Mesa, Arizona, is making significant strides toward becoming a more electric vehicle (EV)-friendly city with a substantial boost from the U.S. Department of Transportation. A grant of $11.8 million has been awarded to Mesa, earmarked for the expansion of public EV charging ports throughout the city. This infusion of funds is expected to lead to a 40% increase in the number of publicly available EV chargers, marking a substantial leap forward in Mesa’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

City’s Dual Initiative: EV Adoption Master Plan and Climate Action

Mesa is embarking on a two-fold effort to enhance its standing as an electric vehicle hub. The city is in the early stages of crafting a comprehensive electric vehicle adoption master plan that will encompass the entire community. Simultaneously, the expansion of EV charging stations aligns with Mesa’s climate action plan, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Mayor’s Optimism and Growing EV Trend

Mayor John Giles expressed optimism about the impact of the investment in the city’s charging network, highlighting Mesa and Arizona’s faster adoption of EVs compared to most of the U.S. The city’s data reveal that nearly 3,200 Mesa residents and over 40,000 Arizonans currently drive electric vehicles. Arizona stands as the sixth-ranked state in the nation for the number of electric vehicles per 1,000 residents, showcasing a growing trend in sustainable transportation.

Allocation of Funds and Charging Hub Categories

With $12 million at its disposal, Mesa plans to add 48 new charging ports to the existing 49 charging stations with 118 ports. The funds will be allocated to three key categories of charging hubs: neighborhood, fast, and public fleet charging.

Neighborhood Charging Ports

Neighborhood charging ports will be strategically installed around downtown Mesa, aiming to provide convenient access for residents who spend significant time shopping or dining in these areas.

Fast Charging Ports

Fast-charging ports will target areas such as Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, catering to residents in those regions and commuters along the U.S. 60 in east Mesa.

Public Fleet Charging

To accommodate local small and medium-sized businesses with fleets of EVs, larger charging stalls will be placed in both west and east Mesa.

Funding Requirements and Future Plans

The city is committed to contributing 20% of matching funds for the project, seeking partnerships with private companies for financial support. Beyond traditional EV charging, Mesa aims to explore charging infrastructure for “micro-mobility” options like electric scooters and bikes. Solar panels may also be integrated into station canopies to provide shade and generate additional power.

Conclusion: Meeting Targets and Future Outlook

Mesa is obligated to earmark the allocated funding by 2026 and fully utilize it by 2031. The city’s proactive approach toward sustainable transportation, combined with federal support, positions Mesa as a promising model for other cities aspiring to embrace electric vehicles. The commitment to expanding charging infrastructure aligns with broader goals of environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality. As Mesa continues to evolve into an EV-friendly city, it sets a precedent for embracing innovative solutions and creating a more sustainable future.