Dallas city officials are ramping up efforts to enhance electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with a focus on overcoming supply chain challenges that have delayed the installation of charging stations. During a recent council briefing, city leaders expressed confidence in their ability to support ongoing projects, despite ongoing struggles with vehicle supply and the availability of essential materials.
Assistant City Manager Donzel Gibson highlighted the city's proactive approach, stating, “We have leveraged our partnership with Encore to the hilt.” He acknowledged that while progress is being made, supply chain issues continue to impact the installation of charging equipment, particularly transformers and other infrastructure components. These delays are compounded by competing demands for resources, as Encore must balance residential and commercial needs with the growing EV infrastructure.
Council members voiced concerns about the timeline for the completion of Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, which have been in a state of limbo for some time. Gibson reassured them that the groundwork for these installations is largely complete, and he anticipates that the chargers could be operational within six months, barring any unforeseen complications.
The city is committed to keeping the council informed about progress and leveraging existing technology to enhance operations. As Dallas continues to push forward with its EV initiatives, the focus remains on addressing supply chain hurdles and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.