CA AB475 requires connection to the EVSE to avoid cite/tow

[mwalsh]

Is it possible to put a padlock on the public chargers to prevent being unplugged?

The ones with a padlock hole in the J1772 (ie: Kazaki - Chargepoint, AV, Eaton, etc...), sure. But a keyed padlock is sort of counter productive to sharing. A combo lock, even though the only one I know to fit is three-dial (so only 999 possible combinations), and a methodology where one could be contacted for the combination by a third-party, could possibly be the right answer. But as I mentioned in the MY ZEV LAX thread, that doesn't work in a situation where you can't be contacted, like when you're on a 5+ hour flight without a communication methodology.

 

[evchels]

Is it possible to put a padlock on the public chargers to prevent being unplugged?

The ones with a padlock hole in the J1772 (ie: Kazaki - Chargepoint, AV, Eaton, etc...), sure. But a keyed padlock is sort of counter productive to sharing. A combo lock, even though the only one I know to fit is three-dial (so only 999 possible combinations), and a methodology where one could be contacted for the combination by a third-party, could possibly be the right answer. But as I mentioned in the MY ZEV LAX thread, that doesn't work in a situation where you can't be contacted, like when you're on a 5+ hour flight without a communication methodology.

Exactly. Would be far easier simply to adjust the way sharing was done in the last generation. We've not had an issue of EV drivers maliciously unplugging each other in 15 years; I just see no reason to get so cynical about it all of a sudden.

 

[TRONZ]

I've been hearing a lot of both Coulomb and especially Ecotality complaining that they can't "give these chargers away".... so my only conclusion for now is that site owners aren't necessarily opposed to hosting EVSEs specifically, but more likely the terms the companies are asking of them. But you are definitely not alone in your frustration.

Since Ecotality has been given access to the largest $$$ grant and done so little, do we know the terms they are asking of potential hosts? Is this part of the public record since it is supposed to be a government backed program? Posting up a sample Ecotality contract could be very enlightening.

 

[TEG]

http://www.theevproject.com/downloads/documents/Phoenix%20EV%20Deployment%20Guidelines%20V3.1.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cost Estimates
$2,000 - $2,500 for a generic installation. Costs will vary based on length of the circuit run, electrical panel upgrades, and other factors.

Commercial Fleets
...
Cost Estimates
$40,000 - $50,000 for a generic installation of ten EVSE stations. Costs will vary based on length of the circuit run, trenching, electrical panel upgrades, and other factors...

 

[TEG]

Grants - AWARD SUMMARY : ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING CORPORATION

 

[TEG]

Looking for EVSE contracts, I found some others for Eaton & Coulomb...
(PDFs within word docs)
http://www.cityofseattle.net/purchasing/VendorContracts/Docs/0000002797_Contract_Summary.doc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cityofseattle.net/purchasing/VendorContracts/Docs/0000002867_Contract_Summary.doc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cityofseattle.net/purchasing/VendorContracts/Docs/Contract_Summary_2795.doc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[TEG]

An example contract:
http://www.ci.salinas.ca.us/leadership/pdf/reports/08162011CR7.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[TEG]

Ecotality "Host package" description:
http://eerc.ra.utk.edu/etcfc/docs/2011/EVProject/Ecotality%20Host%20Package.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[TEG]

Related:
http://www.cityofsalem.net/CouncilMeetingAgenda/Documents/213/4.3a.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/muni_clerk/agenda/12-21-10/12211006.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://phoenix.gov/FAGENDA4/agenweb5.html#Item47" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

See page 49+ of this:
http://www.ambag.org/meetings/agendas/2011/March%202011.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[TEG]

Discussion of possible ordinances:
http://countyofkane.org/Lists/Events/Attachments/592/AG%20PKT%20-%20Energy%20-%204-20-11.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[DannyAmes]

This is a ridiculous attack on the EV enthusiast! As an EV (electric Vehicle) driver myself I have had occasions where I needed to park in a none EV parking spot near another parked EV utilizing a charge portal that has been charging but has now topped off and I would remove the plug on it and then use the plug (charge infrastructure) for my vehicle. Under AB475 I would cause the other EV car to get a ticket and get towed.This is why we should oppose this poorly written piece of legislation or reword it to be more accommodating towards a growing EV market and makes these limited resources more friendly instead of punitive and discouraging.

Danny Ames

Copied from other folks:
http://www.fastcompany.com/1775575/gm-sponsors-bill-that-could-create-problems-for-electric-car-owners" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
One of Plug-In America's other accusations is far more damning. The group notes that under AB475, every vehicle parked in a designated EV spot must be plugged in to a charger at all times. This means that two parking spots can't share a charger, and that an unplugged EV parked in a charger-equipped space could be towed. In many places, the law could diminish the EV charging infrastructure.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Following Tom's lead, all California citizens should send Govenor
Brown a message to veto AB 475
I used
http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I checked at the top, comments, and after you click past that page,
another page opens up so you can put your subject/topic and comments.
It does not prompt you, but I put my full personal mailing address
and web page at the bottom to show I am a California citizen. There
is no warm and fuzzy 'are you sure' to the send button, so multi-check
your work before hitting send. Once it is sent, its gone. I did not
receive an automated response from the Gov's server like I do from
other Gov. reps (Senators, etc.)

I ask that you do not delay. Jump on this, get it done, and our views
will be heard.


brucedp <[email protected]>


Plug-In America is running a campaign to get the Governor of California to veto this poorly-worded bill. The main sticking points seems to be this text:

"...prohibits a person from parking or leaving standing a vehicle in a stall or space so designated for a zero emission vehicle ...unless the vehicle is connected for electric charging purposes."

