Specific topics for which project concepts are requested include, but are not limited to, those which address any or all of the following points of interest:

• Deployment of EV charging infrastructure that will accommodate the needs of the full range of vehicles requiring access to electrical charging, including plug-in hybrids, low-speed EVs and full-function battery EVs.

• Deployment of charging systems that universally accommodate vehicles from all manufacturers, and that comply with all applicable building codes, UL safety codes, ADA requirements and industry standards.

• Deployment of charging systems that meet customers’ EV charging needs in any or all key locations including residential garages, commercial garages and parking lots, transit hubs, workplace locations, and on-street parking in residential and non-residential neighborhoods. An important consideration for San Francisco is determining how to provide access to overnight charging for a high percentage of residents who do not have residential parking facilities.

• Use of “smart charging” concepts to minimize charging during on-peak hours and to maximize customer convenience, and which may be compatible with the utility industry’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure systems (“smart meters”).

• Provision of attractive EV charging subscription or billing rates for customers, and convenient billing systems.

• Incorporation of renewable energy with the EV charging system.

• Coordination of EV charging system programs with the City’s priority of minimizing individual driving through, among other means, encouragement of ride-sharing, carpooling, shuttle services and car-sharing networks.

• Consideration of means to accommodate the extended-range needs of EV drivers, such as fast charging or battery swap systems.

• Development of educational programs for consumers, schools, automotive technicians, policy makers or other key audiences to assist with market acceptance of electric vehicles and charging technologies.

• Vehicle-based programs to accelerate the introduction and use of electric vehicles by fleets or individual customers.

Submittals are requested by 5:00 PM on 19 September 2008. Submittals should be sent to SF Environment at: [email protected].

The City and County of San Francisco wants to provide a fertile test ground in which promising systems that support the use of electric vehicles are demonstrated and proven. San Francisco is moving aggressively to combat climate change. The city wants to be a model for other cities and is not waiting for Washington.

—Mayor Gavin Newsom

Resources

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure RFI