A few months ago I wrote about a relatively novel regulation in the District of Columbia that allows residents to charge their EVs when parked on the street in front of their homes. Not to be outdone, neighboring Montgomery County, Maryland, now offers a similar program that goes even farther by allowing for the permanent installation of a 240V EVSE in the public right-of-way. This is in contrast to DC’s program which, as described in a prior post, is limited to temporarily running a 120V extension cord to the vehicle.
The difference is significant because a 240V EVSE can (depending on the EVSE’s amperage and the vehicle’s capabilities) charge an EV up to 10 times faster than a 120V plug. A typical layout is illustrated in the diagram above.
Specific terms and conditions of Montgomery County’s program include:
- The installation of a curbside EVSE will only be considered when on-site opportunities (driveway or parking pad) do not exist and cannot be easily constructed;
- Applicants will purchase and install the EVSE at their own expense;
- An EVSE installed through this guideline will not create any privilege or priority for use of the adjacent curbside parking;
- A Declaration of Covenants for Maintenance and Liability is required;
- If the county determines that the property qualifies for installation in the right-of-way, a public right-of-way permit and electrical permit are required. The electrical permit must be obtained by a licensed electrician;
- The county will determine the exact location of the proposed EVSE. Considerations include: maintaining a distance of at least six feet from fire hydrants, minimizing removal of vegetation, maximizing the number of spaces the EVSE can serve, and having a setback of at least 18 inches from the back of the curb (if in a planting strip); and
- The EVSE will be connected to the home’s electrical service, as if the charging station was located on private property. Conduit will be run from the home’s electrical panel to the EVSE, located in the planting strip adjacent to the curb. The conduit must be underground in the public right-of-way, including under any existing sidewalk.
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