UPDATED WED 1:16PM | A previous version of this story ran with the headline “Long Beach To Install Free Electric Vehicle Chargers” which implied that the cost of the chargers’ use is free. This headline was misleading as the cost of installation of the chargers is free for the city, but the cost of using the chargers themselves will be up to the user.
ORIGINAL TUE 12:37PM | Last week, the Long Beach City Council approved a public-private partnership contract for the installation of Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations at various City-owned locales—at no additional charge to the City.
“The deal was spurred partially by demand for charging stations and partially by the Mayor and City’s goal to be a leader in sustainability,” said Sarah Price, Capital Projects Coordinator with the Department of Public Works. “I have personally fielded around a dozen calls from residents and visitors who asked for chargers to be installed Downtown so we realize there is a need to build out the network in the City.”
While there are no direct statistics on how many people own electric vehicles or their own charging stations in the city, the stations are hoped to spur promotion of the use of alternative-fueled vehicles as well sustainability throughout Long Beach.
The 3P is with Phoenix-based ECOtality North America, which will install twelve Level 2, 240-volt and DC Fast Chargers throughout the city, including the Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Airport, Queen Mary, City Place Parking Structure, and a parking lot near Long Beach Boulevard and Market Street. Those with smartphones can find all locations via the “Go Long Beach” app available for Android and iPhones. Additional locations, depending on public response, will be considered in the future.