The Sacramento Electric Vehicle (EV) Blueprint represents a transformative, equity-driven approach to advancing zero-emission mobility in California’s capital city. Building on the City of Sacramento’s EV Strategy (2017) and the foundational planning completed under the Phase 1 EV Ready Communities Challenge, Phase 2 focused on implementing high-impact projects that accelerate EV adoption, expand charging infrastructure, and deliver inclusive mobility programs in underserved communities.
Project Purpose and Goals
The project aimed to:
Advance Sacramento’s target of 75,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025 and support statewide climate goals.
Expand public EV charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety and improve access for residents without home charging options.
Pilot innovative mobility programs—including e-bike lending and carshare—within disadvantaged communities.
Embed equity and community engagement throughout implementation to ensure benefits accrue to historically underserved neighborhoods.
Key Deliverables and Outcomes
Phase 2 delivered a comprehensive suite of initiatives:
EV Infrastructure Deployment: Installed 34 Level 2 chargers (67 connectors) across 13 City-owned libraries, parks, and community centers, with over 80% of chargers located in disadvantaged communities.
Community CarShare and Transportation Incentives: Partnered with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District to expand Our Community CarShare and launch a driving credit incentive program, to encourage program participation and reduce barriers for low-income residents to access clean mobility options.
E-bike Lending Pilot: Operated a library-based lending program with 35 e-bikes (including tricycles and cargo bikes) at five libraries - Valley Hi–North Laguna, Colonial Heights, Belle Cooledge, South Natomas, and North Natomas libraries – offering affordable, active transportation alternatives.
Community Engagement & Equity: Implemented a robust outreach strategy through local organizations, compensated Community Ambassadors, and developed an Equity Evaluation Framework to guide monitoring and reporting.
Creative EV Awareness Campaign: Commissioned local artists to produce a Sacramento-specific comic series on electrification, equity, and climate change, distributed in print and digital formats as well as multiple languages.
Workforce Development: Partnered with the California Conservation Corps to provide on-the-job training during electric vehicle supply equipment installations, building local capacity for future EV infrastructure projects.
Evaluation & Data: Collaborated with UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies to measure changes in EV awareness, adoption, and program impact, creating a replicable model for statewide scaling.
Impact and Replicability
The Sacramento EV Blueprint demonstrates how public facilities can serve as hubs for clean mobility, integrating EV charging, shared transportation, and active mobility options. By prioritizing equity and leveraging strong partnerships, the EV Blueprint Project addresses systemic barriers to zero emission vehicle adoption and provides a scalable template for inclusive electrification for other jurisdictions across California. Key lessons include:
The importance of community-driven outreach and culturally relevant engagement.
Leveraging public-private partnerships to maximize cost-effectiveness and operational sustainability.
Embedding monitoring and equity metrics to inform future investments.
