Boston votes to install 250 curbside EV-chargers on city streets

Boston is moving ahead with a plan to install electric vehicle chargers along city streets. But at least one city councilor is concerned about how it will impact parking for non-EV drivers.Currently, nearly all of Boston's electric vehicle chargers are on private property or in public parking lots. Sarah Richards, who got a Tesla a few weeks ago, was happy to find charging stations in a public parking lot right near her home in South Boston.“I think more charging stations couldn't hurt,” she said. The city has already installed charging stations at 17 public parking lots across the city. Now, it plans to install more stations along city streets. On Wednesday, the City Council voted 12-1 to sign contracts with two companies to install and operate 250 curbside chargers.“Neighbors have reached out to me wanting more opportunities to charge their vehicles and more spots,” said Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan.“I still think there's a lot of outstanding issues,” said Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn.Flynn said he still has a lot of questions about how the curbside chargers would affect neighborhoods where they're installed.“What impact does this have on infrastructure improvements? What impact does it have on parking? What impact does it have on access for persons with disabilities?” he asked. The city said, like the ones in parking lots, the curbside chargers would be reserved for electric vehicles and only while they are charging.The city said the companies have not yet determined where the new charges will go. Some non-EV drivers say they don't want them.“I live down the street. I hope they don't. Because it's already tough finding parking enough,” said Boston resident Johnny Hamcheck. The city said the two companies will pay to install and maintain the new curbside chargers. And if the chargers end up making money, the city might share in the profits.Video: This EV plug system going ‘the way of the dinosaur,’ expert warns