San Diego drivers with electric vehicles (EVs) can charge up their rides at no cost, thanks to a new solar-powered electric vehicle power station unveiled today by Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 569 and the San Diego chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Local 569 business manager Johnny Simpson told a morning press conference:

“San Diego’s electric vehicle industry is a win-win for local electricians and the community. It’s creating good, middle-class electrical jobs and helping us reduce harmful air pollution. IBEW Local 569 is thrilled to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by offering free, solar-powered EV charging to the community.”

The station is located at the IBEW-NCEA Training Center at 4675 Viewridge Ave., in San Diego. The training center is powered by a rooftop solar array and the charging station ties into the building’s electrical supply so both are running on solar power. The electric vehicle unit is publicly available to the community to use at any time, free of charge.

Andy Berg, executive director of the San Diego chapter of NECA, added:

The electric vehicle industry in San Diego, particularly installing the charging infrastructure, is giving local electrical contractors a great shot in the arm. Plus, our customers know they will always get the best possible installation because of the training provided at this center.

State Sen. Christine Kehoe joined with representatives from the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club and Operation Free, a national coalition of veterans, national security experts and retired military personnel working to secure America with clean energy, to announce the charging station.