2.16 Communicate with private entities, other agencies, and local municipalities to maximize charging network effectiveness

Actor

2.16   Communicate with private entities, other agencies, and local municipalities to maximize charging network effectiveness

Reason for action

Coordinating charging infrastructure installation with other entities can help avoid redundancy of charging stations within a location and maximize network reach and use.

Implementing the action

• Communicate with other potential charging station builders (e.g., private entities, local governments, other state agencies. See action 1.1) can help coordinate charging station deployment. Both cities and private businesses are installing charging stations. Spotlight: Walgreens [1] is installing a high number of charging stations at its locations. Spotlight: ECOtality [2] and Coulomb [3] are using U.S. Department of Energy grant funds from the Recovery Act to deploy charging stations across the country.
• Encourage interoperability of charging networks. If the state has several different charging networks, the DOT can encourage streamlined use of all the different networks. The DOT can encourage interoperability by, for example, incorporating language on compatibility and interoperability in any grant funding opportunities. It can also convene charging infrastructure providers to discuss barriers to compatibility and interoperability. Spotlight: AeroVironment and ECOtality are building large charging networks in Oregon. Drivers without membership must submit their credit card information to ECOtality each time they charge. Drivers that are a part of the AeroVironment network get an AeroVironment key fob that cannot be used with other charging network providers, although AeroVironment also offers point-of-sale options.

Outcomes

Coordination and communication among stakeholders lead to a better-designed and user-friendly charging network.

Related Actions

• Successor actions (charging infrastructure): 2.15 Scope out Ways to build Charging infrastructure on or near Highway Rights-of-Way [4]; 3.3 Deploy charging stations [5]
• Other relevant actions: 2.4  [6]Seek out and define PEV priorities with diverse, cross-sectoral stakeholder [6]; 2.3 Support communications and outreach by other electric vehicle stakeholders in the state [7]; 2.9 Use and publicize standardized PEV charging signage [8]; 2.10 Create standard definition for PEVs [9]