On April 25, 2025, San Francisco took a bold step toward its ambitious climate goals by unveiling the city’s first curbside electric vehicle (EV) chargers on Fillmore Street near Duboce Triangle. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, this initiative marks a pivotal moment for urban EV infrastructure, aiming to make charging as seamless as parking on a public street—a game-changer for the city’s growing number of EV drivers.

Pioneering Urban Charging Solutions

The two new power supply devices, installed at 55 Fillmore St. near the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Building, are the result of a partnership between the city and Brooklyn-based startup its electric. This pilot project, led by three city departments—the Municipal Transportation Agency, Environment Department, and Public Works—targets a critical challenge: accessibility. With many San Francisco residents lacking private garages or parking structures, curbside chargers offer a practical solution for EV owners who previously had to rely on extension cables or distant charging stations.

Mayor Daniel Lurie emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “a critical step towards achieving our climate goals.” By 2030, the city aims for 25% of all newly registered vehicles to be electric, a target that requires scaling up infrastructure significantly. According to city officials, meeting this goal will necessitate 1,760 public chargers across lots, streets, and garages. Currently, San Francisco boasts 1,152 publicly accessible charging ports, leaving a gap of 608 to be filled.

Breaking Down Barriers for EV Adoption

The introduction of curbside chargers addresses what Tiya Gordon, chief operating officer of its electric, calls “the complexity” of EV ownership. For urban dwellers, the lack of convenient charging options has long been a deterrent. “Widespread, accessible charging helps lower the barrier,” Gordon explained, painting a future where San Franciscans can “plug in just about anywhere” without running extension cables down driveways. This resonates deeply with EV owners in densely packed neighborhoods like Duboce Triangle, where parking is a daily battle, and charging options have been scarce.

From a technical perspective, these chargers are designed for efficiency and scalability. While specific power output details weren’t disclosed, typical Level 2 curbside chargers deliver between 6.6 and 19.2 kilowatts, enabling a full charge for most EVs in 4 to 8 hours—perfect for overnight street parking. The strategic placement near a major electrical workers’ hub also hints at future integrations, potentially leveraging smart grid technology to balance load demands in a city known for its strained power infrastructure.

A Growing Trend in Urban Mobility

San Francisco’s move aligns with a broader trend of cities adapting to the EV boom. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, whose district includes Duboce Triangle, noted the promising trajectory: “A third of cars sold in San Francisco over the past two years were EVs.” This surge reflects both consumer demand and regulatory pressure, as California pushes for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. However, the city’s dense urban layout—spanning just 46.9 square miles—poses unique challenges, making innovations like curbside chargers essential for equitable access.

Economically, this initiative could spur further EV adoption by reducing range anxiety and upfront costs for charging infrastructure. For residents, the convenience of street-side charging might tip the scales for those hesitant to switch from gas-powered vehicles, especially in a city where the average parking spot is harder to find than a sunny day in July.

EVXL’s Take

At EVXL, we see San Francisco’s curbside chargers as a beacon of hope for urban EV enthusiasts—but also a call to action. While two chargers are a start, the city’s goal of 608 more by 2030 feels like a race against time in a fog-laden marathon. The partnership with its electric is a smart play, blending startup innovation with municipal muscle, but we’d love to see more transparency on charging speeds and costs. For EV owners dreaming of a seamless plug-in experience, this is a promising first step—yet the road ahead demands faster acceleration. After all, in a city that gave us the Summer of Love, shouldn’t we expect a revolution in how we power our rides?

Photo courtesy of James Salazar / The Examiner