Title
Discuss and consider proposed electric vehicle charging station locations in conjunction with the ChargePoint America Program.
Summary
The Austin metro area is among the first markets in which the Chevrolet Volt is being sold. The emerging supply of electric vehicles such as the Volt and the Nissan Leaf will rely upon a network of charging stations that are available for public use in shopping centers, employment centers and public facilities. As is reflected in the attached ChargePoint America program overview, the Department of Energy Award is available to cities for the development of public stations. The stations must be installed and available by November 30, 2011. Currently, 38 charging stations are located in the Austin metro area. Five of these are within five miles of the 78660 ZIP Code; four are employer based and one is within an apartment development. In the Austin market, three electric vehicle models are currently available: the Chevy Volt, Ford Transit Connect, and the Ford Focus.
Host, or subscriber, responsibilities include but are not limited to: installation and maintenance costs; allowing usage of the charger by the general public; and, allowing anonymous data to be collected by Coulumb regarding usage trends. Further, the charging stations can not be sold or moved once they are installed prior to January 1, 2014. Transactions for use of the charging station may be by contactless credit card and/or a membership card. The units are warranteed through 2013.
As noted in the grant award letter attached, a total of 12 charging stations have been identified for Pflugerville. Flexibility remains but they are currently proposed to be distributed as follows:
Stations 1-4: City Hall Complex, 100 E. Main Street (along Main Street in the 200 block); Stations 5-6: Recreational Center, 400 Immanuel Rd; Stations 7-8: Justice Center, 1611 E. Pfennig; Stations 9-10: Library, 102 S. 10th Street; and, Stations 11-12: Fire Department, 201 E. Pecan Street (between Pfluger Hall and the CEC Building). Due to the time constraints, the two proposed for the Library are being evaluated for alternative sites on Main Street and in commercial centers where parking is within the public right-of-way.
The City Attorney is in the process of reviewing this agreement.
Status
The installation must be complete and available by November 30, 2011.
Prior City Council Action
On August 9, the City Council took action to authorize the City Manager to accept the grant award of the twelve charging stations.
Deadline for City Council Action
August 23, 2011
Projected Future City Council Action
None at this time.
Fiscal Impact
The charging stations are available at no cost to the City. However, construction/installation costs apply. These costs are estimated to be approximately $2500 to $3000 per installation and installation is proposed to be incorporated into the scope of work by Linc Services. Ongoing work for the Finance Department in the collection and accounting for the revenue from these 12 remote locations has not been quantified.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, AICP
Managing Director of Operations