Good news for California electric vehicle drivers! SB454, the EV Open Access Act, has passed out of the California Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. SB454 allows consumers with plug-in cars the same access to charging stations that gas stations provide gasoline cars. In other words, EV drivers will soon be able to charge anywhere, at rates that are clearly marked, and without the need for special membership.
“This bill will ensure that plug-in drivers can charge everywhere and will know what it will cost,” said Jay Friedland, Plug In America’s Legislative Director. “Public charging spots must be readily accessible to the public and not constrained with access cards or network membership requirements.”
Currently, EV drivers are required to obtain access cards for charging stations. The new bill would allow anyone with an electric vehicle to charge their car and pay with their regular credit card. The bill also requires pricing transparency so that drivers know costs associated with particular charging stations. Since 2010, the charging industry has made significant progress installing EV charging infrastructure.
“A sustainable vehicle charging infrastructure is an important part of the road to electric transportation. Greater consumer confidence in public charging will speed acceptance of EVs by ensuring that drivers will know how much charging will cost them,” Friedland added. “A straightforward, sound set of principles that builds off the best practice standards already being set by leading charging companies will strengthen and increase the size of the market, especially as the number of vehicles continues to grow at an accelerating pace.” Continue reading
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