Bill > H3085

This bill aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by introducing several key provisions. Firstly, it allows battery electric vehicles, which are EVs powered solely by electricity stored in an onboard battery, to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, regardless of the number of passengers. Secondly, it empowers cities and towns to regulate parking by designating specific areas for EVs, including those with special plates or decals, and sets penalties for violations. Thirdly, it mandates the development of state building code requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including provisions for future installation and direct charging station requirements, in consultation with the Department of Energy Resources. Fourthly, the bill defines various terms related to EVs and charging, and establishes rules for public EV charging stations, such as prohibiting mandatory subscription fees for basic use and allowing payment via credit card or mobile technology at fee-based stations. It also allows the Department of Energy Resources to set interoperability billing standards for network roaming and requires owners of public charging stations to report data on their stations to a public database. Finally, the bill requires the Commonwealth to purchase electric vehicles for its fleet, with a target of 25% of new vehicle purchases being electric by 2025, and mandates a study on electrifying the entire state fleet, including regional transit authorities.