#United States #Boston #EV Charging #itselectric

Boston and itselectric Pave the Way for Urban Electric Vehicle Charging

In an impressive collaborative effort to combat climate change, Boston has initiated a groundbreaking project by launching the country's first behind-the-meter curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging station. This innovative solution, developed by Brooklyn-based itselectric, marks a significant leap toward sustainable urban transportation and is set to redefine the landscape of EV charging in cities across the nation.

As Boston grapples with the pressing reality that nearly 99% of its carbon emissions originate from buildings and transportation, the city officials have recognized the urgent need to enhance the accessibility of EV charging stations. A pivotal component of its Climate Action Plan, Boston aims to ensure that every household is within a five-minute walk of a public EV charging station, a move that aligns with the city’s ambitious target to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2050.

City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén stated, "I am proud to see Boston take this important step toward a sustainable and equitable future. Expanding access to electric vehicle charging, especially for those without private driveways, is key to reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our climate goals." The collaboration with itselectric not only exemplifies forward-thinking but also showcases a community-oriented approach that can inspire positive transformation in neighborhoods across Boston, such as Roslindale, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

Boston's pioneering effort positions it as a leader among American cities, being the first to implement curbside EV chargers with behind-the-meter connections along with detachable cables. This innovative approach addresses significant barriers to public charging by removing the necessity for costly utility infrastructure upgrades. The city can now deploy these chargers rapidly, facilitating a swift transition to a greener future.

Shannon Dulaney, itselectric's Director of Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of making EV ownership more equitable: "For too long, EV ownership has been limited to people who have a private driveway or garage. This is a crucial equity issue for the 70 million drivers across the United States who park on the street. Forward-thinking cities like Boston are leading the way to deploy curbside charging for their residents, and we're thrilled to be partnering with them on this exciting initiative."

The charging system is designed to alleviate challenges faced in historic urban neighborhoods, where space and infrastructure can be constraints. The detachable cables provided by itselectric enhance public safety by ensuring no cables obstruct sidewalks when not in use, thus perfectly complementing Boston's beloved historic streets. Meanwhile, the behind-the-meter connection allows property owners to earn revenue through charging fees while maintaining a low impact on the electrical grid.

Boston's innovative program offers residential and commercial property owners a unique opportunity to act as property partners. Homeowners have the chance to apply for a curbside charger installed at no cost, creating an added incentive for property value appreciation while bolstering tenant retention. Roslindale property owner Juan Cantu shared his enthusiasm, stating, "There always has to be a first - and I am excited to show property owners in every neighborhood across Boston that they can simply raise their hand and have a free EV charger installed right in front of their house."

With Roslindale now welcoming the first of many planned charging stations, Boston's trajectory for EV charging is on a rapid path of expansion. The two-day installation capability enabled by itselectric means that soon, hundreds of buildings across the city could be home to these highly functional and accessible charging points.

The successful implementation of this curbside charging initiative serves as a beacon of what can be achieved when cities, citizens, and innovative companies like itselectric work collaboratively toward a common goal. Each new station is a stride towards a greener, more sustainable future for all residents of Boston, paving the way for similar projects across the United States.

As itselectric continues to spearhead these initiatives nationwide, it invites building owners and drivers interested in introducing charging stations in their neighborhoods to join its waitlist at itselectric.us/join. With the promise of much more to come, Boston is not only fostering a stronger future of urban mobility but also reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.