New EV parking bill stirs controversy
Public parking spaces for drivers of electric vehicles are coveted in California, especially in metropolitan areas, and a new bill sitting on the governor's desk may slash the number of available spots even further.
Bill AB 475, which was passed by both state houses recently, would restrict drivers to one charging station per vehicle and require that they be plugged in to park in the designated zone.
Currently, charging stations are equipped to support multiple electric vehicles, according to NBC San Diego. In addition, current laws allow drivers with DMV-issued decals to leave their car in designated charging stations after the vehicle has been fully charged. The bill was authored by Assemblywoman Betsy Butler and supporters say the current laws result in too much space being taken up in areas that are already clogged with traffic, such as airport terminals and other busy public spaces.
"Unfortunately, 'parking' in the spots designated for 'charging' has been a problem, and now with the newer vehicles not designed for charger 'sharing' the problem of allowing some vehicles to 'park' indefinitely in a spot designated for 'charging' represents a big problem for new vehicle owners," Jennifer Wonnacott, communications director for Assemblywoman Butler, told the news station.
In addition, San Diego, California, plans on building more than 1,000 new charging stations by the end of the year to accommodate the changes that will result if the new legislation becomes law, the news station reports.
Opponents speak out
Despite popular support for the bill, there are still a sizable number of opponents who say the legislation would place an unnecessary burden on both electric vehicle drivers and the state itself. PlugInAmerica.org is circulating a petition against the bill, which the group says will ban the longstanding and altruistic practice of sharing car chargers. Prior to the bill, individuals could leave their car at a sharing station to be charged and may place a note or letter on their vehicle giving other drivers permission to unplug the connection when their battery is fully charged. Under the new law, individuals who leave their vehicle to charge and come back to find the plug removed by another driver would be held liable for fines and towing.
In addition, the group says the law takes a burdensome financial toll on the state's already weak budget by forcing it to invest in additional charging technology and build more charging stations to support the electric vehicle community.
