San Luis Obispo Expands Public EV Charging Network

New charging stations open across the city to meet growing demand for electric vehicles.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The City of San Luis Obispo is significantly expanding public access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with new chargers opening at multiple city-owned properties. This investment is part of the city's broader Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon pollution and support the transition to clean transportation.

Why it matters

As more residents and visitors choose EVs, the city is working to meet this growing demand and make it easier than ever to drive electric in San Luis Obispo. The expanded public charging network complements the many private and residential chargers already available throughout the community.

The details

Public EV chargers are currently available at Santa Rosa Park, Johnson Park, and the Marsh Street Parking Garage downtown. In the coming months, 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. The city reminds drivers that EV spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles actively charging, and parking an EV or gas-powered vehicle in a charging space without plugging in could result in a $100 citation.

  • The city's public EV charging network has grown from just 2 chargers in 2019 to 19 standard chargers and 8 fast chargers as of 2024.
  • 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.

The players

City of San Luis Obispo

The local government of San Luis Obispo, California, working to expand public access to EV charging stations and support the transition to clean transportation.

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What’s next

The city will continue to monitor usage and demand for public EV charging stations, and plans to expand the network further in the coming years to meet the growing need.

The takeaway

San Luis Obispo's investment in a robust public EV charging network is a key part of the city's broader efforts to reduce carbon pollution and support sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors.