San Francisco launches curbside EV charger

San Francisco has launched a citywide program for installing public curbside electric vehicle chargers. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is now accepting applications from charging operators. Residents can nominate preferred locations using a new online map called ChargeUp SF.

This initiative targets the city's many apartment and condo dwellers who lack private parking. "For San Franciscans without a garage or driveway, access to charging can determine whether going electric is even practical," said San Francisco Environment Department director Tyrone Jue. He stated the program aims to build a reliable network. Its goal is to cut transportation pollution.

Qualified charging companies must obtain a permit for each individual site they wish to develop. The SFMTA has published a full permit application package. It details equipment, maintenance, data reporting, and site requirements. The city's goal is to have 100 curbside EV charging stations installed by 2030.

From pilot program to permanent process

San Francisco began testing public curbside charging in 2025. The first two chargers were activated at 55 Fillmore Street. This is in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood. It happened in April of that year.

That pilot involved three charging companies: it's electric, Urban EV, and Voltpost. It allowed the city to study demand. It also examined utility connections, site selection, and different charger designs. Officials learned something important. Neighborhood outreach was a necessary component of the installation process.

The new citywide program will take several years to fully implement. Operators must still qualify. They must identify viable locations. They must work with utilities and consult with neighborhoods. Finally, they must receive individual site permits. However, the city now has a permanent process to advance these projects. Residents also have a direct channel to influence charger placement.

How the nomination process works

Residents can use the ChargeUp SF map. They can suggest streets, public facilities, and other locations for new chargers. This gives the community a formal role. It shapes the charging network's expansion.

Charging operators that secure an operator permit can then scout for potential installation sites. Each proposed location requires its own separate permit from the SFMTA. The rollout will be gradual. The framework for a broader network is now in place.

Next steps for the program

The program represents a shift. It moves from limited testing to structured deployment. It seeks to address a key barrier to EV adoption in dense urban environments. Final installations will depend on several factors. These include the pace of operator applications, utility coordination, and community feedback.