Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ev Charging Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Advocates urge bill requiring level‑3 chargers at new or renovated fueling stations to normalize EV charging
Summary
Witnesses told the committee that requiring level‑3 (DC fast) chargers at new or renovated fueling stations would normalize EV charging, reduce range anxiety, and accelerate adoption; they cited examples from Canada and private chains already installing chargers.
Paul Reisberg of Elders Climate Action told the Joint Committee that requiring level‑3 charging at new or substantially renovated fueling stations (House Bill 35 58) would increase visibility of public charging, reduce range anxiety, and create opportunities for on‑the‑spot education about EVs. Reisberg described three psychological benefits: "the visibility, the normalization, and the conversations" that occur when public chargers are co‑located with fuel islands.
Multiple witnesses pointed to private sector pilots as evidence the model is feasible and happening elsewhere. Reisberg noted Petro‑Canada's coast‑to‑coast network and privately owned chains (Shell, Sunoco, Cumberland Farms) installing chargers in other jurisdictions. Emily Kelly of ChargePoint testified earlier that fleet charging hardware and depot solutions are commercially available and that private and municipal fleets are already deploying charging at depots and public locations.
Supporters argued the state requirement would complement other bills on electrification and a potential clean fuel standard by providing ubiquitous, visible charging that helps mainstream EV use. No vote was taken; advocates said they would submit written examples and implementation details for the committee's consideration.
