Downey looks to upgrade library EV charging stations with fast-charge technology

The Downey City Council will consider a proposal upgrade the EV charging stations at the Downey City Library. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council is scheduled to receive an update Tuesday on the city’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, including a proposal to upgrade several of its most heavily used stations with faster technology.

Currently, the city operates 30 Level 2 charging ports at 16 stations across municipal facilities, installed in two phases since 2016. While the stations provide some support for EV drivers, city staff noted that slow charging times and low turnover have limited their efficiency. A typical session adds only about 67 miles of range and lasts nearly three hours.

To improve service, city staff is recommending a third project phase that would upgrade three dual-port Level 2 chargers at the Downey City Library to DC fast chargers. These stations would be capable of charging most EVs to 80% in under an hour and could support more than 140 fully charged vehicles per day — 1.6 times more efficient than all existing city-owned units combined.

The library location was chosen due to its central, secure setting and high usage. The city has secured about $959,000 in funding from various sources, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the Clean Power Alliance, and is seeking an additional $140,000 to fully fund the estimated $1.1 million project.

If approved through next year’s Capital Improvement Program budget, the upgrades could be completed in 12 to 18 months.

Downey currently supplements its municipal charging network with 62 fast-charging units on private property throughout the city.