Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
BOMA Position
BOMA International fully supports energy efficient alternatives in transportation. With a growing number of electric vehicles (EV) on the road, a marketplace need is developing for EV charging stations. BOMA supports the rights of property owners to decide whether or not to install EV charging stations at parking facilities and opposes any mandates for the provision of EV charging stations or “EV-ready” infrastructure. BOMA believes the free market will meet the growing demand.
Background
It has been estimated that more than 100,000 electric vehicles are now on the road in the United States, and this is only expected to grow. As plug-in cars have become more visible on the nation’s highways and local streets, there has also been a corresponding need for electric vehicle charging stations. This emerging need is creating a marketplace demand. Many building owners have installed EV charging stations and have successfully used it as a profit center as well as an amenity to attract new business and/or new tenants. Others are reluctant to take on the cost (installation cost, lost revenue from lost parking spaces, etc.), ongoing maintenance and management responsibilities, and liability. Where building owners are able to balance the benefits and potential draw backs, and where it makes economic sense, property owners will move forward to meet the need, without federal, state or local mandates.
Currently, the city of Los Angeles, CA; the city of Vancouver, WA; and the state of California all have “charger ready” building codes, which have been in effect for years. New York and 7 other states have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase electric vehicle adoption, and modified building codes are anticipated. New York City recently passed an ordinance requiring that a minimum of 20 percent of any parking spaces in new construction open lots (or older lots being upgraded) be readied for EV charging.