Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations mounted to power poles can lower infrastructure installation costs, but raise concerns from utility companies and local businesses.

EV charging stations were installed by BlueLA in partnership with the City of Los Angeles.

Date Posted
04/15/2020
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Identifier
2020-L00952

Curb Enthusiasm: Report for On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging

Summary Information

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) have partnered with electric carshare company BlueLA to install new EV charging stations around the city. BlueLA, a subsidiary of Bolloré, agreed to build 200 charging stations to support a fleet of 100 vehicles. LADOT and LADWP tested multiple charging station configurations including curbside charging stations, street light mounted units, and wood power pole mounted units.



While many public charging stations require the installation of underground electrical lines, pole mounted charging stations utilize existing wire Infrastructure. This saves the city from ripping up and repaving the street. Pole mounted EV charging stations still have their own set of perceived and logistical problems. The New York Department of Transportation spoke with Marvin Moon, Director of the Engineering and EV Program Manager at Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in 2017 to learn about the challenges that arose after installations.

Lessons Learned

Perceived/operational disruptions and solutions:

  • Disruption: Cable and telecom companies concerned about access to power pole.
  • Solution: Train linemen on how to navigate around new equipment.

 

  • Disruption: Local businesses are worried installation will displace customer parking.
  • Solution: Install EV charging stations on side streets instead of main avenue

 

  • Disruption: Loss of approximately $30,000 in revenue a year per parking meter removed.
  • Solution: The parking and charging fees from EV charging stations would be shared with the city to offset loss.

 

Goal Areas

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