SoCalGas to Construct EV Chargers to Meet Fleet Goals

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has taken another major step toward its ASPIRE 2045 sustainability goals by announcing plans to install more than 240 electric vehicle (EV) chargers this year at nine company locations. The utility also pledged to install EV chargers at 67 company facilities by the end of 2024, for a total of 1,500 new chargers over the next three years. A year ago, SoCalGas became the largest gas distribution utility in North America to set a net zero emissions target, consistent with California's climate goals and the Paris Agreement. To help reach that goal, the company aims to replace 50% of its over-the-road fleet with clean fuel vehicles by 2025 and operate a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2035.

SoCalGas is applying for SCE's Charge Ready program, which provides assistance with installing electrical infrastructure for EV charging stations. 

To help reach its goal of replacing 50% of the company's over-the-road fleet with clean fuel vehicles by 2025, SoCalGas recently purchased 50 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCEV), making SoCalGas among the first utilities in the nation to start transitioning to hydrogen-powered vehicles. Last year, SoCalGas converted 200 new Ford F-250 service pickup trucks to run on renewable natural gas. The service trucks are outfitted with the newest Landi Renzo Eco Ready equipment, a California Air Resource Board certified ultra-low emissions vehicles system. 

The company plans to purchase Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks to be serviced by the new chargers. A full charge on one of the trucks provides a driving range of up to 300 miles. Since fleet charging typically occurs overnight, employees can charge their personal vehicles during the day to support a clean commute. 

Currently, a third of SoCalGas' fleet already operates on clean fuels and the company is on track with replacing 50% of its over-the-road fleet with alternative fuels by 2025 and operating a 100% zero-emissions fleet by 2035.