A question was submitted to the Energy Code Coach service about triggers for adding EV charging infrastructure in a parking lot. Since EV charging requirements for residential parking areas was just expanded in the 2022 CALGreen code, this is a good opportunity to review a few key details.
As an overview, Section 4.106.4.3 requires EV infrastructure (EV capable spaces) to be added to the parking lots of existing multifamily buildings when new parking spaces are added, and/or when electrical systems are added or altered. “Electrical systems” could include new PV panels and/or lighting. Per section 301.1.1, restriping, refinishing, or repairing a parking lot, or maintenance of existing lighting are not considered Alterations and do not trigger EV charging.
When there is an alteration or addition to the parking lot, then 10% of the total number of parking spaces added or altered “shall be electric vehicle charging spaces (EV spaces) capable of supporting future Level 2 EVSE.” As a reminder, there are varying requirements throughout the 2022 CAL Green Code for the type of spots for Electric Vehicles. For this section, the spots must be EV Capable, which is the simplest EV infrastructure:
Spots are EV Capable when you provide the electrical panel space, conduit (no wire), and a termination box for a future 208/240-volt, 40-amp circuit. This allows for the opportunity to install a Level 1 or Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charger.
For reference, parking spots are EV Ready when the space is fully wired and ready for the installation of a 208/240-volt, 40-amp receptacle, or charge station; spots are considered EV Charging Stations with the installation of Level 2 EVSE chargers.
The Energy Code Coach inquiry came up because an ADU was added to a multi-family building site with an existing parking lot. In this case, if the applicant was only restriping the lot to accommodate additional parking within the existing parking area, EV charging would likely not be required. However, if the applicant decided to add new parking areas or add lighting, then a new conduit and termination box would need to be installed for 10% of the parking spaces of the existing lot. In addition, space would need to be identified in the electrical panel, in accordance with EV Capable definition.
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