Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are popping up all over the country to accommodate the estimated 1 million electric vehicles that will be on the road by 2015.  What does your property have to gain by installing these stations?

First of all, the Federal Government will subsidize up to 30% of the cost to install charging stations (up to $30,000) through the end of 2011.  To further increase the number of electric vehicles and charging stations, some states like California are signing additional EV tax credits into legislation and some utilities are putting rate reductions in place for EV charging.

Since electric vehicles help with the reduction of CO₂ emissions, properties are further demonstrating their sustainability efforts by offering stations where tenants may recharge their car.   Installing charging stations may earn properties LEED points with “3 points available if 5% of parking is made available for low-emission and fuel efficient vehicles” for LEED-NC and “3-15 points available for the reduction in conventional commuting trips from 10-75%” for LEED-EB.

Additionally, properties want to get ahead of the electric vehicle trend and offer charging stations as an amenity for current and prospective tenants.  Some buildings are installing EV chargers in anticipation of the electric vehicles employees plan to buy.  The demand for electric vehicles will only increase with the tax credit incentives for consumers and number of electric car options becoming available.  By providing electric vehicle charging stations, properties are further demonstrating their commitment toward their tenants and the environment.

For further information regarding electric vehicle charging stations, please visit the following websites:

http://www.cleanfuelconnection.com/

http://www.parkpod.com/

http://www.geindustrial.com/products/static/ecomagination-electric-vehicles/ge-wattstation.html