Supporting the Build-Out of U.S. Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Project Context
From the city: “Prior to SFpark…parking rates and fines were used to achieve turnover goals through short time limits as well as, often, to increase revenues to balance budgets. Rates were not tied to transportation policy goals, and rates at on-street meters were the same all day every day, regardless of demand. Meter rates were set lower than the rates at municipal garages, giving drivers financial incentive to circle to find on-street parking. The historical approach…has been reasonably effective, but it is not convenient for drivers, nor does it explicitly manage towards creating parking availability and thereby achieving broader goals for the city or its transportation system.”
“How cities manage parking really matters, as how we manage parking can help us be more successful as a city. When parking is difficult to find, many people double park or circle to find a space. This circling doesn’t just waste time and fuel—it’s also dangerous. Circling drivers are distracted drivers making lots of right and left turns who are more likely to hit someone crossing the street, a cyclist, or another car.”
“Parking also affects economic competitiveness—if very few spaces are available, fewer people can access our commercial districts. The reality or even just the perception that it is hard to find a parking space in a particular area can hurt its economic vitality.”
Project Goals and Strategies
Supporting the Build-Out of U.S. Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Project Context
Understandably, the build-out of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure in the U.S. has significantly trailed the proliferation of electric vehicles themselves. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles is somewhat hampered by the relative lack of charging stations, or at least the perceived imbalance. As of 2023 estimates, 35% of electric vehicle drivers in the U.S. reside in California, making the imbalance a significant issue for California residents.
San Mateo County Labs, or “SMC Labs”, is a "smart solutions" innovation center launched by the County of San Mateo California to foster regional innovation through collaboration among cities, agencies, residents, universities, and businesses. Its primary purpose is to address complex regional issues—such as housing, traffic, mobility, and environmental challenges—using advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, big data, and blockchain.
Project Goals & Strategies
Because parking is an issue relevant to the entire county and region, SMC Labs set out to make the availability of EV charging stations and disabled parking spaces more widely known in the region. The goals were to broadcast real-time availability of these spaces in Redwood City’s municipal parking garage to increase space utilization and turnover of the spaces. The garage counted parking spaces using the “in and out” method which did not identify specific types of parking spaces.
Fybr’s Role
Fybr was the turn-key provider for this program for SMC Labs. Fybr designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained all of the sensor and sensor-supporting hardware used on the project.
By coupling data from Fybr’s parking occupancy sensors with its FybrPark app, drivers received real-time information on available EV charging and disabled spaces and turn-by-turn navigation directly to the garage.
SMC Labs Outcomes & Reflections
Parking space management can now be handled remotely, securely, and efficiently.
SMC Labs officials received data on important parking space statistics including occupancy rates, turnover, and real-time availability—allowing them to plan and allot for EV parking space expansion in the future.
Fybr’s system was used to address “recharge anxiety”— the reluctance of drivers to use their electric vehicles because of fear they may not be able to find an open charging station.