The City of South El Monte opened eight new electric vehicle charging stations built and operated by EVCS on Saturday, October 3. The stations power San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Carshare, a zero-emission carsharing program funded through the California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission’s Clean Mobility Options program.
Riders from the City’s Community Bike Ride rolled into the South El Monte Community Center to join neighbors, City leaders, and project partners for the celebration. After a round of remarks, the group gathered at the new chargers as partners plugged in the carsharing vehicles together.
“The addition of new EV charging stations represents another step forward in South El Monte’s commitment to building a more sustainable and accessible community. By expanding our EV charging infrastructure, we are supporting residents, businesses, and visitors while preparing our City for the transportation needs of the future. These investments help ensure South El Monte continues to grow as a connected, forward-thinking community,” said Rene Salas, City Manager, City of South El Monte.
The stations support SGV Carshare, a program that lets residents use an electric car without owning one. Six shared electric cars are now in service at the South El Monte Community Center.
“We’re excited to see new charging stations to support keeping families car-lite through their participation in the SGV Carshare program. Clean mobility options should be within reach for every family, not only those who can afford a new electric car,” said David Diaz, Executive Director, ActiveSGV.
“EVCS is proud to bring convenient, accessible EV charging to South El Monte and to be part of an effort that is helping make clean transportation a reality for more people in the community,” said Eric Danner, CEO, EVCS. “Projects like this are at the heart of EVCS’ mission, and we’re grateful to work alongside the City to support the transition to a cleaner transportation future.”
Public Chargers
EVCS installed and maintains the eight new Level 2 chargers at the South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave. Six power the carsharing fleet, and two are open to the public for any electric vehicle driver in the area. Drivers can charge using the EVCS app. They can pay per charge or save with EVCS’ subscription plans, including options for rideshare, delivery, and other high-mileage drivers. The same app and plans work across the EVCS network of more than 300 charging locations in California, Oregon, and Washington. The public chargers are listed on PlugShare, Google Maps, and Apple Maps, and EVCS offers 24/7 driver support at 866-300-3827.
Project Partners
“The Mobility Development team is thrilled to see the installation of EV charging infrastructure for the SGV Carshare program. There will be an immediate positive impact to the member experience and will allow for improved availability of charged vehicles at the South El Monte Community Center,” said James Delgado, Chief Operating Officer, Mobility Development Operations.
“These new EV chargers mark an important milestone for an already successful carshare program. Together with our partners, and with support from Clean Mobility Options, The Energy Coalition is helping South El Monte build a cleaner, more connected transportation future. SGV Carshare is meeting its goals of introducing people to clean transportation, meeting immediate mobility needs, and delivering meaningful savings for residents,” said Genaro Bugarin, Director of Energy Innovation, The Energy Coalition.
The City of South El Monte partnered with EVCS, Mobility Development Operations, The Energy Coalition, and ActiveSGV on the project. Southern California Edison energized the new chargers, and SGV Carshare received additional funding from Public Power-Up, a California Energy Commission grant-funded program administered by Los Angeles County.
San Gabriel Valley residents can learn more and join SGV Carshare. Electric vehicle drivers can use the chargers by signing up through the EVCS app or at evcs.com.
