ADOBESTOCK/ INUENG
As electric vehicles become more common among drivers, so too will charging stations, both in abundance and location. Where these stations are placed, though, could present several challenges and potential impacts on zoning laws. by AARON S. EVENCHIK
& ROBERT A. COOPER
50 |
REAL ESTATE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Electric Vehicles and Zoning Laws
T
HE PERCENTAGE OF ELECTRIC vehicles on the road is growing quickly, and with the price of gas rising, more people will consider replacing their gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles. However, internal combustion cars will continue to require gas for the foreseeable future. Despite this, a shift will likely come where charging stations are more abundant than filling stations and located elsewhere from traditional gas stations. This shift will change how land is used, and zoning codes and comprehensive plans need to keep pace with these changes. Gas cars and electric cars have different operation and maintenance needs. Owners of gas cars require regular and conveniently located filling stations to power their cars. Conversely, owners of electric vehicles generally charge their cars at their homes or offices and only need charging stations on longer commutes. This will reduce demand for high-traffic corners and highway
interchanges for gas stations. Moreover, electric vehicles are currently more expensive than gas vehicles, even with the $7,500 tax credit (which itself is only useful for someone who pays at least that much in taxes). That means buyers of electric cars are more affluent. The affluent customer is desirable to the marketplace. Another consideration for electric vehicles is the time it takes to charge them. Even the fastest electric vehicles take tens of minutes to charge, rather than just a minute or two for gas. While a small convenience store may suffice to get gas for the average driver, someone charging their electric car outside their home requires both time and the added financial impact of installing a carcharging station directly at home. This may imply a correlation between electric car drivers and higher pay, which markets will inevitably notice and find to be more attractive buyers. Retail owners would be smart to