California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty has introduced Assembly Bill 2427, known as the Equitable EV Charging Act, to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging access for residents of multi-family housing, particularly those who are low-income or from underrepresented racial groups. The bill aims to facilitate the deployment of curbside charging stations, which is seen as a solution to the limited availability of home charging for these communities. Current statistics show that home charging access for multi-family housing residents is below 33%.
The bill mandates the California Energy Commission to evaluate the benefits of curbside charging for communities with limited access and directs the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to develop permitting tools and best practices. These measures are intended to help local governments streamline the process of establishing curbside charging infrastructure. The bill is supported by FLO EV Charging and It’s Electric Inc, companies that specialize in EV charging solutions.
It’s Electric Inc offers a unique business model where they install and maintain low-profile chargers at eligible properties at no cost to the property owners, sharing revenue with them. This approach not only supports property owners but also aids cities in achieving carbon reduction goals without the need for costly utility infrastructure upgrades. The collaboration between state and local governments is essential for the successful expansion of EV charging access to those who need it most.
Key Takeaways:
- California’s proposed Equitable EV Charging Act aims to improve access to electric vehicle charging for multi-family housing residents by facilitating curbside charging installation.
- The legislation mandates the California Energy Commission to evaluate the benefits of curbside EV charging, especially for lower-income and minority communities with limited charging access.
- The bill encourages collaboration between state and local governments to develop permitting tools and best practices, streamlining the deployment of curbside EV charging infrastructure.
“If we strategically leverage the public right-of-way, we open up numerous new possibilities to increase communities’ access to EV charging right at the curb.”
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