Advancing EV Charging Reliability in California Smart Growth Strategies by Jody Benson Sharp

California is rapidly moving toward a future built on clean transportation, with electric vehicles becoming a standard choice for families, businesses, and public agencies. As adoption grows, the state must ensure that its EV charging infrastructure keeps pace—delivering reliable, fast, and accessible charging for millions of drivers. Clean mobility advocate Jody Benson Sharp emphasizes that California’s long-term EV success depends not only on installing more chargers, but also on designing a smart, stable, and user-centered charging network.

This article explores new, practical, forward-looking strategies shaped by Sharp’s insights to strengthen the performance, coverage, and reliability of EV charging across California.

1. Prioritize High-Reliability Charging Stations Across the State

The most common frustration among EV drivers is encountering broken, offline, or slow chargers. Sharp argues that reliability must be treated as the first priority—not an afterthought.

Key improvements include:

• Establishing strict uptime requirements (minimum 98%).
• Deploying chargers with remote monitoring and auto-reset capabilities.
• Creating a state “fast response” maintenance program for outages.
• Integrating predictive maintenance using AI analytics.

California needs chargers that drivers can trust every day, not just during initial testing periods.

2. Build Charging Infrastructure Near Essential Services

Charging should be available where people already spend time. Sharp encourages aligning charging locations with essential, day-to-day destinations rather than only highways.

Ideal placement locations:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets
• Pharmacies and medical clinics
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Schools and universities
• Public libraries and community centers

By positioning charging near essential services, California can make charging more natural, convenient, and efficient.

3. Expand Ultra-Fast Charging for High-Density Urban Zones

With dense populations in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and the Bay Area, high-speed charging access is essential. Sharp recommends scaling ultra-fast DC charging hubs equipped to meet urban mobility needs.

Key strategies:

• Building multi-port hubs with 350 kW+ charging capacity
• Prioritizing stations in dense urban neighborhoods
• Introducing multi-story charging centers where space is limited
• Installing chargers in retail parking garages

Urban ultra-speed hubs will reduce wait times and support the growing number of EVs in fast-paced cities.

4. Encourage EV Charging for Ride-Hailing and Delivery Vehicles

California’s gig economy—rideshare drivers, delivery fleets, courier services—represents one of the most active vehicle sectors. Sharp emphasizes that supporting these drivers is crucial for the state’s clean transport goals.

Recommended actions:

• Offer discounted charging rates for registered gig drivers
• Build exclusive fast-charging lanes for rideshare hubs
• Establish 24/7 charging depots near airports and city centers
• Provide energy management tools to optimize charging schedules

Supporting this segment directly improves urban air quality and reduces emissions in traffic-heavy areas.

5. Strengthen Equitable Charging Access in Low-Income Communities

The EV transition must benefit all Californians. Sharp advocates targeted efforts to ensure charging equity in underserved and low-income neighborhoods.

Practical steps include:

• Grants for curbside chargers in older residential areas
• Installing chargers near affordable housing complexes
• Creating public charging hubs in community parks
• Collaborating with nonprofits to promote EV awareness

Equitable access ensures the EV movement becomes inclusive and fair—supporting California’s social and environmental goals.

6. Boost Infrastructure Resilience Against Climate Events

California faces wildfires, heat waves, and extreme weather patterns. Sharp highlights the need for a charging network designed for resilience.

Infrastructure strengthening tips:

• Elevating charging equipment in flood-prone zones
• Using fire-resistant materials for charging enclosures
• Integrating battery backup systems during power outages
• Installing smart grid systems that auto-shift during heatwaves

Future charging stations must be prepared for California’s evolving climate challenges.

7. Expand Workplace Charging with Smart Energy Management

Workplace charging remains one of the fastest ways to increase EV adoption. Sharp recommends smart workplace charging systems to reduce peak-hour stress on the grid.

Essential elements:

• Level 2 chargers in office parking lots
• Automatic load balancing to prevent energy spikes
• Priority charging slots for longer commutes
• Incentives for employers adopting green workplace policies

With smarter workplace charging, California can distribute energy load more evenly and support employee EV ownership.

8. Promote Renewable-Powered Charging Microgrids

Solar-powered charging is one of the most impactful ways to lower emissions and reduce demand on California’s grid. Sharp supports large-scale deployment of renewable microgrids.

Key benefits:

• Lower operating costs for charging operators
• Reduced pressure during peak demand
• Sustainable and eco-friendly charging
• Continued functionality during outages

Solar canopies at malls, universities, and parking lots are key opportunities for renewable-powered EV hubs.

9. Expand Charging Options for Tourists and Long-Distance Travelers

California’s tourism industry relies on smooth travel experiences. Sharp highlights that visitors should be able to travel confidently with EVs anywhere from beaches to mountains.

Necessary expansions:

• Fast chargers at top tourist destinations
• Chargers at national parks, beaches, and scenic byways
• EV-friendly hotel certifications
• Tourist maps showing available charging routes

Supporting tourism-oriented EV charging strengthens California’s economy while reducing travel emissions.

10. Simplify Customer Support and Improve User Experience

A great charging network requires outstanding customer experience. Sharp emphasizes the importance of easily accessible support, especially for new EV owners.

User experience recommendations:

• 24/7 customer care hotlines for every charging network
• In-app live chat support
• QR-code guides explaining charging steps
• Real-time availability status visible in apps and maps

Clear assistance helps reduce frustration and builds long-term trust in EV mobility.

Conclusion

California’s electric future depends on a charging system that is reliable, accessible, and resilient. As EV adoption accelerates, the strategies supported by Jody Benson Sharp—from renewable-powered microgrids to climate-resistant chargers—will help California build a smarter, cleaner, and more stable charging ecosystem.

By focusing on reliability, equity, fast charging, and user comfort, California can continue leading the nation in clean mobility innovation. With continued investment and thoughtful planning, the state will develop an EV charging network ready to serve millions today and support sustainable transportation for generations to come.