DC Department of Public Works and PowerFlex Expand Citywide EV Charging

The District of Columbia Department of Public Works (DC DPW) plays a vital role in maintaining city operations in the nation’s capital, overseeing a diverse fleet of vehicles that support essential services from sanitation to public safety. As Washington, DC pursues ambitious climate and sustainability goals, DC DPW is at the forefront of efforts to modernize municipal infrastructure and reduce environmental impact. The department is helping to shape a cleaner, healthier future for residents and visitors alike.

The Challenge

Electrifying a Large and Diverse Municipal Fleet

With a fleet of more than 6,000 vehicles serving a wide range of public needs, the DC DPW faced the complex task of transitioning away from traditional fuels. Achieving the city’s aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions required not only replacing older vehicles with electric models, but also ensuring that reliable charging infrastructure was available at scale. Additionally, the department needed to support equitable access to charging for both government operations and the broader community, all while navigating the logistical and technical hurdles of deploying new technology across multiple sites.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Comprehensive EV Charging Deployment Across Washington, DC

INSTALLATION TYPE

EV Charging

INSTALLATION SIZE

301 Level 2 Chargers
2 DC Fast Chargers

LOCATIONS

Washington, DC

To address these challenges, DC DPW partnered with PowerFlex to implement a large-scale electric vehicle charging network across the city. More than 300 Level 2 charging stations were installed at 16 different sites, providing essential support for both public and fleet vehicles. The system is managed by the PowerFlex X™ cleantech platform, which uses patented Adaptive Load Management® technology to optimize charging without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades. This approach enables the department to efficiently expand its charging capacity, reduce operational costs, and helps the District move closer to its long-term sustainability goals.

Project Spotlight: 2750 South Capitol Street

DC DPW’s partnership with PowerFlex includes a project at the department’s 2750 South Capitol Street facility. The four Level 2 chargers installed at the site will support electric vehicles in the DPW’s graffiti removal division, contributing to the city’s beautification efforts. As DC DPW brings more chargers online, it brings the District closer to achieving its goal of a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable city for all.