The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has initiated a citywide program allowing residents to directly nominate locations for new curbside electric vehicle chargers via the ChargeUp SF map. This permanent process, which follows a 2025 pilot with two chargers, aims to build a reliable public network for residents without private parking.
Qualified charging operators can now apply for permits and scout sites, but each location requires individual approval. The city targets 100 curb-side stations by 2030. The first installations are expected by 2027, as operators navigate utility coordination, neighborhood consultations, and site-specific permits.
This model creates a transparent, data-driven pipeline for infrastructure deployment. For charging network operators, it reduces site-selection uncertainty by aligning with demonstrated demand. This means more predictable utilization rates and potentially faster ROI. For urban planners and fleet managers, the program offers a replicable framework for integrating public input into grid-capacity planning.
San Francisco Environment Director Tyrone Jue stated, “For San Franciscans without a garage or driveway, access to charging can determine whether going electric is even practical. We’re now moving from testing curbside charging toward building a reliable network.”
This participatory model highlights the need for flexible and scalable charging solutions. For commercial fleet operators or drone services, similar data-driven site selection can optimize battery logistics and deployment, reducing operational costs.
