Colorado Wants to Stop Gas Cars Parking at EV Charging Stations
The state of Colorado is determined to clamp down on drivers of gasoline cars that makes it impossible for EV drivers to recharge.
The battle between electric cars and combustion engine vehicles is heating up – and maybe no for the reason, you think. The two types of cars are beginning to battle for parking space.
For drivers of electric cars finding a place to charge your car isn’t always easy. Charging stations are still relatively few and far between which makes the space premium.
Watch out for ICE
Drivers of gasoline cars, on the hunt for an easy parking space, have been accused of taking over these spaces – making it impossible for EV drivers to recharge. The state of Colorado is determined to clamp down on this by issuing heavy fines for drivers parking in the wrong place.
A bill was recently passed in the house of representatives that will allow drivers of a combustion engine car to be fined $150, plus a $32 surcharge, for parking in a space reserved for an EV vehicle.
The bill will now go to the Senate. But electric car drivers don’t escape either.
EV drivers warned
Drivers who leave their car unplugged at parking lot chargers for more than 30 minutes, will be fined in a similar manner. Exceptions are made for cars on private property at airports and overnight.
If passed it will hopefully encourage the smooth charging and movement of electric cars.
The practice of combustion engine cars deliberately blocking EV charging stations is known as ICEing.
Be considerate
Sometimes the driver of the car simply doesn’t notice the space is reserved for charging an electric car, other times the blockage is more deliberate. The website ‘Take Charge and Go’ has developed a handy guide for dealing with being ICE’d.
Tesla drivers in areas with supercharger stations don’t need to worry about being ICE’d but in areas without the dedicated fast charging stations they are just as vulnerable. There are more than 100 electric car models about to make their debut into the American market by 2022.
That’s a lot of cars – where will they all charge?
Many people will be able to charge at home either with a charger that can be used from standard power or via a 240-volt line and a dedicated “Level 2” charger installed.
However, people living in dense urban areas that don’t have access to private garaging will need to rely on public charging stations.
According to Forbes, there are around 20,000 EV charging stations operating in the U.S. with many have multiple charging spots. Usually, these stations are installed in parking garages, car dealerships, even at traditional gas stations.
Depending on when and where they are installed their charging time and costs ranges.
The ownership and maintenance of the public charging stations differ greatly from place to place.
Some are owned and operated by state authorities while others are privately managed.
Before investing in an electric vehicle it is wise to understand where the closest charging station to you are, the cost related to charging as well as doing some research on how easy it is to access.
In most areas, there are clubs devoted to the cult of electric car ownership which can be easily found via a Google search on Facebook that can provide more localized knowledge.
Source: interestingengineering
