Port of San Diego Partners with KIGT, Inc. to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at San Diego Convention Center
Contact: Gabriella Rodriguez, 619.904.2137, grodriguez@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego has partnered with KIGT, Inc., a minority-owned, manufacturer and services provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, to install ten public EV charging stations in the San Diego Convention Center parking garage. The recent addition of the EV charging stations brings the total amount of stations along the San Diego Bay waterfront to 62, of which 36 are public and 26 are Port staff parking stalls.
The project was the result of an agreement approved by the Board of Port Commissioners in October 2020. The agreement called for KIGT to install, own, and operate at its own cost and expense ten EV charging stations at the Convention Center. KIGT will provide the EV charging services for a term of five years with options for up to two one-year renewals. The Port serves as a site host for the charging stations. Revenue from the EV charging will cover electricity and service fees, and KIGT will share the net revenues with the Port.
“Installing electric vehicle charging stations along the Port of San Diego aligns with our Climate Action Plan goals and our commitment to improving the environment around San Diego Bay,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We are proud to partner with KIGT to support and promote the use of electric vehicles to help achieve the lowest emissions possible. It’s a win for the environment and for a minority-owned business like KIGT.”
“This project is a dream come true for KIGT,” said KIGT CEO and co-founder Paul Francis. “KIGT is thrilled by the opportunity and responsibility to help the people of San Diego along with the thousands of visitors at the Convention Center take charge with a reliable and easy to use EV charging experience.”
“The San Diego region leads the nation in clean transportation, and SDG&E is proud to work with the Port of San Diego, port tenants, and businesses throughout the region to expand the EV charging network as quickly as we can to meet the growing need for charging,” said SDG&E’s Vice President of Energy Innovation Miguel Romero. “To enable widespread adoption of EVs, it’s critically important that we make charging readily available and easily accessible in high traffic areas like the Convention Center.”
"Cleantech San Diego applauds the Port of San Diego for its clear and continued leadership in adopting clean technologies that advance our region’s clean transportation goals,” said Cleantech San Diego President and CEO Jason Anderson. "The Port's investment in EVs and increased EV charging at the San Diego Convention Center is an important step toward meeting our state greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and EV targets.”
KIGT’s technology for its EV chargers is a unique, compact design that integrates credit card readers into the equipment providing customers a greater degree of access. In addition, the charging stations include a data sharing platform that will allow Port staff to monitor equipment usage.
California has set targets for facilitating electric vehicle adoption at five million electric vehicles and 250,000 EV charging stations by 2030, and the California Electric Vehicle Incentive Program has made rebate funding available for electric vehicle service providers and site owners to install charging infrastructure. Demonstrations like this one will help the Port plan for future regional EV charging and infrastructure buildouts as the need for available public EV charging stations grows.
Based in Ontario, California, KIGT is an early-stage company and is participating in several regional incubator programs including the Southern California Energy Innovation Network, administered by Cleantech San Diego and is being supported by a $5 million grant from the California Energy Commission. The Port is a member of the Southern California Energy Innovation Network Technical Advisory Committee, and Port staff participate in the review and mentorship of early-stage technology companies. The advisory committee also includes representatives from several public, private, and academic organizations in the region.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO ENVIRONMENT
Port of San Diego Environment champions the safekeeping and environmental care of our diverse ecosystems. Year after year, environmental goals are set and measured to evolve environmental initiatives – ensuring San Diego Bay remains a vibrant resource and contributes to a remarkable way of life for visitors and residents for generations to come.