The bill would also prohibit a person "from parking or leaving standing a specified vehicle unless the vehicle is connected for electric charging purposes."

In other words, if a vehicle (say a Leaf or a Volt) were done charging, and another EV wanted to charge, that person would cause the already-charged EV to be towed if they removed the plug. The Volt has an alarm that goes off when the plug is removed, but can be disabled if the Volt owner locks the car doors with the key instead of the remote in order to allow charging equipment sharing. (see the owner's manual for details).

'Electric charging purposes' - Could be that an ICE has a bad starting battery, and needs a charge in order to start. Would that be considered 'electric charging purposes'?

Contrary to GM's belief, some charging stations have 120v outlets that are not specific to charging a vehicle. How about if I want to charge my cell phone while the car is parked? I could just run an extension cord from the 120v outlet that some EVSE has to the cell phone AC adapter, and it would be used 'for electric charging purposes'.

Here is the text of the bill so you can see for yourself. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0451-0500/ab_475_bill_20110824_enrolled.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you are a California resident, I encourage you to visit the Plug-In America page and send Governor Brown a note asking him to veto this bill. The bill had good intent, but needs a re-write.

Tom Keenan

 

[KeiJidosha]

Grants - AWARD SUMMARY : ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING CORPORATION

"Nissan North America Inc - Award Number EE0002194 - Nissan North America Inc
Award Number EE0002194
Sub-Award Number N/A
Vendor DUNS Number 009602533
Vendor HQ Zip Code + 4 370676367
Vendor Name Nissan North America Inc
Product and Service Description Setup for data feed from NNA to ECOtality CRM and Nissan LEAF DC Fast Charger ports Payment Amount $1,211,130"

 

[TEG]

So a million dollars+ for a data link that doesn't process any data?

 

[walterbays]

Following Tom's lead, all California citizens should send Govenor
Brown a message to veto AB 475
I used
http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I received a nice response from my assemblyman's district manager whom I spoke with recently. Besides asking the governor for a veto, we need to ask the legislature for a decent bill that would allow enforcement of EV-only parking, allow Volts to charge, allow but not mandate plug sharing, and be simple for parking enforcement and for drivers. The requirements are pretty simple, though the details might not be. I know I will feel assured that reasonable legislation is being written if Plugin America is involved rather than GM.

I encourage people to visit your local California senator/assembleyman's office to politely request help, and offer to show them the car and answer any questions. One handshake is worth a thousand emails.

 

[evchels]

Thank you so much for your efforts! We have expressed interest all along in creating a piece of legislation that takes the various stakeholder concerns into consideration, and allows equal access to all plug-in vehicles while minimizing downsides. That remains our goal, in addition to addressing AB475.

 

[TEG]

http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/AB_475/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/asm/ab_0451-0500/ab_475_bill_20110824_enrolled.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.misselectric.com/?p=2514" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://asmdc.org/members/a53/news-room/press-releases/item/2626-butler-bill-to-encourage-increased-electric-vehicle-use-passes-first-committee" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[qcar]

"Unauthorized vehicles not connected for electric charging
purposes will be towed away at owner's expense. Towed vehicles may
be reclaimed at..."

So what if an Authorized Vehicle is not connected? Also would just adding for charging a "traction battery" solve for any accessory charging by an ICE vehicle?

 

[TEG]

Most of the non-charging concerns (12V battery tender, engine block heater, etc.) are 120V, but "real" charging is 240V, so if they had the wording specify 240V charging it would be more as intended.

Special parking spaces reserved for charging activities really ought to encourage 240V charging, not 120V charging.

 

[walterbays]

would just adding for charging a "traction battery" solve for any accessory charging by an ICE vehicle?

Theoretically. But it would require all parking enforcement officers and tow truck drivers to be automotive engineers.

After your charge finishes, are you still connected for purposes of charging a traction battery? If not, how will the officer know whether you're finished or not? What if the charging never started because you chose not to start charging? What if you tried to start charging, but didn't notice that the EVSE didn't read your RFID card correctly? What if you started charging but the EVSE stops charging shortly after you walk away?

Can the officer read all the blinking lights on a Leaf and a Volt and an iMiev and a Focus, etc.? Are the blinking lights covered with a sun shade? Do you have to leave the play during the second act to move your car? What if you're connected and drawing current, but you're pre-conditioning the cabin temperature for 20 minutes before you leave to extend range - not charging the traction battery? What if a Volt is connected and drawing current, but it's running thermal management on the traction battery - not charging the traction battery?

Worst of all, if someone commits petty vandalism against you by unplugging your car without your permission, then this law deals with that crime by punishing the victim - YOU. If I unplug you, nothing happens to me, but your car is towed away. You have to take a taxi to the impound lot and pay a fine and a towing fee.

AB475 tries to say "if you're plugged in you can park," but has too many fatal flaws and must be vetoed and rewritten. What it should say is "if you have a plug you can park." The details could be tricky and we don't want another botched bill, so I hope Plugin America is involved in writing a replacement bill.

 

[evchels]

Most of the non-charging concerns (12V battery tender, engine block heater, etc.) are 120V, but "real" charging is 240V, so if they had the wording specify 240V charging it would be more as intended.

Special parking spaces reserved for charging activities really ought to encourage 240V charging, not 120V charging.

As a generalization, I would disagree. For example, we're encouraging LAX to consider installing 120v outlets for longer term parking; if you're gone for a week, no need to fill up within a few hours when someone else could be using the 240v space. The important thing is to site the right speed of charging to fit the location- but any law along the lines of AB475 should be applicable to either.