Clean Energy Question of the Week

To meet transportation electrification goals and the increasing demand for EV charging options, states, utilities, and local governments will need to adopt policies that can streamline the process for connecting EV charging infrastructure to the grid. Delays at different stages of the process currently create uncertainty for project developers and slow down the transition to electrified transportation. The main factors that contribute to these delays include 1) interconnection process delays, 2) difficulties obtaining easements (which grant utilities the right to install, access, and service electrical equipment on a property), and 3) slow permitting processes.

States and local governments across the country are implementing best practices to help streamline the interconnection process. A few of these include 1) utilities ensuring that any staff working on EV infrastructure projects have charger-specific knowledge, 2) state legislatures requiring utilities to implement programs that allow for more cost- and time-efficient charger interconnections like “make-ready” programs, and 3) AHJs ensuring that information about the permitting process, including a list of any materials required to be submitted along with a permit request, is online and easy to find.

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These best practices and more can be read about in this IREC report, Paving the Way: Emerging Best Practices for Electric Vehicle Charger Interconnection, which can be used as guidance for jurisdictions looking to enable the rapid deployment of EV chargers.

While the electric vehicle (EV) market is still at a relatively early stage of development, EVs are fast gaining popularity and market share. Car manufacturers have plans in place for fleet rollout over the coming years, and federal governments the world over are putting in place policies to make the EV adoption path more attainable. The electric vehicle story is most certainly going to accelerate, and like any disruptive technology there is no shortage of exciting challenges that everyone involved in the ecosystem will get to solve. It will take everyone from policymakers, to utilities, to building owners, to code and safety officials, to the consumers themselves to ensure a successful transition. 

Making the decision to provide access to EV charging infrastructure at your commercial building is one of those challenges that requires a sound strategy for positive deployment. First, you should recognize that installing EV chargers can bring a number of benefits, including attracting and retaining EV driving tenants; supporting residents in purchasing or leasing EVs through greater awareness and access to charging infrastructure; increasing your property values; and more. Before installing commercial EV charging stations, it’s imperative that you consider several factors, including charger type, station location, and your long-term business goals.

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If you want to learn more about these factors and other topics like funding options and case studies of successful EV charging infrastructure, check out this 60-minute IREC webinar on The Possibilities of EV Charging.