signs - Plug-In Sites

Double Whammy: Broken Chargers and ICEd Spots in Baltimore

July 9, 2024 Lanny

Frustration at the Curbside in Baltimore City

Which is worse, a broken charger or arriving and finding it “ICEd“—blocked by a gas vehicle? I recently encountered a bit of both at a curbside charging spot on Washington Boulevard near Carroll Park in Baltimore City.

When I arrived there on a weekday afternoon, I discovered that out of the four available spots, two were blocked by ICE vehicles. To make matters worse, the two remaining spots had non-operational chargers. Of course, the spots by the functioning EVSE were the ones that were ICEd. Murphy’s law, I suppose.

It felt like a double whammy—broken stations compounded by inconsiderate parking. Such experiences can be a frustrating reality for EV drivers.

The EV Driver’s Dilemma: Out of Order or ICEd

This experience highlights a significant challenge for EV drivers: the accessibility and reliability of charging stations. When charging stations are out of order or blocked by ICE vehicles, the result is the same—you cannot charge your vehicle. While there might be debates over which scenario is worse, the frustration and inconvenience for EV drivers are undeniable. It’s a stark reminder of the gaps in the current infrastructure and the everyday obstacles faced by those who have made the switch to electric.

Public Spending and the Promise of Range Anxiety Relief

The situation is particularly disheartening considering the millions in public spending being approved by legislators and public utility commissions to fund the buildout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. One of the primary justifications for this massive investment is to alleviate “range anxiety,” the fear that a vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination, which remains a significant barrier to EV adoption according to surveys.

The Need for Improved Infrastructure and Enforcement

To truly alleviate perceived range anxiety and make EVs a viable option for everyone, it’s not just about installing more charging stations. Ensuring these stations are functional and accessible is equally critical. This means regular maintenance to keep chargers operational and stringent enforcement to prevent ICE vehicles from occupying EV charging spots.

Maryland Anti-ICEing Law Sign Requirements

May 26, 2022September 28, 2022 Lanny

The Maryland anti-ICEing law that passed this year will go into effect on October 1, 2022.

In order to be enforceable the charging space needs to be designated by a certain sign that, among other requirements, must meet design and placement standards established by the State Highway Administration.

Sign Specifications of Maryland Anti-ICEing Law

Specifically, the law states that a publicly accessible plug–in electric drive vehicle charging space as defined under Transportation Article § 21–1003.2, Annotated Code of Maryland shall be designated by a sign that:

Indicates that the charging space is only for electric vehicle charging;
Includes any day or time restrictions;
States the maximum fine that may be incurred for a violation; and
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.

Guidance Needed to Inform Deployment of Signs

There are guidelines for parking signs at spaces reserved for persons with disabilities under the Maryland Accessibility Code for Buildings and Facilities as established by COMAR 09.12.53.12 PDF link.

For example, ADA parking signs must have the international symbol of access and the words “Reserved Parking”, and conform with the requirements for uniform traffic control devices under Transportation Article, §25-104. Those signs generally must be at least 7 feet above the ground if on a pole.

I hope that the Maryland State Highway Administration will provide similar guidance for signs for electric vehicle charging spaces that will satisfy the requirements of the Maryland anti-ICEing law.

I hope any guidance or standards developed by the state of Maryland will include a suggestion to include text to inform EV drivers that their vehicle must be connected to the charging equipment.

Montgomery County Installs EV Charging Wayfinding Signs

August 6, 2021September 28, 2022 Lanny

MCDOT EV charging wayfinding signs — image: MCDOT

Have you seen the blue signs on highways that direct travelers to electric vehicle charging stations? They have a symbol that looks like a gas pump but with a plug instead of a nozzle and the letters “EV” on it.

These wayfinding signs help alert EV drivers of “refueling” services just like the signs notifying drivers of gas and diesel stations at an upcoming exit. These alternative fueling station signs also help create public awareness of the existence of EV charging stations. This helps people feel more comfortable about purchasing a plug-in electric vehicle.

Montgomery County Maryland Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is initiating a program to install EV charging wayfinding signs in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. MCDOT plans 42 wayfinding signs in and around public parking facilities that currently have EV charging stations. See: Montgomery County Adds EV Charging to Five More Garages

Standardized Signs Based on Federal MUTCD Standards

The goal is to assist EV owners to locate charging stations and to make the public aware of the County’s charging infrastructure. The signs are based on the D9-11b standard general services sign. These are approved by the Federal Highway Administration in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

MCDOT Director Chris Conklin says, “Letting the public know that these charging stations are available is important to encourage the use of electric vehicles.” Montgomery County has committed to a zero-emissions goal by 2035.

20 Level 2 Charging Stations in MCDOT Parking Facilities

There are 20 public Level 2 charging stations in parking facilities supported by MCDOT Division of Parking Management. These charging stations in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton cost $0.13 per kWh. There is a four-hour limit for the charging spaces which are designated for electric vehicle charging only. See: Montgomery County Updates EV Charging Signs

Visit the MCDOT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program page for more information and a map of their electric vehicle charging stations.

New Signs at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD

March 1, 2021September 28, 2022 Lanny

Enforceable Signs for County Anti-ICEing Ordinance

Charging stations at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland now have new signs. The BGE EVsmart stations that opened in January originally had green and white signs with “electric vehicle parking only” and a logo depicting a car with a plug. Those signs were not enforceable under the Howard County anti-ICEing ordinance.

The local EV community advocated for an anti-ICEing ordinance and Howard County passed legislation in 2014. See: Video of Public Comments on Howard Co. Bill CB36-2014. The ordinance requires official signs that meet federal and state standards to designate a charging space before police can enforce the prohibition.

Official Signs Comply with Federal and State Standards for Parking Signs

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Policy Statement on June 17, 2013 to address regulatory sign standards for electric vehicle charging and parking facilities. Howard County has chosen to use the “NO PARKING EXCEPT WHILE CHARGING” (R7-113) signs at the utility-operated charging stations located on county-owned property.

Standardized signs are are a good idea even in places that don’t yet have an anti-ICEing law. They are the best way to communicate that spaces in front of EV charging stations are not parking spots, they are for electric vehicles while being recharged.

Green Paint Vital to Enforcement of Proposed Maryland Anti-ICEing Law

February 8, 2018January 11, 2023 Lanny

We’ll need many gallons of green paint and hundreds of new signs to make electric vehicle charging stations enforceable in Maryland under the latest proposal for a state-wide anti-ICEing law. Are EV charging station site hosts, local and state governments and the EV community up to the task?

Eight states have enacted anti-ICEing laws. They all require that the charging spots be designated in some manner in order to be enforceable. One state, Washington, requires “green pavement markings” in addition to signs to enforce their $124 penalty for violators.

A bill proposed in the 2018 session of the Maryland General Assembly will also require green pavement markings in order to be enforced. HB 598, sponsored by Delegate Clarence Lam, is the sixth attempt at anti-ICEing legislation in Annapolis.

I have participated in efforts to get a statewide anti-ICEing law in Maryland since 2012 when Delegate Eric Luedtke introduced HB 108. In addition to many phone calls, meetings and letters, I have traveled to Annapolis on at least three occasions to testify in support of legislation as chronicled here in 2016 and here for 2017. What will it take to be successful this time?