Category: Legislation

Prince George’s County EV-Ready Legislation Advances in Council Vote

Lanny
Multi-unit dwelling EV charging station

The people of Prince George’s County, Maryland may benefit from more electric vehicle charging infrastructure being installed in new residential and commercial construction, thanks to the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Multifamily and Commercial Developments Act (CB-105-2024). The bill, which recently passed its first phase through the County Council, would require new and significantly renovated developments to include EV charging stations or “EV-Ready” infrastructure in parking lots and garages.

Key Amendments to the Bill

Initially, the legislation proposed that 20% of parking spaces be EV-Ready (pre-wired with a dedicated 40A circuit) and an additional 60% be EV-Capable (having panel capacity and raceways to support future installation). However, recent amendments reduced the EV-Ready requirement to 10%, and the EV-Capable mandate was removed entirely. Additionally, the start date for these requirements has been delayed from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2027.

Supporting Access to EV Charging

Councilmember Wala Blegay, a key supporter of the bill, believes the legislation is crucial for making EV charging more accessible and convenient for residents. “I personally wanted to buy an EV but frankly didn’t because I saw there were limitations on where I could charge.” 

Ensuring Charging Station Reliability

A key provision of the bill is the EVSE Maintenance Standard, which places responsibility on property owners to maintain EV charging stations in “good condition in all respects, including the functioning of equipment” ensuring that equipment remains functional and reliable—a growing concern in EV infrastructure.

Mixed Reactions

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Maryland Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Workgroup to Hold First Meeting

Lanny
Hearing for Maryland HB1028 EVSE Workgroup
Testifying for Maryland House Bill 1028 establishing the EVSE Workgroup.

New EVSE Workgroup Established by Maryland Legislature to Study Reliability Issues

The Maryland legislature recently passed, and Governor Wes Moore signed into law, SB951/HB1028, establishing the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Workgroup. This Workgroup has been tasked with developing a framework for reliability and reporting standards for EV charging stations. Additionally, the Workgroup will study and make recommendations regarding which government entities should ensure accountability for EV charging stations and propose regulations to address various issues outlined in the legislation. They must produce a report by November 1st.

First Meeting Announcement

The EVSE Workgroup will hold its inaugural meeting on July 9, 2024, from 1:30 – 3:00 PM. This virtual meeting will be hosted via WebEx. You can join the meeting using the following link: WebEx Meeting Link.

You can also dial in by phone at (202) 860-2110, using the access code 23476522148.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide verbal comments at the end of the meeting. A recording of the meeting will be available afterward on the Commission’s YouTube channel.

Agenda Highlights

The agenda for the first meeting includes the following key goals:

Statutory Goals:

  • Develop a regulatory framework for the items specified in SB951/HB1028.
  • Determine the responsible entities for implementing the regulatory framework.
  • Develop rules for determining EV charging station uptime and enforcement mechanisms.

Group Goals:

  • Identify what aspects the Workgroup should develop versus what should be handled by implementing agencies.
  • Decide which issues need to be codified in legislation, which should be determined through rulemaking, and which do not require formal rules.

Guiding Principles for Recommendations:

  • Ensure that EV charging stations used by the public operate as advertised.
  • Avoid unduly hampering the deployment of additional EVSE.

Meeting Notice and Agenda Links

You can access the meeting notice and agenda for the July 9, 2024, EVSE Workgroup meeting through the following links:

Meeting Details and Materials

First EVSE Workgroup Meeting Details:

  • Date: July 9, 2024
  • Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Format: Virtual via WebEx (link) or phone at (202) 860-2110 (Access code: 23476522148)
  • Public Comment: Opportunity provided at the meeting’s end.
  • Recording: Available after the meeting on the PSC YouTube Channel (link)

Meeting Materials:

  • Links to the meeting notice and agenda are available on the PSC website at MailLog Number 310679.

New Jersey Enacts EV Charging Uptime Legislation

Lanny
EV Charging Reliability

New Jersey Bill S3102

Approved by the Governor: 1/16/2024.

New Jersey bill S3102 Establishes uptime requirement for electric vehicle charging station incentive programs.

This statute directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a requirement, as a condition of providing any incentive for the installation of electric vehicle service equipment pursuant to P.L.2019, c.362 (C.48:25-1 et seq.) or any other State law, that the station is operational at least 97 percent of the time, as measured on an annual basis. The law also directs the BPU to develop and implement a process to establish, monitor compliance with, and enforce this requirement. As used in the law, “electric vehicle service equipment” means the equipment, including the cables, cords, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, attachment plugs, power outlets, switches and controls, network interfaces, and point of sale equipment and associated apparatus designed and used for the purpose of transferring energy from the electric supply system to a plug-in electric vehicle.

