A whole new wave of energy efficient electric cars will be rolled out over the next couple of years and the Bay Area is poised to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and other infrastructure needed to support this changing landscape of automotives. Energy transformation from carbon fuels to renewable energy sources such as EVs must be achieved in order to reduce carbon emissions and ensure protection of the planet from climate change. The environmental and economic benefits of increased electric vehicle use include reduced greenhouse gas emissions with EV emissions estimated to be 75 percent lower than the average conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.
To assist local governments in preparing the region for new electric vehicles (EV), the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Bay Area Climate Collaborative (BACC), EV Communities Alliance, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District have developed Ready, Set, Charge, California! A Guide to EV Ready Communities. The guidelines provide information on charging station options and installation issues, signage, ADA compliance, permitting, EV-friendly building and parking ordinances, and other key issue. The guidelines provide a consistent framework for EV infrastructure deployment and guidelines on key challenges and questions facing local governments.
One of the goals of Ready, Set, Charge California is to establish the San Francisco Bay Area as an electric vehicle leader. Electrical vehicle readiness will involve facilitating installation of new charging stations and helping the public understand how to use charging stations regionwide. Electrical vehicle charging stations must be accessible to provide electrical vehicle drivers with the ability to travel across the region.
Local agencies and other stakeholders are urged to review the Ready, Set, Charge California guidelines to establish their own local EV guidelines to streamline the use of EVs regionwide. Implementation of the guidelines will help the Bay Area become “EV ready.” Download Ready, Set, Charge, California! A Guide to EV Ready Communities at www.readysetcharge.org. Contact Jackie Reinhart at jackier@abag.ca.gov or 510-464-7994 for more information.