Springfield is preparing for a wave of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as the city evaluates curbside locations in underserved neighborhoods. The initiative is part of Massachusetts’ broader push to expand EV infrastructure, supported by grant funding from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Deputy Development Director Tina Quagliato Sullivan said the effort is designed to improve access, particularly for residents of affordable housing who may not have private driveways for home charging. “The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center wants to break down barriers to electric vehicles for low-income residents,” Sullivan explained. “So we are looking for affordable housing in neighborhoods. But there are a lot of parameters. Would it impact existing on-street parking?”

Expanding EV Charging Across Massachusetts

Massachusetts currently leads much of the nation in charging infrastructure, ranking fourth in public charging stations per capita, according to a recent Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council report. The state had about 9,400 public charging ports as of May 2025—a more than 50% increase since 2023.

Still, the report warned that even more charging stations will be required to meet the Commonwealth’s climate targets. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection announced last week that it will allocate $46 million through 2027 to expand infrastructure further, with a particular emphasis on Western Massachusetts, where public charging remains comparatively sparse.

Springfield’s On-Street Charging Program

Springfield is one of 21 municipalities participating in the MassCEC’s On-Street Charging Program, which provides feasibility and planning assistance. The city’s 60-day evaluation process will identify viable curbside sites.

Other city stakeholders are also focused on boosting availability. The Springfield Parking Authority is working with Eversource and local partners to install chargers during upcoming downtown garage renovations. Its older chargers, installed about 10 years ago, are no longer serviceable. “Technology is moving so fast,” said executive director Bokul Bhuiya.

New Chargers at Local Institutions

Several Springfield properties are already adding chargers. At Springfield Technology Park, Appleton Corp. is managing installation of new equipment, aided by MassSave support and grant subsidies that cover 60% of hardware costs. Manager Jennifer Murphy confirmed six total spaces will be available across the site.

Springfield Union Station has also seen steady increases in charging revenue since adding chargers in 2018, according to commercial property manager Nicole Sweeney—evidence that usage continues to climb. Nearby, Springfield Technical Community College maintains its own chargers for students and staff.

EVXL’s Take

Springfield’s EV charging expansion highlights a growing challenge in the electric transition—how to ensure equitable access beyond affluent neighborhoods and commuter corridors. While Massachusetts ranks nationally in charging density, infrastructure gaps in Western Massachusetts reflect broader disparities between urban and suburban EV adoption.

The use of grants and parking authority partnerships shows cities exploring innovative models to share installation costs and lower barriers for drivers. But this raises key questions: Will curbside chargers adequately meet demand in communities without off-street parking? How will cities balance the tradeoff between public parking availability and EV charging growth?

For EVXL readers, Springfield’s initiative underscores a trend we’ve covered repeatedly: charging infrastructure expansion is shifting from highways and malls into residential neighborhoods, where it is most needed for EV adoption equity. What do you think—are on-street chargers the best solution for underserved areas, or should states invest more in community-based charging hubs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.