Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) introduced this week House Resolution 117, which would create the Plug-In Electric Vehicle (EV) Driver Bill of Rights in California.
“In California, we are proud to support the use of EVs,” Muratsuchi said. “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.”
Building on a 5 million zero-emission vehicle by 2030 goal previously set by Gov. Jerry Brown, and the more than 400,000 already on the road in-state, Muratsuchi seeks — with the help of the Plug In America organization — to outline the rights of EV drivers in purchases, along with their rights linked to charging and ownership. They would be entitled to know the battery pack capacity and expected range per charge for new EVs, the right to access public charging stations, and be able to install similar stations at home, in apartments and other buildings.
Plug In America looks at such a resolution as the next logical step in ingraining the vehicles into the market.
“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,” Joel Levin, Executive Director for Plug In America, said. “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.”