Interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise. Surveys and studies released in the latter part of 2020 show a significant uptick in Americans’ desire to learn more about electric vehicles and to own them. According to a Consumer Reports study, 71 percent of U.S. drivers say they would consider buying one at some point in the future, with nearly a third indicating interest in an EV for their next vehicle purchase.
Leading by example can mean integrating electric vehicles into municipal fleets. It also means establishing a mindset in the community that encourages acceptance of EVs. Legislatively, this includes enacting or amending zoning regulations, parking requirements, and adopting or amending building codes at the local level. Source: “Trending Legislation: Electric Vehicles” [LINK: https://www.generalcode.com/blog/trending-legislation-electric-vehicles/]
NOTE: At it's March 3, 2022, meeting, the Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council (JZC) authorized its solicitor to work on a draft EV Charging Station ordinance, which will be reviewed by the JZC at its next meeting.
Useful examples from the eCode360® Library
If your community is interested in legislating to help your community become electric vehicle-ready, here are some useful examples that can be found in our eCode360 Library:
- Parking Regulations, West Chester, PA: “The parking of motor vehicles in any parking spot that is designated by the Borough as an electric vehicle charging spot shall be limited to motor vehicles that are connected to the charging equipment. Once the motor vehicle is charged, the motor vehicle shall not remain parked in such designated electric charging spot.”
- Electric vehicle supply equipment regulations, Town of Brutus, NY [LINK: https://ecode360.com/32542091?highlight=electric%20vehicle,electrical,vehicle&searchId=34863448714823988]
The U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy recently announced nearly $5 billion that will be made available under the new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program established by President Biden’s proposed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to build out a national electric vehicle charging network, an important step towards making electric vehicle (EV) charging accessible to all Americans.
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