Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to be Installed at City Center Plaza

Editor's note: this blog post is courtesy of the city's Department of Public Works.

Rohnert Park is joining in a countywide effort to install electric vehicle charging stations — here, three stations will be located in the City Center Plaza parking lot. Cities throughout Sonoma County aim to develop an "electric trail," of charging stations, from Windsor to Cotati to Petaluma.

Federal grant funding covers the charging station itself, installation costs and a two-year warranty on parts. Additionally, the grant also covers the subscription service to the Coulomb website, which allows potential customers to access the website through a computer or smart phone. 

Charging stations have wireless Internet connection to provide billing service and charging station status.

1. Map depicting “the electric trail,” which can be incorporated into existing maps.
2. Allows end user to reserve a charger in advanc.
3. Specific details for each charging station, including the location, availability, charging levels, and hours/days of operation.
4. The lists and maps will be available on the website and can also be distributed at visitor centers, tourism centers, hotels, etc.

The Rohnert Park charging station will be part of a major network being installed through Sonoma County. Sonoma County’s charging station program aims to create a charging infrastructure network that will lay the foundation to grow the electric car industry in California, where more than 100,000 electric vehicles owners currently live. 

Rohnert Park is one of six cities to participate in the federal grant programs.  When installed at the City Center Plaza parking lot, the charging station will be amongst more than 140 stations infrastructure planned throughout Sonoma County. 

Additional reasons for installing the charging station include the following:

1. Not all charging can occur at home (estimated 81% at home, 10% workplace, 7% shopping, 2% other).
2. Gas stations are not designed for “charging.”
3. Drivers need services while charging (i.e. hotel, restaurants, golf course, workplace, wineries, etc.).
4. Recent State legislation mandates that zero-emission vehicles account for close to one-sixth of all new light vehicles sold in California by 2025. This equates to 1.4 million and a 1,300% increase from the current 100,000 vehicles. Thus, it is reasonable to assume a significant increase in demand over the next ten years.

The Rohnert Park charging station is expected to be available for use in fall 2012.  We will keep you posted as we move forward with this project.