Electric vehicle policy was adopted by Council in March 2016.
1.0 Overview
Electric vehicles help to reduce transport related emissions and the carbon footprint of the transport sector. The Christchurch Transport Strategic Plan encourages the use of battery electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and create opportunities for environmental enhancement. Therefore it is important that the Council support and encourage the installation of privately and publicly available electric vehicle charging infrastructure in off-street parking spaces and new developments throughout Christchurch.
2.0 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on how Council can support the uptake of electric vehicles and direction regarding the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Christchurch. The policy also sets direction for restricting parking spaces for Electric Vehicles on any roads or any other areas controlled by the Council.
The policy also seeks to clarify and consolidate the process so that staff can work to help make it as easy as possible for electric vehicle charging stations to be installed.
3.0 Policy statement
3.1 That the Council encourages the use of battery electric vehicles and related infrastructure throughout the city
3.2 Roads are first and foremost for vehicular and pedestrian use by the community at large and only by exception will the council consider applications for charging structures on roads.
3.3 Where an area has been identified as an ideal location for a publicly available charging station and there are no suitable parking spaces to host the infrastructure off-street, the Council may allow the installation of charging infrastructure on council property and on city streets.
4.0 Definitions
4.1 That the definition of electric vehicle be consistent with the New Zealand Transportation Agency's interpretation of the Road User Charges (Exemption Period for Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Order 2012. OR is consistent with a future NZTA definition of light electric vehicles.
4.2 Electric Vehicle Charging Structure (EVCS) is a structure with the primary purpose is to recharge and electric vehicle and;
4.2.1 should be of an open standard (non-proprietary) and must be designed to be used with a wide range of electric vehicle makes and models and;
4.2.2 That the structure complies with all relevant health and safety legislative requirements.
5.0 Electric vehicle charging structures on Council land
5.1 In accordance with the Policy on Structures on Roads 2020 council may consider the installation of an electric vehicle charging structure as long as the placement of the structure is not in conflict with the details of the policy or in conflict with other council plans and strategies.
5.2 The Council may require the owner of the structure to enter into an agreement governing the occupation of the structure on council land or legal road to ensure the appropriate management of the structure and its safety, stability, and functionality are duly maintained.
5.3 In order to encourage the uptake of electric infrastructure, council will not seek a percentage of any revenues gained from fees collected by the licensee for the recharging of electric vehicles.
6.0 Designated electric vehicle parking
6.1 The Council may by resolution set aside any road, or part of any road, or any other area controlled by the Council, restricted parking or stopping or standing restrictions adjacent to an EVCS. The space may be designated for a specified class or description of vehicle (for example an electric vehicle) or for a specified activity (for example recharging of an electric vehicle).