Regulation Insights
Columbus: EV Readiness Requirements
In response to the growing rates of EV adoption, the City of Columbus approved an EV Ready Parking Ordinance aimed at ensuring new developments are properly equipped to support EVs with necessary charging infrastructure. The ordinance passed in July of 2022 and took effect on January 1st, 2024.
The mandate specifies that new buildings will need to include EV charging capabilities in a portion of their parking spaces. The requirements will evolve on January 1st, 2028 to increase percentages of EV parking spaces to accommodate the expected growth in EV usage. This initiative aims not only to keep pace with the increasing demand for electric vehicles but also to ensure that Columbus remains on the forefront of environmental sustainability and urban planning.
For developers, however, this new mandate introduces additional considerations, particularly concerning the cost implications of installing EV charging infrastructure.
The regulation can be found in section 3312.55 of the Columbus City Codes. See link below:
Columbus City Code Section 3312.55
The Rules:
EV-Capable: Indicates that the parking space has the electrical capacity to support an EV charging.
EV-Ready: Indicates that the parking space has the necessary infrastructure (e.g., wiring) to support EV chargers.
EVSE-Installed: Indicates that the parking space already has functioning EV chargers installed.
How Developers Can Meet Regulations
Installing EV charging is an expensive endeavor. The chargers are not cheap, but the biggest cost regarding installation is the electrical infrastructure required to meet the demand of charging. The answer? EVSE Energy Management Systems.
An EVSE Energy Management System works by allowing multiple chargers to share power from a single circuit. For example, four charging stations could be installed on a single 60A circuit. PlugOp is an advanced energy management software that will actively control the delivery of power to several charging stations based on the number of EVs plugged in and each driver's specific needs.
Utilizing an energy management system such as PlugOp can significantly reduce the cost to meet your EV charging requirements. We encourage developers to reach out to us earlier in the design phase such that we can support their electrical engineering team with designing a cost-effective solution.
Considerations for Charging Programs with Energy Management
Although energy management can be an effective tool for reducing project costs; without the proper management platform, your residents may be disappointed with their charging experience as a result of reduced power. Here are the three biggest considerations to ensure residents love using your charging program although it is configured with energy management:
Convenience: EV owners want to be able to come home every night, plug in, and forget about it. We call this an assigned charging experience, and with the EV being plugged in every night, there is more than enough power even with energy management to replenish daily driving needs.
Transparency: In most energy management-based charging systems, it can be difficult for users to understand how long it will take to fully charge their vehicles, especially as other users plugging in can significantly reduce power delivery. Consider an energy management software that focuses on informing users of expected charge times when power delivery changes.
Flexibility: Charge speed flexibility can enhance the user experience. This flexibility primarily comes from allowing users to request additional energy when needed. For example, a system that enables users to ‘skip the line’ for faster charging when they need it most ensures user satisfaction.
At PlugOp, we have features built into our platform, to ensure all three of these points are taken care of. Reach out below to learn more about how we can help you meet the Chicago EV Parking Regulation for a significant cost reduction while maintaining a fantastic user experience!
Follow below to find out more about how PlugOp can help you meet the demands and regulations of EV charging in Columbus.
