Vancouver mandates plugs in Condos

Vancouver adopts World Leading Residential Building Standards for Plug-in Cars

Vancouver, BC July 10, 2009   The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association is applauding yesterday’s decision by Vancouver City Council to set a new standard for new multi-family condominium development that’s ready for a plug-in future. 

VEVA Past President Don Chandler congratulated Mayor Gregor Robertson and the City’s councilors who voted unanimously on Thursday to approve a requirement for all new multi-family condominium projects to have 20% of parking stalls wired for electric vehicle charging.  The proposed by-law amendment had been reduced by City staff to 10% in response to the concerns of developers.  City Council also approved a plan to enhance the public charging infrastructure through its Easy Park parking lots.

Within hours of the decision electric vehicle advocates from the United States following the developments in Vancouver were in touch with VEVA to find out more details of the legislation, which may serve as a standard for other North American cities.

“This is a positive, prudent, and forward-thinking choice that clearly demonstrates Vancouver’s leadership” said Chandler. “Rather than facing expensive and disruptive retrofits, new condo buildings will be ready for the electric vehicles that will dominate urban transportation within the next decade. Vancouver has made a significant advance in its quest to be the greenest city, and the electric transportation future is a big part of that.”

“We believe we are the first jurisdiction in the world to mandate electric vehicle charging infrastructure for new residential homes” said John Stonier, VEVA Spokesperson.  “Last year the City of Vancouver mandated electric vehicle outlets for all new single family homes.  Now a much broader number of citizens will be served, those who live in condominiums in our City.”  Stonier continued “All the leading cities: London, Paris, San Francisco, Berlin – have developed robust networks of public charging points, but these have not yet been extended to residential homes where people will most often park their cars.  It’s the most convenient and economical place to recharge.”

At the request of Vancouver City staff, VEVA began a dialogue with the City in the fall of 2006, which led to a decision for the Millenium Water Olympic Village to adopt electric vehicle outlets in 3% of all parking stalls for this high profile development.

 About the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association

VEVA is a non-profit society formed by a number of British Columbia electric vehicle enthusiasts in 1988. VEVA advocates the use of electric motors as the primary motive power source for all forms of human transportation from trains, trucks, buses, cars to bicycles and skateboards for a clean, green and sustainable future. Membership is open to the public. For more information go to www.veva.ca

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For additional information, contact:

VEVA Spokesperson: John Stonier 604.671.4980 or liaison@veva.dhs.org
VEVA Past President: Don Chandler 604.307.1136 or pastpres@veva.dhs.org

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VEVA is a chapter of 
 Electric Auto Association

 http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Canada+already+plugged+electric+cars/1782372/story.html