Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Study

SUMMARY OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of Coachella is seeking proposals from qualified individuals, firms, or teams to conduct an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Study that includes a thorough assessment of the existing charging landscape and the identification of strategic locations for new charging stations. This study will serve as a data-driven planning roadmap to guide the City's capital investment decisions and policy initiatives to support equitable and cost-effective deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the city. The selected consultant must demonstrate a track record of municipal-scale EV infrastructure planning, policy integration, GIS mapping, and community outreach—especially in disadvantaged or rural communities.

The City recognizes the urgent need to expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure to meet growing demand and support compliance with state and federal emissions reduction goals. Limited public charging options currently hinder the adoption of electric vehicles, constrain economic development, and place local tourism at a competitive disadvantage as visitors seek destinations with reliable charging access. To address these challenges, the City is commissioning a comprehensive study to evaluate existing infrastructure, identify optimal locations for new charging stations, and establish a framework for long-term network expansion. This initiative will position the City to advance regional sustainability priorities, strengthen local business opportunities, and remain aligned with the broader transition to a clean transportation future.

CITY BACKGROUND

The City of Coachella is known as the “City of Eternal Sunshine” and the “Gateway to the Salton Sea”, and along with its largely young, rural and family oriented demographics makes it one of the most appealing and up-and-coming areas in Southern California and the County of Riverside. The City of Coachella was incorporated on December 13, 1946. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the City of Coachella has a population of 42,000 people. The City has over 29 square miles of mix-use zoning opportunities, such as agriculture, commercial retail, industrial and housing. This culturally rich and familyoriented City has a median age of 24.5 years old with an average family size of 4.57/household.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

This study will evaluate current EV readiness, identify gaps in existing charging infrastructure, forecast future demand based on residential and regional mobility trends, and develop an implementation strategy that supports local environmental, economic, and equity objectives.

The selected consultant will be responsible for conducting a citywide assessment of public and private EV charging resources, analyzing zoning and land use compatibility, exploring grid capacity and utility coordination, and identifying financing opportunities including grant and public-private partnership models.

Upon completion, the City of Coachella’s EV Charging Infrastructure Study will:

• Inventory existing EV charging infrastructure (Level 1, Level 2, DCFC) within city boundaries.
• Identify priority locations for new chargers (public facilities, parks, retail, workplaces, underserved neighborhoods, etc.).
• Analyze electrical grid constraints and collaborate with utilities (e.g., IID, SCE).
• Evaluate policy and regulatory changes that could streamline EV charger deployment.
• Provide modeling of charging demand through 2035.
• Explore opportunities for regional collaboration and funding sources.
• Recommend standards for signage, access, ADA compliance, and charger interoperability.
• Outline a phased implementation and funding strategy, including cost estimates.
• Include robust community engagement and bilingual outreach to residents, business owners, and key stakeholders.

OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

As California advances statewide zero-emission vehicle mandates and incentives, the City of Coachella recognizes the need to proactively prepare its public infrastructure to meet these goals in a manner that focuses on equity, reliability, and affordability. This study will help bridge those gaps by assessing existing barriers and proposing solutions grounded in feasibility and community need. It will also prepare the City to take advantage of major state investments in EV charging infrastructure and climate action, including programs from CALeVIP, NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure), and the Inflation Reduction Act.

MINIMUM RESPONDER REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements for submittal of a proposal in response to this RFP include the following:

1. Demonstrated understanding of electric vehicle infrastructure planning, development and implementation, theory and practice, research methods, group consensus building, reporting and presenting.
2. Demonstrated experience in engaging multilingual or historically underserved communities, information gathering and information sharing.
3. Demonstrated experience working with elected officials, public staff, business community, concerned citizens, telecommunications personnel, educators, healthcare providers, public safety officials, invited speakers and other interested parties.
4. Demonstrated experience, competence, and qualifications of the consultant and the participating staff successfully providing similar services to public entities.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of California state policies and funding programs related to EVs and clean transportation.
6. Demonstrated experience in spatial data analysis, mapping, and site prioritization.
7. Familiarity with electric utilities, transportation networks, and environmental permitting in California.
8. Ability to perform the work in a timely manner and availability of staff and contingency plans.

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