Charging an electric vehicle (EV) when you don’t have a garage or driveway with easy access to an electric outlet can make life a little more difficult.
For EV owners in Vancouver, British Columbia things will soon get a little easier, but a bit of legwork will be required first.
During a council meeting on Tuesday, the city approved the use of extension cords to run across sidewalks to reach curbside parking spots.
To be allowed to do so, EV owners must cover the cords in a flat, level ramp. This is to avoid it becoming a tripping hazard and to ensure accessibility for those using mobility devices and strollers.
The extension cords can only be placed on the sidewalk when in use, and can only be used for Level 1 (standard 120v outlet) charging.
Owners must submit an application for a licence, along with a nominal $5 fee. Licences will need to be renewed every year to ensure owners are aware of the latest regulations.
The new option comes after a failed pilot program that required owners to install underground infrastructure. The high costs and extensive design restrictions meant few owners applied for the program which ran from 2017 to 2019.
h/t: Daily Hive