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Testimony – Maryland EV Charging Reliability Bill HB 1028

Lanny
HB1028 MDGA 2024

Economic Matters Committee – March 6, 2024

The following is a transcript of my testimony to the Maryland Economic Matters Committee in support of HB 1028, “Business Regulation – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment – Regulations for Retail Use.” This legislation would require the Comptroller to adopt regulations for the retail use of electric vehicle supply equipment in the State that include requiring an uptime of 97% and establishing civil penalties for non-compliance with the regulations.

To build trust in electric vehicles, reliable charging and transparent pricing are essential.

Good afternoon. My name is Lanny Hartmann.

As an electric vehicle driver, I’ve experienced firsthand both the promise and the challenges of relying on public charging.

Over the past decade, I’ve visited hundreds of charging stations across the country. While many function smoothly, especially those on the Tesla network, a significant number of public charging stations struggle with reliability and uptime.

Millions are being invested in Maryland’s charging infrastructure. Reliability, affordability, and user experience are critical for success.

According to the Department of the Environment, Maryland currently has around 4,000 charging ports, and about 20% of them are in need of maintenance.

In my own testing of about 70 fast chargers in central Maryland, I found that nearly a third of them had issues. These problems included damaged connectors, malfunctioning screens, or the charger would stop abruptly or deliver reduced power.

There’s a need for transparency in charging costs and meter accuracy. I once charged at a station in Hagerstown and was later billed $553 on my credit card. While I eventually got a refund for the mistaken billing, it underscores the importance of accurate metering and fair pricing.

To build trust in electric vehicles, reliable charging and transparent pricing are essential. Fortunately, Maryland is leading the way in setting reliability standards for utility-owned charging stations with HB 834 which the General Assembly passed last year.

Now, with this bill, we have the opportunity to expand upon that success and ensure reliability and accountability for all public charging stations in the state.

Thank you.

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Testimony – Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act

Lanny
Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act Testimony

Economic Matters Committee – March 2, 2023

The following is a transcript of my testimony to the Maryland Economic Matters Committee in support of the Maryland Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability Act (HB 834). The legislation subsequently passed and went into effect on October 1, 2023. This is one of the first laws of its kind in the United States.

We deserve transparency and accountability for EV charging infrastructure that’s being built with public funds.

My name is Lanny Hartmann. I’m an EV driver and a BGE ratepayer.

For years we’ve been told that public charging has 98% uptime, 99% uptime, even 100% uptime.

Last year a study was released by the University of California that looked at the reliability of the fast chargers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study found that only [72.5%] were functional.

I had my own concerns about charger reliability so I conducted my own test of fast chargers in Maryland. In August I visited all the fast chargers owned and operated by BGE.

What I found was that 71% of them were fully functional. In other words, one out of three were broken.

For every station that didn’t work, I reported the issue to customer service.

I compiled my findings and presented them to the Public Service Commission at a hearing in September. You have that report in my written testimony.

Two months later I visited all 69 stations again. This time I found that only 65% were operational. The reliability had actually gotten worse. 

There is a wide gap between what we’re being told about charging reliability and what EV drivers are actually experiencing.

The PSC and lawmakers need quality data to inform decision making.

We deserve transparency and accountability for EV charging infrastructure that’s being built with public funds.

That’s what this bill would do.

Thank you and I ask for a favorable report.

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Maryland to Penalize EV Drivers Who Are Not Plugged In

Lanny
Penalize EV Drivers

$100 Fine at Maryland Charging Stations

Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation yesterday that will penalize gas vehicle drivers who block electric vehicle charging stations in Maryland. The same $100 fine will also apply to EV drivers who are not “plugged into charging equipment.”

Unless the vehicle is a plug–in electric drive vehicle that is plugged into charging equipment, a person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a designated plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space.

Maryland Transportation Article §21–1003.2 (B)

Maryland is the 17th state to pass an “anti-ICEing” law to regulate parking at electric vehicle charging stations.

Virginia: Must be Actively Charging

A new Virginia law goes one step further. Beginning July 1st, electric vehicles in Virginia must be “in the process of charging” while in a reserved charging space. A diligent parking enforcement officer could conceivably ticket an EV driver for “ICEing” the instant their vehicle stops charging.

Colorado and New York also require EVs to be actively charging. However, those states give EV drivers a 30-minute grace period to move their car and make an exception for EV charging at airports, hotels and between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM.

