Daly City approves $1 million for EV fleet chargers; Peninsula Clean Energy provided designs at no cost

Daly City will spend $1 million to buy and install electric vehicle chargers for city fleet vehicles, the council approved Monday.

Public works staff told the council that Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) and its consultants prepared solar- and EV-charger designs for the corporation yard and city hall at no cost to the city. Staff requested an appropriation of $1,000,000 from unallocated general fund CIP funds (Fund 333) to purchase chargers and fund conduit and electrical installations.

“Staff is recommending that the city council appropriate $1 million of unallocated general fund CIP funds from fund 333 for the electric vehicle fleet charging infrastructure project,” said Mr. Chu, the presenting public works representative. Mr. Chu said PCE’s consultant completed designs at no cost and that PG&E programs might also bring new service to the sites without additional city cost.

Council members framed the move as a climate- and cost-savings investment. Dr. Rod, the vice mayor, and other council members praised the interagency partnership and noted the installations would initially be reserved for city fleet use; the city may later consider opening some chargers at city hall to the public if usage and ADA access allow.

Staff said Daly City already has roughly 15 electrified or hybrid city vehicles and expects the EV fleet to grow; some recent vehicle purchases were funded by outside grants. The council approved the appropriation by unanimous voice vote.

What’s next: Public works will solicit contractors, order charger equipment and schedule installation at the corporation yard and city hall. Staff said they will monitor utilization and consider options for public access where feasible.