Bill > S1824

This bill aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by implementing several key provisions. Firstly, it allows battery electric vehicles, which are vehicles that run solely on electricity stored in a battery, to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, which are typically reserved for vehicles with multiple passengers. Secondly, it empowers local governments to regulate parking by potentially restricting certain areas for EVs or requiring designated EV parking spots. Thirdly, it mandates the development of state building code requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including provisions for future installation capabilities and direct charging station requirements, to be completed within one year of the bill's enactment. Fourthly, it defines various terms related to electric vehicles and charging, such as "electric vehicle," "electric vehicle charging station," and "publicly available parking space," and establishes rules for public EV charging stations, including prohibiting mandatory subscription fees for basic use, requiring credit card or mobile payment options at fee-based stations, and allowing the Department of Energy Resources to set interoperability billing standards for seamless network roaming. Finally, it requires the Commonwealth to ensure that 25% of its motor vehicle purchases are electric vehicles by 2025, with intermediate targets, and directs a study on electrifying the entire state fleet, including vehicles used by regional transit authorities.