City Expands EV Charging Access to Make Driving Electric Easier Than Ever
The City of San Luis Obispo is making it easier than ever to drive electric by significantly expanding public access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and reminding drivers of parking rules designed to keep those spaces available for those who need them.
More residents and visitors are choosing EVs than ever before, and the City continues to meet that demand by installing new charging stations at multiple City-owned properties. Public EV chargers are currently available at Santa Rosa Park, Johnson Park (adjacent to the YMCA), and the Marsh Street Parking Garage downtown. In the months ahead, additional chargers will open at the Railroad Square parking lot, the Calle Joaquin Park & Ride, and the City’s new Cultural Arts District parking garage, set to open next year.
While these stations are open to the public and charging rates vary by location, drivers should be aware that EV spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles actively charging. Parking an EV, or a gas-powered vehicle, in a charging space without plugging in could result in a $100 parking citation.
More EV Charging Stations Available to Public
In California, the number of publicly accessible EV charging ports grew from 41,947 in 2019 to 178,549 in 2024. The City’s network has expanded alongside this trend, growing from just two public chargers in 2019 to 19 standard chargers (used for several hours or overnight) and 8 fast chargers (designed for quick stops).
This investment is part of the City’s broader Climate Action Plan goal to reduce carbon pollution by 10% each year and support the transition to clean transportation. In 2026, the network will expand further with 41 new standard chargers at the Cultural Arts District Parking garage and 8 fast chargers at Railroad Square and the Calle Joaquin Park-and-Ride. This public network complements the many private and residential chargers already available throughout the community.
Help Keep Charging Spaces Available
Following these simple guidelines ensures that public EV chargers remain convenient and accessible:
Only park in EV charging spaces while actively charging.
Move your vehicle promptly once charging is complete.
Remember that EV drivers rely on these stations to keep moving and blocked spaces can leave them stranded.
Always check for signage and pavement markings before parking.
With more public chargers available and clear rules to keep them accessible, the City of San Luis Obispo is making EV ownership easier, more convenient, and more sustainable than ever.
About Sustainable SLO
The City is working to become more resilient and sustainable San Luis Obispo. The City is committed to reducing pollution, cleaning up our air, protecting natural resources and open space, and making San Luis Obispo more resilient to extreme heat, wildfires and flooding. One of the City’s climate action goals is to reduce carbon pollution by 10% each year, which includes all the City’s Sustainable SLO initiatives. Keep an eye out for more Sustainable SLO programs and projects around town, such as more clean electric buses, recycling bins, open space trailhead kiosks, water bottle filling stations, and efficient low-pollution City facilities and fleet vehicles. Visit www.slocity.org/SustainbleSLO for more information.
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