On April 30, 2026, new legislation was introduced by Councilmember Driscoll on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson that will authorize the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems’ (OTIS) new program, ChargePHL, to expand publicly if the bill is passed by the City Council later in June.  The program will help to create an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure throughout the city. ChargePHL is a public-private partnership that will authorize two vendors to install a network of safe EV charging stations in convenient, accessible locations. Over the course of 10 years, the vendors will install over 800 charging stations.

“The launch of ChargePHL is an important step towards achieving a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia,” said Anna Kelly, Senior Policy Advisor for EV and Parking at OTIS. “For the first time, the City of Philadelphia will be able to offer access to safe EV charging in all of our neighborhoods, many of which are currently being left behind. ChargePHL will benefit all Philadelphians by supporting EV uptake to achieve our public health and climate goals.”

“As Chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee, I am proud to sponsor this legislation with Council President Johnson since it will help to greatly improve and expand the number of EV chargers in Philadelphia,” said Councilmember Mike Driscoll (6th Council District). “The new program demonstrates that the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems and City Council are listening to businesses and residents who have been demanding greater access to chargers in all parts of the city. With greater access to EV chargers, Philadelphians will get to their jobs, schools, appointments, and events without barriers to reliable transportation.”

Why does the City of Philadelphia need a public EV infrastructure program?

1. Many Philadelphians do not have access to EV charging. Currently, private sector charging stations are largely concentrated in Center City. That is where EV registrations are high. While the average Philadelphian is within a half mile of a gas station, they are 1.4 miles away from the closest public charging station. Data shows that one of the major barriers to EV adoption is the lack of public charging infrastructure. Particularly, in areas with dense housing where many residents cannot charge at home.
2. The current charging situation is unsafe and insufficient. Often, Philadelphians take risks that could cause tripping or a fire.  Some include dangling cords out of kitchen windows or across sidewalks to charge.
3. 60% of Philadelphia’s air pollution comes from motor vehicles. Last week, the City received another F grade for air pollution, which causes asthma and heart disease. The transition to electric vehicles is an important tool for improving the city’s air quality.

What types of chargers will be installed?

• Level 2 chargers add roughly 15–30 miles of range per hour. These are what will be installed at curbside and in Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) operated lots. They are the most common and affordable type of charger to install. Thus, making them the primary focus for residential and community charging solutions.
• DC Fast Chargers can add up to 100–200 miles of range in under 30 minutes, making them the closest to a traditional gas station experience.

Which vendors will be providing EV charging through ChargePHL, and how were they selected?

In 2024, the City of Philadelphia posted a request for proposals (RFP) for a vendor or multiple vendors. The need was for vendor(s) to own, install, operate, and maintain the EV infrastructure across the city. Through this competitive selection process, two vendors were selected for this public-private partnership:

• It’s Electric: level 2 chargers at curbside locations. It’s Electric operates through a bring-your-own cord model, meaning that users will be sent a cord to use when charging with an It’s Electric charger.
• PositivEnergy: level 2 chargers and fast-chargers in City-owned and PPA community parking lots. A limited number of fast chargers will also be installed at curbside locations.

Where will chargers be located?

• Surface lots: In partnership with the PPA, the City has selected parking lots for PositivEnergy to install Level 2 and DC fast-charging stations.
• Curbside locations: In partnership with the City and communities, It’s Electric will install curbside Level 2 chargers. Installation will happen in neighborhoods along commercial corridors and at municipal buildings.

How can I request a location for an EV charging station?

Please complete our survey.

When will charging stations be up and running?

Legislation was introduced on April 30, 2026, to authorize the contracts with the two vendors and will hopefully be passed by City Council before mid-June, 2026. The first ChargePHL stations are targeted to open in January 2027.