Twelve new electric vehicle chargers are set to arrive this summer at three locations in South Sacramento. These chargers are the first of many to be installed as part of the Sacramento EV Blueprint project.

Phase one of the project will install 12 charging stations at the Colonial Heights Library, Belle Cooledge Library and the Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center. Each location will have four EV chargers with eight connectors for a total of 24 connectors.

“The City is committed to extending access citywide and strategically placing charging infrastructure, e-bike lending, and car-sharing services for communities throughout the city,” Principal Planner Fedolia “Sparky” Harris said. “It’s critical to ensure widespread accessibility off the grid.”

Eventually, a total of 34 EV chargers will be installed at 13 libraries, community centers and parks across the city.

There are currently 64 City-owned chargers available for public use. Chargers are compatible with all vehicles currently on the market, either directly or with an adapter.

The additional charging stations will support an expansion of the “Our Community CarShare,” a cost-sharing transportation program partnered with Zipcar located in communities throughout Sacramento.

The City is working in partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD) to begin with an initial hub at the Colonial Heights Library.

“Our goal is to enhance mobility for households with limited options as well as introducing residents to the benefits and ease of driving electric,” Harris said.

The Sacramento EV Blueprint project also includes a collaboration with the Sacramento Public Library for an e-trike lending program. A fleet of five e-trikes are currently available for check-out at the Colonial Heights Library with additional sites coming soon.

The project is supported by grant funding from the California Energy Commission, SMUD and SMAQMD.