The Climate Action and Sustainability Committee of Palo Alto convened on September 19, 2025, to discuss the future of the city's multifamily electric vehicle (EV) charging program. The meeting featured a presentation by Rachel DiFranco, the Utilities Program Services Manager, who outlined the design guidelines for a successor to the existing EV rebate program, which has been in operation since 2017.

DiFranco reported that the current program has successfully installed EV charging infrastructure at 26 multifamily properties, providing 325 chargers that serve 1,324 residential units. However, this represents only about 12% of the nearly 11,000 multifamily units in Palo Alto. With 577 multifamily properties of three units or more in the city, the current program has only reached 14.5% of these properties, highlighting a significant gap in access to EV charging.

The committee discussed the financial limitations of the existing program, which has cost approximately $1.5 million in incentives for the 26 projects. To expand the program to all eligible properties, estimated costs could range from $25 million to $34 million, a figure that exceeds current funding capabilities. This has prompted the need for a new financial model to scale the program effectively.

To inform the redesign, the city engaged with nine electric vehicle service providers and contractors to gather insights on funding and operational challenges. Feedback indicated that many projects rely heavily on incentives, covering about two-thirds of costs, and that regulatory changes could facilitate more efficient installations. Suggestions included allowing separate service for EV charging and using residential-type panels for installations to reduce costs.

The committee also addressed local requirements, such as the emergency power shutoff switches mandated for EV installations, and discussed potential adjustments to make compliance easier for contractors.

The meeting underscored Palo Alto's commitment to enhancing electric mobility and expanding EV charging infrastructure, while also recognizing the challenges that lie ahead in achieving broader access for its multifamily residents. The next steps will involve refining the program's financial model and considering regulatory changes to support the growth of EV charging capabilities in the city.