PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia’s Electric Vehicle Policy Task Force today released its final report outlining key findings and recommendations. This report addresses the current state of electric vehicle (EV) usage in the City and recommends potential actions the City and partners can take to promote EV use.

“A successful approach to long-term sustainable transportation should seek to expand all Philadelphians’ access to safe, affordable, and low-carbon transportation,” said Michael Carroll, Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (oTIS). “EVs are a key component of achieving that goal.  Successfully promoting EV use depends on the collaboration of many partners within city government and beyond.  The work of the EV Policy Task Force has shown there is a broad spectrum of potential partners who have embraced this vision and are already playing leadership roles in reducing carbon emissions.”

The final report recommends transitioning from the existing Electric Vehicle Parking Space (EVPS) program and establishing alternative curbside charging opportunities. While the parking incentive offered by the EVPS program helped encourage early adoption of electric vehicles, providing dedicated parking to privately owned chargers in public space is not a scalable solution and does not maximize public charging opportunities in dense urban areas.

In response to public input, the final report identifies steps the City is taking to establish rules that allow curbside charging in the right of way without dedicated parking. To explore how shared curbside charging might serve EV users in Philadelphia, visit the oTIS EV webpage. Additionally, to address changing needs in this rapidly evolving market, oTIS will reexamine the report’s findings and strategies within two years and track progress toward the current recommendations.

“This report is the culmination of an eight-month process, and I thank the EV Task Force for its inclusive, thoughtful, and thorough approach,” said Councilman At-Large and Task Force member David Oh.

First District Councilman Mark Squilla, also a Task Force member, noted, “These recommendations seek to balance the needs of residents and visitors, while also continuing to provide opportunities for curbside charging.  I am thankful to all the Task Force members for their contributions.”

Led by the City’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, the report was developed based on input from Philadelphia City Council, Licenses & Inspections, Office of Sustainability, Office of Fleet Management, Streets Department, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Philadelphia Parking Authority, SEPTA, electric vehicle owners, and community representatives in addition to consultation from industry experts.

The report also offers recommendations in four other key areas: EV Charging Infrastructure, Transit & Fleets, Smart Infrastructure & Technology, and Education & Awareness. Key recommendations include:

  • Establishing rules to implement the existing law which allows curbside charging in public right of way;
  • Continuing to promote low-carbon transportation options including existing options such as mass transit, walking, and biking;
  • Encouraging EV charging installation in new and existing off-street parking facilities;
  • Exploring public-private partnerships with charging infrastructure providers;
  • Encouraging EV fleet adoption; and
  • Increasing EV awareness with partner organizations through improved marketing, outreach, and education.

A full version of the final report can be viewed here.

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