City Expands Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, Aims to Reduce Emissions

Pasadena is ramping up efforts to combat climate change through an expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and rebate programs, with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) spearheading initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

In a memorandum for the City Council’s Municipal Services Committee, PWP General Manager David Reyes said the utility has invested in building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which includes a commercial rebate program and the installation of chargers at multiple city-owned locations.

Reyes will be reporting on the details of the project at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday. 

The memorandum said PWP’s projects aim to generate additional energy sales, ensure a reliable EV charging network, and promote widespread adoption of electric vehicles in California. The utility’s efforts align with Pasadena’s Climate Action Plan to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it added. 

A preliminary report attached to the memorandum showed several charging station projects have been completed, with more in the pipeline for the coming years. The city has installed a mix of Level 2 chargers and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at various locations. Notable completed projects include 43 chargers at City Yards, 52 Level 2 chargers at Holly Garage, and 26 DCFC stations at Arroyo Parkway.

Projects scheduled for completion this year include 24 chargers at Victory Park in August and 25 chargers at Robinson Park in September. The city plans to continue expanding its charging infrastructure into fiscal year 2025 and beyond.

In support of these initiatives, PWP has secured grants for future EV projects. It has received conditional approval for a $500,000 EnergIIZE ((Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission) grant for the Avon Ramp project and approval for $193,600 from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. An application for the Air Quality Management District Carl Moyer program is still pending.

In addition to infrastructure development, PWP offers various rebate programs to encourage EV adoption. Residential customers can receive rebates for used EVs ($250 plus a $250 bonus for buying locally), charger installations, and electric panel upgrades. Commercial customers are eligible for up to $75,000 in rebates for installing EV chargers.

The utility has also launched an e-bike rebate program to promote alternative modes of transportation. After a successful pilot that distributed 93 rebates, PWP is expanding the program with a $120,000 budget for fiscal year 2025. The new program offers a $500 standard rebate and a $1,000 rebate for income-qualified residents.

The report said PWP emphasizes equity in its electrification efforts. The utility has introduced pilot programs targeting income-qualified residents, including a solar assistance program to install 8 solar and battery systems and an EV charger assistance program aiming to install approximately 20 L2 EV chargers in single-family homes.

“PWP’s electrification programs include equity components by targeting historically underserved communities,” Reyes said in the memorandum. “Two new pilot programs will aim to make a meaningful impact as PWP explores new opportunities to help income-qualified residents adopt new electrification technologies.”

The push for transportation electrification comes as California implements new regulations for clean fleets. Starting Jan. 1, fifty percent of new vehicle purchases for fleets over 8,500 pounds shall have been zero-emission vehicles, increasing to 100% by 2027.

The report said PWP still faces challenges in maintaining its growing charging network, including a lack of qualified technicians, scarcity of spare parts, poor back-office services, and increasing costs for energy delivery and maintenance. The rapidly decreasing Low Carbon Fuel Standard program also poses a financial challenge, it added.