SAN DIEGO — San Diego is investing millions to bring electric vehicle charging stations to neighborhoods that have historically had fewer options.

From Skyline to Encanto and into the South Bay, new chargers are planned at libraries and recreation centers—primarily in Council Districts 4 and 8. City leaders and the Air Pollution Control District say these areas face some of the region’s worst air quality and have long been underserved.

“This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about access,” said Heather Werner with the City of San Diego.

But the expansion raises a key question: If electric vehicles are still out of reach for many families, will the chargers actually get used?

City officials say the strategy is intentional: install the infrastructure first to encourage adoption.

The project is funded through more than $16 million in county grants and a private partnership—meaning no direct cost to taxpayers.

The goal: reduce emissions, improve air quality, and ease one of the biggest concerns for potential EV drivers—range anxiety.

EV adoption is already trending upward. In 2023, about 3% of privately owned light-duty vehicles in San Diego were electric. By 2024, that number doubled to 6%.

Still, charging an EV looks different than filling up at a gas station; it becomes part of a daily routine.

The rollout won’t happen overnight. High-powered chargers require major electrical infrastructure, and building that takes time.

City leaders say this is a long-term investment in cleaner air and climate goals, but whether building chargers first will significantly boost EV adoption in underserved communities is something they’ll be watching closely.

California’s building code now requires EV chargers in new parking lots for newly constructed facilities—meaning even more charging stations are on the way.