FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2018
Contact:
Noah Barnes, Plug In America
nbarnes@pluginamerica.org, (323) 333-8010
SACRAMENTO – California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) has introduced House Resolution 117, the Plug-In Electric Vehicle (EV) Driver Bill of Rights. The resolution, created in partnership with Plug In America, outlines the rights of EV drivers relating to the purchase process for a new or used EV, as well as the rights EV drivers can expect for charging the vehicle and ownership of the vehicle.
California is leading the way when it comes to transitioning to an electric transportation future, with Governor Jerry Brown setting a goal of 5 million zero emission vehicles on the road by 2030. California currently has over 400,000 of these clean vehicles on the road today.
“In California, we are proud to support the use of EVs,” said Muratsuchi. “California continues to lead the way in environmental protection and EVs play an important role in meeting our greenhouse gas reduction goals by helping to improve air quality and keeping the environment clean for all Californians.”
“As the EV market transitions from the early adopter stage to the mass market phase, we want to ensure that this transition to an electric driving future is as smooth as possible,” said Joel Levin, Executive Director for Plug In America. “The EV Driver Bill of Rights gives the consumer the confidence that she will be able to purchase the right EV for herself through an informed buying process and be able to charge at home on off-peak rates, or at a public charging station with proper signage, maintenance and transparent pricing.”
Among the rights that are outlined in HR 117 are the right to know the battery pack capacity and expected range per charge for a new EV, the right to access a robust network of public charging stations, and the right to install EV charging stations in homes, apartments, and other buildings.
“I wish the EV Driver Bill of Rights was around when I purchased my EV,” said Dency Nelson, an EV driver from Hermosa Beach. “I knew I wanted to buy an EV, but having that extra little bit of confidence and assurance during my purchase process would have made me feel more at ease. I’m glad the EV Driver Bill of Rights is out there now.”
“As an EV driver/owner, I strongly support the proposed Bill of Rights for EV owners/drivers,” said George L. Parrott, an EV driver from Sacramento. “I got my first fully electric Nissan Leaf in 2011, and at that time chargers were few and far between, and public chargers were often used as parking spaces for ICE-powered cars. We need to protect and expand the infrastructure of charging options for EVs and support the opportunity for apartment and multi-unit dwelling residents to have a way to charge their EVs with convenient, overnight, power access.”
Read the full text of HR 117 here.
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About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. The organization conceived National Drive Electric Week in 2011, the world’s largest celebration of the electric car. In 2017, it reached over 120,000 people in 276 events in all 50 states. We drive electric. You can too. www.pluginamerica.org
