EV CHARGING

it’s electric Brings Curbside Charging to Alameda and Renters Are Here for It

September 22, 2025

Disadvantaged communities have roughly 64% fewer public EV charging stations per capita than non‐disadvantaged ones; that disparity rises to about 73% when factoring renters in multi‐unit dwellings.
Alameda Municipal Power provides 100% clean electricity at rates roughly 44% below neighboring utilities.
it’s electric’s curbside Level 2 chargers can be installed in just two days using existing building electrical capacity, at no cost to property owners, who also receive part of the charging revenues.

Can you imagine charging your car right outside your apartment, without hunting for a garage or driveway? Alameda has made that possible by teaming with Brooklyn‐based it’s electric and the Alameda Housing Authority (AHA) to install public curbside chargers powered directly by nearby buildings. This effort blends climate action, housing equity, and clean energy into something that directly benefits underserved communities.

_{A Hyundai Ioniq 5 parked beside an it’s electric curbside charging station in Alameda, supporting renters with clean energy access.}

When someone lives in a multi‐family building or rents without off‐street parking, owning an electric vehicle gets tricky. Few places to plug in. Charging at home often impossible. This project changes that. The curbside EV chargers are Level 2 (moderately fast, safe for regular use), low impact, and hooked up to existing electrical panels in adjacent buildings. No huge utility upgrades needed.

“I am thrilled to launch this public-private partnership which will rapidly expand EV charging access in Alameda,” mentioned Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “This initiative helps make EV ownership a reality for all Alamedans, including those without access to off-street parking, renters, and residents of multi-family buildings. Additionally, every EV charged in Alameda is powered by 100% clean, green electricity from Alameda Municipal Power, accelerating our climate goals and reducing our carbon footprint. Everett Commons is just the beginning; we’re committed to bringing more curbside charging to neighborhoods throughout Alameda, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.”

“This partnership with it’s electric enables us to bring charging infrastructure directly to communities that have historically lacked access,” said Vanessa Cooper, Executive Director of the Alameda Housing Authority of the City of Alameda. “This EV charging installation aligns perfectly with our mission to build resilient, inclusive communities while helping our residents participate in the EV transition.

Alameda Municipal Power supplies 100% clean electricity and its rates run about 44% lower than neighboring utilities, which means residents using these curbside units charge their EVs with greener energy at a lower cost.

it’s electric’s model gets creative. They plug into spare capacity in adjacent buildings so installation takes just two days. The systems require little extra infrastructure work (saving cost) and it’s electric maintains the chargers at no cost to property owners. Better yet, property owners earn a share of the charging revenue. Incentives built in.

_{A driver plugs a Mini Cooper SE into an it’s electric curbside charger in Alameda, expanding clean energy access for renters.}

Equity shows up in the details where drivers are given a personal cable (compatible with their vehicle) to avoid cluttered sidewalks and ensure ADA compliance. This detachable cable model, common in the EU/UK, is fresh in the U.S. context.

This initial installation is on AHA‐property (Everett Commons), meant for people who rarely have private parking. There are plans to expand to more multifamily housing sites across Alameda.

Alameda’s effort matters on a broader scale because research highlights deep gaps in EV charging access. Disadvantaged communities have far fewer public charging stations per person compared with other areas, with some studies finding roughly 64 percent fewer in these neighborhoods. The disparity grows even larger for renters and residents of multi-unit buildings.

There are other strain points nationally. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are about 228,830 public EV charging ports in the U.S. (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast), but the demand keeps rising.

Projects like Alameda’s help narrow that gap. The city already supports EV and eBike adoption through policies powered by AMP’s clean energy supply.

Challenges remain in scaling deployments, securing funding, coordinating with property owners, maintaining reliable hardware, and ensuring every neighborhood gains fair access. Yet Alameda’s model, combining city leadership, the housing authority, a private firm, and a clean utility, demonstrates collaboration that delivers results.

_{A driver retrieves an EV charging cable from a tote bag while preparing to use an it’s electric curbside charger in Alameda.}

Alameda is not the only city trying creative curbside charging. San Francisco recently installed curbside chargers via it’s electric in Duboce Triangle for people without garages. Such installations give clues for rolling out more broadly.

What stands out is that this effort goes beyond homeowners with garages. It reaches renters and those in multi-unit buildings, runs on clean energy, lowers costs and infrastructure hurdles, and brings fairness into the picture.