The City of Goleta has officially opened 17 new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at City Hall, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability and clean energy. The project, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 23, 2025, is designed to support the growing number of electric vehicles in the community and contribute to California’s ambitious zero-emission goals.
A Milestone for Goleta’s Sustainability Efforts
The newly installed charging stations are a major achievement for Goleta, representing the largest EV charging project the city has undertaken at a single facility. The project underscores the city’s dedication to a cleaner, more sustainable future and aligns with California’s mandate for all new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Goleta is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint, and this initiative is a key component of its broader sustainability strategy.
Convenient and Accessible Charging
The 17 Level 2 PowerFlex EV chargers are located in the City Hall parking lot at 130 Cremona Drive and are available to the public 24 hours a day. These chargers are designed to accommodate any electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, offering approximately 25 miles of charge per hour. This makes them particularly convenient for:
- City fleet vehicles
- City Hall employees and visitors
- Nearby office workers
- Residents in the Los Carneros Road area
- Apartment renters and those without easy access to home charging
The location is especially beneficial for individuals living in nearby apartments and condos who may not have easy access to EV charging at home. This initiative ensures that more residents can transition to electric vehicles, regardless of their housing situation.
Funding and Collaboration
The project was made possible through a collaboration between the City of Goleta, Southern California Edison (SCE), and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). It was primarily funded through grants and rebates, significantly reducing the financial burden on the city.
- Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Charge Ready Program: Provided approximately $250,000 worth of infrastructure at no cost to the city through rebates.
- Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) Clean Air Grants for Infrastructure Program: Awarded a $22,000 grant to offset the cost of the new chargers.
The city is also looking into additional funding from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) to cover the remaining project costs.
How to Use the EV Chargers
Using the new public EV chargers is simple and user-friendly. Here’s a general guide on how to use a public EV charging station:
- Locate a Charging Station: The Goleta City Hall charging stations are located at 130 Cremona Drive.
- Connect the Charging Cable: The charging stations are equipped with the necessary cables. Plug one end into your vehicle and the other into the charging station.
- Authenticate and Start the Session: Most public charging stations require you to sign up for an account or use a mobile app. The Goleta chargers operate with a phone app and payment system.
- Use the app to initiate charging.
- Once the app indicates “ready to charge,” plug the charger into your vehicle.
- Monitor Charging Status: You can check the charging status on your car’s dashboard or through the charging station’s app.
- End the Charging Session: When your EV has reached the desired charge level, end the session using the app or the charging station’s interface and unplug your car.
Benefits of Electric Vehicle Charging
Electric vehicle (EV) charging offers numerous advantages for both vehicle owners and the environment.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduced Emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- Combating Climate Change: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, EVs help mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Supporting Renewable Energy: EVs can be charged using renewable energy sources, further enhancing their environmental benefits.
Economic Benefits
- Cost Savings: Charging an EV is typically cheaper than fueling a gasoline car, with lower electricity costs compared to gasoline prices.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, resulting in lower maintenance expenses, such as no need for scheduled oil changes.
- Potential Incentives: Government rebates and incentives can further reduce the cost of purchasing an EV and installing charging equipment.
Convenience and Accessibility
- Public Charging Infrastructure: The increasing availability of public charging stations, like the new ones at Goleta City Hall, makes owning an EV more practical.
- Home Charging Options: Home EV chargers offer a convenient way to charge overnight. This is particularly beneficial for regular daily commutes.
- Workplace Charging: Charging options at workplaces can offer flexibility and convenience.
Types of EV Chargers
There are three main types of EV chargers, each offering different charging speeds:
- Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard 120-volt AC outlet. It is the slowest method, adding only a few miles of range per hour. It is best for topping off batteries rather than fully charging.
- Level 2 Charging: Uses a 208-volt to 240-volt AC outlet. It provides a significantly faster charging speed compared to Level 1. The new chargers at Goleta City Hall are Level 2 chargers.
- Level 3 or DC Fast Charging: Uses direct current (DC) and provides the fastest charging speeds. These chargers can add significant range in a short amount of time.
EV Connectors
There are different types of connectors depending on the type of charger and vehicle. Common connectors include:
- J1772: Standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging in North America.
- CCS (Combined Charging System): An enhanced version of the J1772, used for Level 3 DC fast charging.
- CHAdeMO: A connector used primarily by some Asian automakers for DC fast charging.
- J3400 (NACS): A new standard gaining popularity.
Goleta’s Commitment to Sustainability
The installation of these EV chargers is just one element of Goleta’s comprehensive sustainability plan. The city has set ambitious goals to:
- Achieve 100% renewable energy for municipal facilities and the community by 2030.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Promote sustainable practices throughout the community.
Goleta has also implemented various other sustainability initiatives:
- Strategic Energy Plan: A roadmap to achieve 100% renewable energy.
- Go Green Goleta Campaign: Encourages residents to adopt eco-friendly practices.
- Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations: To address single-use plastics.
- Green Business Certification: The city has been certified as a Green Business of Santa Barbara County.
- Climate Action Plan: Outlines strategies to address climate change impacts.
These efforts, combined with the new EV chargers, demonstrate Goleta’s dedication to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability.
The Future of EV Charging in Goleta
The opening of the 17 new EV chargers at City Hall is a big step, but the City of Goleta plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure further. Future plans include installing charging stations at the community center, the library, and other city facilities, and incorporating charging requirements into new developments.
The city also purchased a transportable, solar-powered EV charger called EV ARC™ which can be deployed anywhere for charging and emergency preparedness.
By continuing to invest in EV charging and other sustainable initiatives, Goleta is creating a more environmentally friendly and resilient community for all its residents.
The new EV chargers at Goleta City Hall are now open for public use, marking a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future. With continued support from the community, Goleta aims to lead the way in clean energy and environmental responsibility.
