Overview
The Cape Cod Commission released the Cape Cod Climate Action Plan in July 2021. The Plan provides a framework for action to support a climate resilient region, and found 55.5% of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions were driven by the transportation sector.
Achieving the plan's goals will require addressing barriers to transportation electrification including their higher up-front costs, lack of familiarity with owning an EV, and model availability and range concerns. One major barrier to adoption is access to charging infrastructure. Strategic planning and regional coordination will encourage the development of EV charging infrastructure and increase awareness of EV options in support of the region’s GHG reduction goals.
Model Bylaw
The Commission developed the model municipal electric vehicle bylaw to serve as a resource for Cape Cod communities looking to incorporate consideration of EV charging infrastructure in the local bylaws. Installing EV chargers, and/or infrastructure that facilitates the future EV chargers, during site development or redevelop is a cost-effective way to expand the region charging network. This by-law defines three levels of recommended requirements to encourage EV charging development:
- Base requirements closely align with Massachusetts’s Stretch and Specialized Opt-in Code, finalized on September 23, 2022.
- Base Plus provides more advanced requirements for municipalities who wish to consider increased support for EV charging infrastructure deployment.
- Reach supplements the Base Plus level with stronger EV readiness provisions for communities taking a more proactive stance to supporting development of EV charging infrastructure.
The recommendations proposed in this model by-law are intended to be flexible. Municipalities may want to tailor and select requirements most applicable to their jurisdiction, and to fit their specific needs and goals.
Contact
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Steven Tupperstupper@capecodcommission.org
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Michele Whitemichele.white@capecodcommission.org
