What is an Electric Vehicle Charging Use?

The proposed Electric Vehicle Charging use plays a crucial role in Austin’s transportation infrastructure as the city transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation. It provides the opportunity for charging stations to be positioned in various locations throughout the city where electric vehicle owners and fleets can recharge their automobiles.

The light rail transit system expansion will be supported by providing users with transportation options to arrive at their destination from the transit stops. Strategically permitting charging stations in commercial districts will give users accessible, convenient, and efficient access to charging infrastructure while providing development regulations that limit the use from interrupting the public realm or the walkability of an area. Integrating EV charging infrastructure with public transit systems and other sustainable transportation options contributes to a more comprehensive and interconnected urban mobility network.

Why are we creating this use?

Creating an Electric Vehicle Charging primary use allows the City of Austin and private developers to advance a network of accessible charging stations throughout the city. The Austin Climate Equity Plan 2020-21 endorses a new goal of “equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path, followed by negative emissions.” To meet this ambitious target, the city has put importance on electrifying the transportation system with several goals that include:

Goal 1: By 2030, 40% of total vehicle miles traveled in Austin will be electrified, and electric vehicle ownership will be culturally, geographically, and economically diverse. This translates to approximately 460,000 electric vehicles on the road.

Strategies to meet this goal include electrifying the public and private sector fleet vehicles. The proposed Electric Vehicle Charging use will give these types of businesses the opportunity to charge fleet vehicles within the city as a primary use.

Goal 2: By 2030, Austin will have a compelling and equitably distributed mix of level 1, 2, and DC fast charging infrastructure to accommodate 40% of the city's total vehicle miles traveled. This translates to 226 megawatts of electrical load and could mean more than 37,000 charging ports.

A strategy to meet this goal includes creating a network with more accessible charging stations by incentivizing the installation of public and private electric vehicle charging infrastructure by the City, businesses, auto manufacturers, and third-party charging companies to create a compelling (convenient, reliable, and low-cost) network accessible to all. Creating a primary Electric Vehicle Charging use allows for more flexibility around where the charging stations can be located for public and private purposes.