CPS Energy has installed 120 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in San Antonio as part of a federally-funded research project.

“This project allows EV drivers to be valuable participants in research that will be used to make San Antonio truly EV ready,” said Elaina Ball, CPS Energy’s vice president of technical services and energy solutions.  “The information we gather will be used in all aspects of future planning.”

According to CPS Energy, the 240-volt, Level 2 ChargePoint stations will be available for public use, and will be able to charge the battery of an electric vehicle to 100 percent in four to eight hours, depending on the vehicle model.  Some of the charging stations were strategically placed at the following locations:

                • Wonderland  of the Americas

                • UTSA

                • St. Philip’s College

                • University Health System

                • H-E-B

                • Santikos Theatres

                • Port of San Antonio

CPS Energy will initially charge electric vehicle drivers one dollar per hour, with a two-hour minimum, for use of the charging stations.  Customers will be able to pay with major credit or debit cards.  CPS Energy anticipates offering a flat rate card in the near future to provide unlimited charging.

In addition to public charging stations, CPS Energy and the City of San Antonio are also offering a 50 percent rebate to electric vehicle owners who wish to install Level 2 residential charging stations at their homes, up to a maximum of $1,000.  

To receive the rebate, electric vehicle owners must apply before the May 15 deadline. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

Funds for the charging stations came from the Department of Energy through a grant awarded to Coulomb Technologies.  The grant is part of the department’s Transportation Electrification Initiative, which is aimed at putting the infrastructure in place to increase the adoption of electric vehicles.

To view a local map of CPS Energy’s public chargers, click here.  A nationwide map is available at the Department of Energy’s website. 

An app for ChargePoint America is also available for iPhone and Android users to find the nearest charging stations.