Ukiah Breaks Ground on EV Charging Network Backed by $700K in Grants

Press release from the City of Ukiah:

[Stock photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash]

The City of Ukiah has begun construction on its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Project, a significant investment that will further expand public access to EV charging throughout the community while supporting local businesses, tourism, and the region’s transition to cleaner transportation.

The project will establish a network of publicly accessible charging stations across Ukiah, anchored by a central charging “hub” in City Parking Lot C, located north of the Ukiah Branch Library. Additional charging stations will be installed at Anton Stadium and Low Gap Park, creating convenient charging opportunities at key community destinations.

When complete, the hub site will offer both DC fast chargers and Level 2 charging stations, while Anton Stadium and Low Gap Park will each feature Level 2 chargers. Together, the network will provide an additional 12 charging options for residents, visitors, commuters, and travelers exploring Ukiah and Mendocino County.

The project is funded through a partnership with ChargePoint and the California Energy Commission’s Rural Electric Vehicle (REV) Program, bringing more than $700,000 in grant funding to the Ukiah community.

“This project is about making Ukiah more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming for everyone who lives here or visits,” said Mayor Susan Sher. “By expanding public EV charging, we’re supporting local businesses, encouraging tourism, and investing in infrastructure that will serve our community for many years to come. We’re aware that EV owners on road trips who stop for a quick charge along their routes also include a meal or some shopping while they charge. So expanding our charging network is a win both for our environment and local economy.

We’re grateful to our partners at ChargePoint and the California Energy Commission for helping make this investment possible,” Sher adds.

Construction is beginning at the “hub” location in City Parking Lot C. As work progresses, contractor Lowe-North Construction will move between the hub and the secondary locations to complete the utility, civil, and electrical improvements necessary to install the charging stations.

Residents may notice construction activity, equipment, and temporary parking impacts at project locations during various phases of the work. The City appreciates the public’s patience as these improvements are completed.

Once installed, the City of Ukiah will own and operate the charging stations, ensuring they remain publicly accessible and available to the community for years to come.

Construction is expected to continue throughout the summer and is anticipated to be completed by the end of September.