The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Policy News

Ahead of the introduction of the first mass-market electric cars in the US, the city of San Francisco is revising its building code to require all new homes and offices to be wired for electric car chargers.

A year after San Francisco installed three electric vehicle chargers in front of its City Hall as a public demonstration of plug-in vehicle technologies, it is now taking a step further towards positioning itself as America's green car capital.

Media sources such as the Guardian and the New York Times report that the City will soon be adopting revised building codes that will require all new buildings to be wired for electric car chargers. Moreover, local authorities will be launching next month a loan scheme that will encourage homeowners to install their own charging stations.

Preparing for the first mass-market electric cars

The revision of the San Francisco building code comes ahead of the introduction of the first mass-market electric cars expected later this year. In December 2010, Nissan is expected to introduce its five seat EV that will have a range of 100 miles and with which the company is targeting middle-class families. Moreover, General Motors will be introducing its 40 mile range Chevrolet Volt PHEV at about the same time.

The San Francisco area is home to companies like Coulomb Technologies and Better Place that are developing the networks and software to allow electric utilities manage EV charging.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in anticipation of the introduction of more alternative-fueled vehicles to the state's roadways during the next five years, has been examining the impacts electric and natural gas vehicles may have on the state's energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Pacific Gas & Electric, San Francisco's main electricity supplier, is sketching out "heat maps" of neighbourhoods for which electricity demand is likely to soar once EV owners start plugging in their vehicles.

Cities join forces to make Bay Area a premier market for plug-ins

In October 2009, the US Federal Energy Bill provided $1 million for the city’s electric vehicle programme. “These funds will help us put the infrastructure in place to be ready for the plug-in cars that auto companies will soon be offering”, said Mayor Newsom back on the day.

San Francisco is working with other cities and stakeholders to make the Bay Area a premier market for plug-in vehicles. Launched in November 2009, the ‘Bay Area EV Corridor’ programme is a unique regional effort to develop coordinated programmes and EV policies throughout the nine county region.