Councilmember O’Farrell Calls for More Electric Vehicle Chargers on City Infrastructure

The initiative would help more residents transition to electric vehicles

LOS ANGELES — Building on the City’s nation-leading efforts to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell today introduced a proposal that will greatly expand the number of electric vehicle chargers on the public right-of-way, helping Angelenos transition away from fossil-fuel powered vehicles as soon as possible.

“We must make it easier for all Angelenos to choose an electric vehicle instead of a fossil fuel-powered one,” said Councilmember O’Farrell, chair of the Council’s Energy, Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and River Committee. “By placing more electric vehicle chargers on our light poles, we are addressing issues of access, convenience and equity, which will help us to take fossil fuel-powered vehicles off our roads and clean our air for future generations.”

The City has over 223,000 light poles that could provide easy  EV access to businesses, residents and government agencies. If approved by the City Council, Councilmember O’Farrell’s motion would direct the Bureau of Street Lighting and other City Departments to report on staffing and infrastructure needs, in addition to the installation of level 3 charging options, which can charge a vehicle in as little as 30 minutes.