The Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club supports SB 278. Virginians are driving more electric vehicles (EV) and automobile manufacturers are releasing more EV models to choose from. I have had several first-hand experiences with vehicles blocking EV chargers in the eight months since driving electric. EV charging should be accessible to EV drivers and not blocked by vehicles not capable of charging. This bill is not about privileging EV drivers; it is about protecting access to public infrastructure. Investment dollars are and will be used by Virginia to build its own charging network, by the Federal Government from the infrastructure bill, and by private investment from EV charging companies. It is also an equity issue. Access to public charging is essential for those who cannot install a charger at home because they live in an apartment or a house without off street parking. Please support SB 278. Thank you.

Drive Electric RVA supports Sen. Ebbin's effort to protect access to electric vehicle charging stations. Virginia is investing $14 million to build its own charging network, $104 million will come to the state from the federal infrastructure bill, and private investment from companies like Tesla, Electrify America, Chargepoint and Volta will continue. Protecting access to this infrastructure will be essential as the market for electric vehicles grows, driven nationally by decreasing battery costs, lower total cost of ownership vs. internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and the demand for cleaner transportation alternatives. In Virginia alone, EV registrations grew by 44 percent between June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2021. This is also an equity issue. Access to public charging is essential for those who cannot install a charger at home because they rent an apartment or live in a house with no driveway or garage. Only 40 percent of Virginians have access to an outlet within 20 feet of where they park. Access is also important for those who own less expensive EVs with smaller batteries and need to travel long distances.

Will Senator Ebbins' bill be treated as the handicapped spaces are, and any violations are basically ignored?