The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has launched a Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Station Pilot in partnership with it’s electric. The federally funded program will place 16 single-port Level 2 chargers across all eight wards, with the first location now operational in Ward 1. The pilot will shape future permit regulations for private vendors seeking to install and maintain curbside charging in public rights-of-way.
Highlights
- DDOT’s pilot deploys 16 curbside Level 2 chargers across all eight DC wards, with the first site live at 1640 Columbia Rd NW on Mozart Pl NW.
- The program is funded by a federal grant awarded to it’s electric, which will install, operate, and maintain all charger locations.
- Chargers require users to bring their own cable, available free through the it’s electric app with delivery in one to three business days.
- Pilot results will inform future curbside EV charging permit regulations for private vendors operating in DC’s public right-of-way.
Program Structure and Deployment
It’s electric will install chargers serving two adjacent parking spaces at each of the eight locations — one per ward. The first site is open next to The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd NW) on Mozart Pl NW. All locations have been reviewed for safety, accessibility, and compatibility with existing street uses. The remaining seven locations will be installed in the coming months.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissions have participated in site selection. Ward Councilmember offices and residents on affected blocks will receive notification from it’s electric, including instructions for requesting a free charging cable.
How the Chargers Work
The pilot uses single-port Level 2 chargers. Users must supply their own charging cable. District residents can request a free cable through the it’s electric app. Cables ship within one to three business days.
Revenue Sharing and Community Impact
The pilot introduces a revenue-sharing model. Property owners adjacent to charger sites can participate in charging revenue. Bill Mefford, Executive Director at The Festival Center, said the organization plans to reinvest its share into community initiatives.
DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum stated the pilot supports the District’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. She noted the program fosters experimentation in urban electrification that could benefit cities nationwide.
Expanding Access to EV Infrastructure
The pilot represents a step in DC’s efforts to expand publicly accessible EV charging. It targets the millions of drivers who lack private garages or home charging options. It’s electric’s curbside model aims to make EV ownership viable for residents who rely on street parking.
Building owners and drivers interested in future charger locations can join the waitlist at itselectric.us/join. Pilot progress will be tracked and posted on DDOT’s pilot projects page.
About it’s electric
It’s electric develops scalable curbside charging solutions designed for communities without access to private or garage-based charging. The company operates in multiple markets and partners with municipalities to deploy street-level EV infrastructure. Learn more at itselectric.us.
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