The Brookline Select Board convened on September 16, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in the town's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, particularly focusing on the acceptance of a Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP) grant and the establishment of charging rates for local schools. The meeting highlighted the town's commitment to enhancing its EV charging network, which is crucial as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise.

Alexandra Vecchio, the Director of Sustainability and Natural Resources, presented the proposal to accept a grant of $48,493.20 for the installation of two high-end Level 2 EV charging stations at Baker School. These stations, which will feature two ports each, are designed to provide faster charging capabilities compared to standard Level 2 stations. The plan also includes setting a charging fee of 35 cents per kilowatt-hour for both Baker and Driscoll Schools, aligning the rates across the town's educational facilities.

The funding from the EVIP grant will cover a portion of the total project cost, estimated at approximately $100,000. The remaining expenses will be financed through previously received reimbursements from earlier EV charging projects. This strategic use of funds aims to ensure that the charging stations are self-sustaining, with revenues directed into an electric vehicle revolving fund to support ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of EV infrastructure in Brookline. Board members expressed concerns about the potential oversupply of charging stations relative to demand, particularly in light of a recent report highlighting Massachusetts' struggles to meet its EV adoption goals. The town is actively monitoring usage data to ensure that the placement and number of charging stations align with community needs, avoiding scenarios where EV charging spots remain underutilized while gas-powered vehicles compete for limited parking.

In response to these concerns, the board acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to siting future charging stations. The selection of Baker School as a site was based on a thorough analysis of community demand and the potential for usage by both school staff and local residents. The board plans to revisit the situation at other locations, such as Fuller Street, where there may be an excess of charging stations, to optimize the town's EV infrastructure.

As Brookline moves forward with its EV charging initiatives, the Select Board's discussions reflect a proactive stance on sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that the town's infrastructure evolves in tandem with the growing electric vehicle market. The anticipated next steps include the installation of the new charging stations and ongoing assessments of the charging network's effectiveness in meeting the needs of Brookline's residents.