Washington D.C. is taking a significant step towards expanding electric vehicle (EV) accessibility in urban environments through a new pilot program. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has partnered with it’s electric, a company specializing in innovative EV charging solutions, to test the viability of neighborhood curbside charging stations.
Pilot Program to Inform Future Regulations
The Neighborhood Curbside EV Charging Station Pilot aims to gather crucial data and insights that will inform regulatory updates and establish guidelines for private vendors seeking to install, operate, and maintain EV charging stations within the city’s public right-of-way. This initiative is particularly crucial for urban dwellers who lack private parking and therefore face barriers to owning an electric vehicle.
Installation and Deployment Details
Under this pilot, it’s electric will install and manage a total of 16 Level 2 charging stations across eight locations in the city, with one pair of chargers in each ward. The first station is already operational, situated near The Festival Center on Mozart Place NW. The remaining seven sites are slated for deployment in the coming months. Each location has undergone thorough review to ensure safety, accessibility, and compatibility with existing street infrastructure.
Innovative Charging Approach
A distinctive feature of it’s electric‘s charging stations is their cable-free design. EV drivers will be required to use their own J3068-compatible charging cables, which the company will provide free of charge. This “bring-your-own-cable” model, common in Europe and other regions, offers the dual benefits of reducing potential vandalism and minimizing street clutter.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
“By implementing this pilot, DDOT can foster experimentation around urban electrification to help cities across the country accelerate the learning curve for curbside EV charging deployments,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum.
“From EV charging to E-bike battery swapping, DDOT is delivering innovative transportation infrastructure that demonstrates what cities must do to create sustainable, livable neighborhoods,” stated Judy Chang, Project Director for it’s electric.
“The Festival Center is a hub for mission-driven groups, and we are thrilled to extend our commitment to our community all the way to the curb,” said Bill Mefford, Executive Director at The Festival Center. “it’s electric’s business model allows us as the property owner to share in the revenue, which we then can reinvest in our other initiatives.”