Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common in the 21st century despite dating back to the first half of the 19th century. Today's electric vehicles provide an alternative that emit no tailpipe pollution, run on fuel priced cheaper than gasoline or diesel, and require far less maintenance due to a simpler mechanical system without oil, spark plugs, mufflers, and catalytic converters.

Electric vehicles are defined in Oklahoma City's municipal code as "any vehicle that is licensed and registered by the State of Oklahoma or any other state to operate lawfully on public roads, streets, and other public rights-of-way; which derives its power either partially or exclusively, from electrical energy from a battery for motive purposes." This applies only to plug-in, all-battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Current Activities 

Through an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant award funded via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the City of Oklahoma City has initiated two studies and a strategic planning process. More information about this award and project is available here.

The Office of Sustainability also participates in the Oklahoma Electric Vehicle Coalition administered by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG). The coalition's vision is to inspire, support and facilitate electric vehicle education and adoption of electric vehicles in the state of Oklahoma.

Do I need a permit to install an electric vehicle charging station in my home?

Yes.At minimum, the addition of electric vehicle charging equipment will require an electrical permit. This process is managed by the City'sDevelopment Center, part of theDevelopment Servicesdepartment. The City can only issue electrical permits to contractors licensed in the State of Oklahoma and registered with the City of Oklahoma City. There are fees associated with an electrical permit, but these fees can vary based on several factors. Oklahoma City'sElectrical Codelists licensing, permit, and inspection fees that may apply to your project or circumstance.

 

Are there requirements for public charging stations?

Yes.Oklahoma Statutes 17-160.31 through 17-160.37 govern rules for public EV chargers.Read the ruleson the Oklahoma Corporation Commission's websitein Chapter 14. The U.S. Department of Energy'sAlternative Fuels Data Center provides a short summaryof the requirements.

 

Where in Oklahoma City can I charge my electric vehicle?

The U.S. Department of Energy'sAlternative Fuels Data Centerfeatures anAlternative Fueling Station Locatortool. With this tool you can find locations where alternative fuels are available - including electric vehicle charging stations - and information about each station including accessibility, payment options, and types of charging outlets available. The Alternative Fueling Station Locator specifically pulls data on a daily basis from existing, privately-owned platforms for electric vehicle charging station locations including Blink, ChargePoint, Electrify America, EV Connect, EVgo, FLO, OpConnect, Recharge (formerly known as Greenlots), SemaConnect, and Webasto.

 

Is there a way to dedicate parking spaces exclusively for electric vehicles?

Yes.On August 29, 2017, City Council passedOrdinance No. 25,709, which authorized the City's Traffic and Transportation Commission "to designate, by the installation of appropriate signs, parking spaces for the exclusive use of recharging electric vehicles" on City streets. If you are a property owner seeking to designate an on-street parking space as exclusive for electric vehicles, you will need to apply to the Traffic and Transportation Commission - beginning with a Letter of Request - for approval. Should approval be granted by the Commission, the ordinance and designation would then allow for enforcement as non-electric vehiclesor electric vehicles not making use of the space's charging station would be subject to ticketing if parked in the space.

Additionally, placement of an electric vehicle charging station at a parking space on a City street would be a private improvement placed in the public right-of-way and thus require arevocable permit.

 

Back to top