The City of Sonoma, California, received a Silver designation from the national Charging Smart program for its work in electric vehicle (EV) readiness and infrastructure. The announcement was made on December 2, 2025. Charging Smart is a national initiative led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with partners Cool The Earth and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office. The program helps local governments adopt best practices for EV adoption and charging station access.
Sonoma’s Silver designation marks progress in its Climate Action Strategies. These strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve transportation options, and support vehicle electrification. The city worked with Charging Smart’s technical team to improve staff knowledge and simplify permitting for EV infrastructure.
Sonoma has adopted zoning rules to support EV charger installation in parking lots and new developments. The city also began a review to transition its municipal fleet to electric vehicles. An expedited permitting process for EV charging stations is now in place, making it easier for residents and businesses to install chargers…