avenue. The goal is to continue to install new charging stations in strategic locations that will be most beneficial to county residents and county government employees.

“I can’t thank the Board of Supervisors enough for their support of this important initiative,” said County Department of Public Works Director Brendon Biggs. “As EV car sales continue to rise in this region, our county leadership is making it possible for more residents to access the environmental and economic benefits of this new technology.”

At the end of 2022, there were approximately 36,094 zero-emission vehicles on the road in San Bernardino County. That number is expected to continue to rise over the next several years. As the demand for EVs increases, so will the need for charging infrastructure.

“We’ve been working diligently to plan and execute the EV Charging Initiative,” said County Project and Facilities Management Director Don Day. “We expect to see major growth towards becoming more sustainable.”

In addition to approving two new charging stations, the Board of Supervisors also approved a service agreement with ChargePoint, Inc., an Inland Empire-based company that designs and builds charging stations throughout the state. ChargePoint will be responsible for operating and maintaining the new charging stations.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with ChargePoint, Inc. to provide this invaluable service to our county residents,” said Biggs. “The new charging stations will not only make it easier for county residents to own and operate an EV, but it will also translate to economic growth and a better quality of life for our residents. I look forward to working with ChargePoint as we move forward in the process.”

For more information about the Department of Public Works, visit https://dpw.sbcounty.gov/. To learn more about the Project and Facilities Management Department, visit pfm.sbcounty.gov/project-management.

Additional County Update News – October 6, 2023