San Francisco has launched a permanent citywide curbside EV charging program, giving charging operators a clear path to install public chargers across the city while allowing residents to nominate preferred locations through a new online map.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is now accepting applications from qualified charging operators, who must obtain a permit for each site they wish to develop.
Residents can use the city’s ChargeUp SF map to flag streets, public facilities, and other locations where they want chargers installed — a particularly meaningful feature in a dense urban environment where many residents lack access to private driveways or garages. The city is targeting 100 curbside EV charging stations by 2030.
According to Electrek, the program builds on a pilot launched in 2025 in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood. With the help of three charging companies, the pilot helped the city evaluate demand, utility connections, site selection, and different charger designs, while also highlighting the importance of neighborhood outreach as part of the installation process.
“For San Franciscans without a garage or driveway, access to charging can determine whether going electric is even practical,” said San Francisco Environment Department director Tyrone Jue. “We’re now moving from testing curbside charging toward building a reliable network that gives more residents the opportunity to choose electric and helps cut transportation pollution.”
Operators that qualify for a permit will still need to identify viable locations, work with utilities, consult with local communities, and receive individual site approvals before chargers can go live.
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