No Signs, No Fines

The Maryland anti-ICEing law cannot be enforced unless the charging station provider wants to post signs that conform to the requirements spelled out in the legislation. Enforceable signs must state the amount of the fine ($100) and meet state standards for parking signs including color, font size and placement height. The regulatory signs, and therefore enforceability, are at the discretion of the charging station provider.

(C) A publicly accessible plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space shall be designated by a sign that:
(1) Indicates that the charging space is only for electric vehicle charging;
(2) Includes any day or time restrictions;
(3) States the maximum fine that may be incurred for a violation; and
(4) Is consistent with the design and placement specifications established in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25–104 of this article.

Maryland Transportation Article §21–1003.2 (C)

Unenforceable at Tesla Superchargers

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Maryland Proposes That New Buildings be EV-Ready

Lanny
Maryland EV-Ready

Pre-Wiring for Electric Vehicle Charging

Maryland Senate Bill 627 proposes to amend the state building code to require the installation of EV-Capable, EV-Ready, and EVCS-Installed parking spaces. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher of Montgomery County, would apply to new construction as well as existing buildings that undergo significant renovations.

The terms EV-Capable, EV-Ready and EVCS-Installed are defined in the bill as:

“EV–CAPABLE PARKING SPACE” MEANS A DEDICATED PARKING SPACE PROVIDED WITH ELECTRICAL PANEL CAPACITY AND INSTALLED CONDUIT THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO SUPPORT FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION OF EV CHARGING WITH A MINIMUM 40 AMPERE, 208/240 VOLT CIRCUIT.

“EV–READY PARKING SPACE” MEANS A DEDICATED PARKING SPACE THAT HAS A FULL CIRCUIT INSTALLATION OF A MINIMUM 40 AMPERE, 208/240 VOLT CIRCUIT PANEL CAPACITY, RACEWAY WIRING, RECEPTACLE AND CIRCUIT OVERPROTECTION DEVICES.

“EVCS–INSTALLED PARKING SPACE” MEANS A DEDICATED PARKING SPACE WITH AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION WITH AT LEAST LEVEL 2 CHARGING CAPABILITY THAT IS FULLY INSTALLED FROM THE ELECTRICAL PANEL TO THE PARKING SPACE.

Maryland EV-Ready Building Code

The code will apply to privately owned commercial buildings, multifamily residential buildings, mixed–use buildings consisting of five or more residential dwelling units, single–family homes, and townhouses. Each building will be required to include a minimum percentage of EV–Capable, EV–Ready, and EVCS–Installed parking spaces in the garage or parking area.

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Maryland Bill Would Require EV Charging at New Gas Stations

Lanny

One EV Charging Station for Each Gas Pump

Maryland House Bill 835 proposes to establish requirements for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a condition of approval for the construction of new retail gas stations in Maryland.

The bill, as introduced by lead sponsor Delegate Sheila Ruth of Baltimore County, would require at least one Level 2 charging station for each gasoline pump.

On or after October 1, 2022, a person constructing a retail service station that is projected to sell more than 1,000,000 gallons of gasoline per year shall install one electric vehicle charging station capable of providing at least Level 2 charging for each gasoline dispensing pump operated by the retail service station.

Maryland HB835 as introduced

Gas Stations Must be 1,000 Feet From Schools, Day Cares, Hospitals, etc.

A unit of government that exercises final construction approval authority for retail gas stations would also require a setback of at least 1,000 feet from a school, hospital, day care center, park, playground or certain other listed places.

(C) On or after October 1, 2022, a person constructing a retail service station shall apply to the approving body for a setback certification.
(D) An approving body shall issue a setback certification if the retail service station will be set back at least 1,000 feet, boundary line to boundary line, from:
(1) another retail service station;
(2) a church, as defined in § 5–301(b) of the Corporations and Associations Article;
(3) a day care center;
(4) a hospital;
(5) an outdoor area that is categorized as a cultural, entertainment, or recreational use area;
(6) a park;
(7) a playground;
(8) a public or private school; or
(9) a residential property.
(E) After October 1, 2022, without a setback certification issued by an approving body.

Maryland HB835 as introduced

A Public Hearing is scheduled for February 24 at 1:00 p.m. in the House Economic Matters Committee.

HB 835 is cosponsored by Delegates Belcastro, Foley, Lehman, and Terrasa.

PlugInSites is tracking electric vehicle legislation in Maryland, Virginia and certain EV related bills in other states. Follow the progress of those bills at the 2022 PlugInSites EV Legislation Tracker.