EV-ready parking to be requirement for new homes in Kamloops by 2023
Kamloops is one step closer to requiring new residential developments to be ready for electric vehicle charging stations.
The new policy is expected to be in place by 2023, which will effect all developments including single-family homes and multi-family projects.
“By being EV-ready, a homeowner or property manager can install a level 2 EV charger of their choice in the future without having to retrofit or upgrade the electrical service, which can be a barrier due to its cost and complexity," the City's sustainability supervisor Glen Cheetham said in a media release.
A level 2 charger uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to an oven or clothes dryer, according to B.C. Hydro. It charges electric vehicles within six to 14 hours.
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A level 1 charger uses a standard 120 volt outlet which is available at most homes, but it can take 12 to 20 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle.
Council directed staff to prepare necessary bylaw amendments so the policy can be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2023.
Some councillors were concerned about the policy and the costs it would place on homeowners.
"I don't think the technology is where it's going to be in five, 10 or 20 years," Coun. Mike O'Reilly said.
He raised concerns that a $500 fee per parking stall at a single-family home would affect homeowners no matter the cost of the home.
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While the cost for a EV-ready parking space at a single-family home is estimated to cost $500, multi-family developments are estimated to reach $1,200 each.
As proposed in the staff report, multi-family developments and single-family developments, including those with secondary suites, require one EV-ready space per dwelling.
The decision follows an electric vehicle and E-bike strategy the City adopted in August 2020.
Staff was asked by Coun. Bill Sarai if the City has kept track of the amount of EV-ready parking spaces that have been included in new builds so far, but Cheetham said that was not known.
Cheetham said "very few" new developments in Kamloops have included EV-ready parking spaces so far.
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However, he explained that the requirement is meant to ensure the electrical system at a development level is capable of installing a Level 2 EV charger, but the developer is not required to actually install that charger.
Coun. Dale Bass raised concerns about mining practices internationally used to collect materials for lithium batteries in electric vehicle. She, along with Sarai and O'Reilly voted against the motion.
The other four councillors and Mayor Ken Christian voted in favour of the proposal.
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