In 2021, the City published the Public Facilities EV Charging Strategic Plan, creating the mission for public EV charging throughout Pittsburgh. Some of the highlights from the plan include:

• Enabling the EV charging market by encouraging private investment where possible
• Determining where the demand for EV charging exists throughout the city
• Filling market gaps in charging infrastructure
• Ensuring EV charging is available for those with the greatest barriers to stations
• Providing and managing EV charging in a financially sustainable manner

Along with supporting and fulfilling the goals of the strategic plan, public EV charging is a priority for several key reasons:

• Some residents have resorted to unsafe methods of charging their electric vehicles in the public right-of-way, highlighting an urgent need for accessible and safe infrastructure
• The market for EV ownership is rapidly growing – explore the PennDOT Electric Vehicle Registration Map (updated daily)

As part of the City’s broader climate goals, including improved air quality and reduced tailpipe emissions, expanding public charging infrastructure is essential.

Additionally, not all residents can afford or will have access to a home or off-street charger, making public options critical for equitable access. Federal grants and projects can also serve as catalysts for broader mobility goals. Furthermore, other municipalities in the region have already started implementing similar efforts. To stay aligned with the City’s EV Strategic Goals, it’s imperative to move forward with developing a robust public charging network.

One of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the Pittsburgh region—regardless of household income—is a lack of accessible charging stations.

To address this, the City is leading the effort to install 12 public curbside chargers where the private sector typically doesn't invest. Charging sites are selected based on need and to support residents who are unable to charge at home. Sites are also selected to align with other city investments including energy upgrades and micro mobility hubs (e-bikes or scooters).

The Pittsburgh Parking Authority (PPA) manages 34 surface lots and has already installed 35 public chargers in city garages. As part of a citywide EV strategy, the PPA evaluated 22 lots where new chargers could fill network gaps and serve residents in need. New charging sites are selected based on community impact, equity considerations, and site readiness. Duquesne Light and PPA continue to collaborate to determine final locations.

All projects will follow the Envision 2070 Pgh Mobility Plan, which prioritizes:

• Safety: Addressing urgent safety needs first
• Asset Condition: Fixing infrastructure before it fully deteriorates
• Equity: Prioritizing areas with historically limited access to transportation and opportunity

The proposed locations were determined based on the Pittsburgh Public Facilities EV Charging Strategic Plan, existing speed zones, existing electrical infrastructure, and an equity analysis of the Justice40 by Number of Categories Map November 2022; Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool; Transportation Disadvantaged Census Tracts; and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Environmental Justice Areas Viewer.