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The Virginia Get Ready Roundtable gathered for an introductory meeting on May 18, 2010 and met throughout the summer to establish a cooperative plan for deployment of electric vehicles in Virginia. This plan and related educational information for the state are now published on the Virginia Clean Cities and partner sites as well as a new educational resource: http://www.virginiaev.org
Virginia drafted a plan to facilitate the roll-out of electric vehicles. This plan involved the input of nearly 100 individuals and dozens of relevant organizations. state and local government entities, fleets, universities, utilities, civic organizations, vehicle manufacturers, and businesses were represented.
EVs represent an economic opportunity. So far in 2010, 84 new jobs and $23.5 million in new investment have been announced in the electric charger and battery component sectors in Virginia.
Virginia Get Ready: Electric Vehicles Plan p. 59
The objectives of Virginia’s efforts are to establish Virginia as a leader in the adoption of electric vehicles in order to reduce vehicle emissions, increase energy independence, and generate positive economic development for the Commonwealth.
Richmond is one of 19 cities chosen by Ford as an initial market for the new, all-electric Ford Focus. To be launched in late 2011, this vehicle will have a 100-mile range.
http://www.virginiaev.org is a great resource for Virginia EV drivers. The initial EV plan was launched in October 2010. Leadership is still working with local groups and the state team to enhance EV efforts statewide.
What should I do prior to purchasing a Plug-in Vehicle?
Work with an EV seller or EV charger provider, determine whether you want to install a Level 1 charger (less complicated installation but 8-14 hour charge time) or Level 2 charger (more complicated but 4-6 hour charge time). To save money on electrical rates while your electric vehicle charges, contact your utility company to determine what type of installation is required to set up best time-of use service. If the utility company indicates you need a second meter panel or a dual meter adapter to take advantage of lower electrical rates whiles your electric vehicle is charging, contact your city or county’s building division to determine whether the agency allows such installation before proceeding. Have a private electrician inspect your home to determine whether you have sufficient electrical capacity for the type of EV charger installation you desire (Level 1 or Level 2). Obtain a cost estimate for electrical upgrade if required as well for other installation work that may be needed.
What kind of permit do I need to install an EV charger?
You need an electrical permit.
Do I need to submit plans with my permit?
No plan is required for simple EV charger installations that will not require trenching. For projects that do require trenching, plans will be required.
How do I apply for a permit?
Submit an application to the Building Department that identifies the property, lists the name of any person who will work on the project, and describes the proposed work in detail.
If plans are required, submit three sets of plans along with the permit application showing the following:
The EV rate plan is currently working its way through the Virginia legislature:
Dominion Virginia Power has designed a pilot off-peak charging proposal. This optional rate could promote grid-balancing and inexpensive nighttime charging:
Dominion Virginia Power Proposes Rate Options for Charging of Electric Vehicles
Numerous installations are in progress from the Chargepoint America program. Chargers are also in progress in Richmond. Virginia’s public chargers are submitted in a timely manner to DOE’s tracking database.
Rapid permit process is in place in several localities. Regulatory streamlining efforts are also in place in several cities. Virginia Beach has a 2 minute permitting process. Contact information for permit officials is collected and published at http://www.virginiaev.org
Establish Virginia as a leader in the adoption of the electric vehicles in order to reduce vehicle emissions, increase energy independence, and generate positive economic development for the Commonwealth. Present an initial Virginia “electrification plan” detailing:
Virginia Utilities have installed and converted Prius vehicles, bucket trucks, and have agreed to purchase test Chevy Volt units when available. The Commonwealth has installed free access vehicle charging units at one rest area. Virginia entities are assessing charging capacity, investment needs, and roles in jumpstarting vehicle adoption and infrastructure deployment.
Virginia companies make batteries, motors, charging stations, and design and deploy electric vehicles and convert hybrid vehicles to plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. Northern Virginia is connected within the 70 mile radius of the DC ChargePoint America deployment and early adoption vehicle enthusiasts. Charlottesville Virginia is involved in a robust smart grid and vehicle conversion deployment program and has a high number of early Prius adoptions. Richmond Virginia has a large fleet presence and a local electric vehicle initiative. Hampton Roads includes large federal fleets in close proximity that are likely to benefit from electric improvements. Virginia fleets currently have 85 electric vehicles and there are numerous charging stations available, including modern units and EV1 deployment units from the late 1990′s.
State and local government entities, fleets, universities, utilities, civic organizations, vehicle manufacturers, and businesses are represented and stakeholder numbers are growing in the Virginia electrification effort.
Government representation includes the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, the state Department of Mines Minerals and Energy, the Department of General Services, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, the US Department of Energy and Clean Cities program, Virginia Clean Cities, Fairfax Virginia, Arlington Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Henrico Virginia, Chesterfield Virginia, James Madison University, and the University of Virginia.
Utility representation includes Dominion Power and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. Civic involvement includes Electric Vehicle Association of Washington DC, Richmond STIR, the Virginia Automobile Association, and Virginia Clean Cities. Business representation includes Nissan, Ford, Smith Electric Vehicles, the Advanced Vehicle Research Center, Richmond Segway, Evatran, Plugless Power, Aker Wade, Kollmorgen, Coulomb, and Encell.
Based on likely adoption predictions, infrastructure and vehicle efforts will be initially targeted for the specific regions of Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Hampton Roads.
This plan was refined over the summer of 2010 and presented to public and private stakeholders in October 2010 at the Commonwealth of Virginia Energy Symposium. The Virginia effort was based on the four working groups of the neighboring efforts in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Virginia Get Ready Roundtable subcommittee groups included : 1) Standards and Readiness, 2) Education and Outreach, 3) Incentives, and 4) Sites and Installation.
The Regional Champion for the Virginia effort was Virginia Clean Cities.
Vehicle fleet conversions:
Demonstration vehicles are on the ground in Charlottesville. A company in Danville adds batteries to Prius vehicles, including several now in use in Virginia fleets.
Virginia EV Plan <http://www.virginiaev.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/EV-VGR-FINAL-October-13-2010.pdf>
Find charging stations near you
Gain a better understanding of federal and local incentives
The Virginia Get Ready planning process included a wide review of potential incentives. This review rated and considered incentives based on feasibility and impact. A listing below of existing incentives illustrates the Commonwealth’s existing emphasis on electric vehicles. Several additional incentives are working through the legislature now.
