Electric Vehicles

How it Works

In recent years EV ownership and interest has increased significantly. New federal tax credits authorized in 2022 will further incentivize EV purchase. These trends are not just driven by individuals — many municipalities and private sector companies are transitioning to electric fleet vehicles to meet cost savings and sustainability goals.

While fully electric EVs do not use gasoline, they still must be recharged through the local and regional electric distribution system. For most EV owners charging will occur predominantly at home or at work, so municipalities should support charging infrastructure at residential properties. EV use is also supported through resources that assist in locating recharging stations during longer trips.

Benefits

Reduced Pollution

The expansion of EV use reduces non-point air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The total energy needed for recharging an EV is less than that needed to power a gasoline powered vehicle over an equal distance. The reduction in carbon emissions would be even greater when EVs are charged from a utility grid using renewable energy sources.

Energy Conservation

When electric vehicles are recharged during off-peak times (such as at night) their use can both shift the demand away from gasoline and towards a more efficient use of electricity.

Efficient Future Installation

Anticipating future demands for recharging facilities during land development planning can make their installation less costly.

Greater Market Acceptance

Planning for more EV charging facilities can help create the infrastructure that can encourage their wider use.

Get Started

Municipalities can help create conditions that can encourage the wider use of EVs by adopting supporting policies and regulations:

Encourage Wider Installation in Non-Residential Developments

Municipalities can offer incentives for the provision of these facilities in office, commercial, and multi-family developments. Municipalities can encourage the provision of electricity charging conduits to be installed under parking lots, which can facilitate their later provision without the need to excavate paved areas. Density bonuses or relief from other land development requirements could be offered for a combination of energy saving measures including the recharging stations.

Encourage Enhanced Electric Charging Capabilities

More opportunities can be created for EV owners to charge their vehicles if homes and businesses are equipped with charging circuits at the time of initial construction. The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code does not currently regulate EV recharging facilities or require their initial provision, but municipalities could encourage their installation by discounting part of the application fee for building permits or other incentives.

Amend Land Use Regulations

New types of land use and zoning categories may be needed to accommodate EV charging facilities. Consumers may require a facility where their vehicles can remain for a period of time as they recharge while drivers can take advantage of other activities on the site such as shopping, visiting a coffee shop, or participating in a recreational activity.

Regional Coordination

Municipalities can create joint training opportunities for building inspectors who inspect and approve EV facilities, and adopt uniform multi-governmental zoning, and subdivision and land development regulations for EV charging facilities.

Utilize Municipal EVs

Municipalities can lead by example and use EVs to replace conventional vehicles in their fleets.

Considerations

"Range Anxiety"

Some consumers are hesitant to buy fully-electric vehicles due to concerns about being stranded without access to charging stations. Smart phone apps available for locating the nearest charging stations can help to ease this anxiety. (See Resource Links.)

Availability of Recharge Stations

Related to "range anxiety" is the availability of publicly accessible recharge stations. Most recharging is conducted at individual homes, however, public recharging stations and their facilities are becoming more commonplace and are more easily found through smart phone apps.

Vehicle Price

High battery costs make EVs more expensive than comparable traditional fuel vehicles, although initial purchase costs may be reduced by tax incentives and rebates. Prices are expected to fall as technology continues to improve and more EV options become available.

Long Recharge Times

EVs can require long recharge times depending on the charging systems. Level one charging systems provide 3-5 miles of driving range per hour of charge, level 2 chargers provide about 10-25 miles of ranger per hour, and DC fast charging stations provide 100-250 miles of range in 30 minutes.

Funding Limitations

The ability to install EV recharging facilities in public locations may be limited by available funding.

Parking and Charging Facilities

Charging stations and parking locations need to be in proximity, and EV owners may therefore indirectly receive preferential parking locations. This may not appear to be equitable. Vehicles with completed charges should also be moved to free the charger for another vehicle, which may result in enforcement difficulties.