Farmers Branch committee seeks regional grant for EV fast chargers as local EV registrations climb

Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee members reviewed plans to expand electric vehicle infrastructure after staff reported a regional grant application for four fast chargers on city-owned parcels. The proposed sites include an area near The Grove/dark station and a location close to City Hall, with the goal of serving drivers traveling on or near Interstate 35.

Staff said the regional program would require the city to pay roughly 80 percent up front and then be reimbursed for that portion; individual chargers were described in discussion as costing in the neighborhood of $75,000 each. Committee members asked about vendor selection (ChargePoint was discussed as an existing vendor in the city) and about power ratings—150 kW was described as a likely minimum, with 250 kW possible depending on vendor—so that chargers can serve current EVs and be more near-term future-proof.

The committee also heard that local EV registrations have been increasing: staff reported about 850 EVs registered in Farmers Branch (up from about 656 when an earlier infographic was issued). Staff confirmed the city now has three EVs in its fleet, two acquired with Department of Energy funds.

Members discussed operations (vendors normally handle maintenance and user support via an app), accessibility and potential business benefits from chargers drawing people to local businesses. Staff said grant awards are competitive—the region had about $15 million allocated—and the city will be notified if awarded.

What happens next: staff will continue engagement with the regional council of governments on vendor selection and, if awarded, work through site plans and vendor agreements to ensure ADA accessibility and desired power levels.