City Committee Weighs Second EV Charging Station in Partnership with Tesla

The Pasadena Municipal Services Committee is slated to consider approving a deal to team up with Tesla to bring a second large electric vehicle charging station into the city.

The proposed agreement would result in a new 47-charger EV charging station at Arroyo Parkway and Glenarm Street, according to city documents. It’s similar to another arrangement last year between Pasadena and Tesla to create the nation’s largest EV fast-charging station on the roof of the Marengo Parking Garage.

Tesla would provide 20 “Superchargers,” while the Pasadena Department of Water and Power would install up to seven quick charging “direct-current fast charger” units and up to 20 “Level 2” chargers, which can be used to charge any electrical vehicle, according to a staff report prepared for the committee ahead of its discussion on Tuesday.

The previous arrangement has been working out well, according to the report, and city staff recommended the committee give the deal the green light.

“This partnership has provided cost savings for both parties and garnered national press for both the large number of chargers and the benefits of the public-private partnership,” the report said. “Despite a downturn in vehicle usage associated with ‘Safer at Home’ orders, the Marengo Charging Plaza is delivering 5,000 to 7,000 charging sessions per month and associated additional revenues for the power fund.”

The venture would cost the city an estimated $1.25 million, which would come primarily from the sales of Low Carbon Fuel Standard, or LCFS, credits, as well as the Underground Surtax Fund 206. A PWP-secured grant of $280,000 would also be applied to the cost.

The DCFC chargers are among the fastest available, capable of charging up a vehicle battery by 80 percent in 20 to 30 minutes, city officials added. The Tesla Superchargers already installed in the city are also in high demand.

In addition to providing and maintaining the Superchargers, Tesla would be responsible for about $100,000 worth of improvements, such as a concrete island, repaving, and striping. The company would not make lease payments for use of the property.

The proposal also calls for Pasadena and Tesla to share costs associated with other needed improvements, such as permits, security, lighting, fences, and signage.

Tesla would separately meter its Superchargers and be responsible for paying for their electrical consumption, while PWP would own and operate the other chargers and “institute appropriate charges within the City Council approved fee schedule,” the report states.

Staff recommends the committee also waive competitive bid requirements for the project under a “Best Interest Exemption.”

“The recommended agreement is in the city’s best interest because it will attract Tesla and other electric vehicle drivers to Pasadena who may visit local businesses while their cars are charging,” according to the staff report. “Additional charging stations will help motivate others to buy electric vehicles resulting in overall decreases in [Greenhouse Gases] and other pollutants.”

“This project will also help PWP with increases of electrical sales and revenues.

Tuesday’s Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. and can be viewed online at pasadena.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=9.

See also:

Marengo Garage Rooftop Parking Gets Supercharged