NEW YORK - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has developed a guide to selecting the best site designs and locations for new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

NYSERDA’s free 30-page online guide, Site Design for EV Charging Stations, will also be useful for those reviewing permit applications for proposed EV charging stations to ensure that these new installations are designed most effectively. The guide suggests best practices that site owners can adopt to make charging stations safe and accessible to all.

The report discusses:

• Different types of charging stations currently available

• Best placement for a charging station for a parallel, perpendicular, or angled parking space

• Space needed to ensure traffic or pedestrian safety (as well as protection of the device)

• Avoiding problems with electrical cords blocking paths

• Avoiding damage from snowplows or traffic in general

• How to assure installation is accessible to people with disabilities

By helping site owners make smart decisions, the guide can lower the cost of installation and make it easier for EV drivers to use the stations effectively. Safe, easy-to-use charging stations will help encourage the purchase of electric cars and trucks.

The guide is part of NYSERDA’s work with the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a collaboration of the 11 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and Washington, D.C. Last year, TCI launched the Northeast Electric Vehicle Network, a partnership of public and private groups to expand the number of charging stations in the region and further encourage the use of electric vehicles.

NYSERDA played a leadership role on behalf of TCI and was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop documents like this guide to help encourage best practices for EV charging stations around the region. TCI and NYSERDA are working with 16 DOE-sponsored Clean Cities Coalitions to help build support around the region.

“Site Design for EV Charging Stations” was written by Sustainable Transportation Strategies on behalf of NYSERDA. Other related EV installation primers developed under similar DOE grants include Electric Vehicle Charging for Persons with Disabilities and Siting Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.