The infrastructure needs to be ready to support future electrical demands raising by the EV charging capabilities. This is done by installing raceways for future electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at the time of new building construction.
CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Construction shall comply with Section A5.106.5.3.1 and A5.106.5.3.2 to facilitate future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). When EVSE(s) is/are installed, it shall be in accordance with the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code and as follows:
CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1.
Table A5.106.5.3.1 shall be used to determine the number of EV capable spaces required. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3 for design space requirements.
When EV capable spaces are provided with EVSE to create EVCS per Table A5.106.5.3.1, refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the allowed use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) and Section 5.106.5.3.3 for the allowed use of Automatic Load Management System (ALMS).
CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 2.
Table A5.106.5.3.2 shall be used to determine the number of EV capable spaces required. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3 for design requirements.
When EV capable spaces are provided with EVSE to create EVCS per Table A5.106.5.3.1, refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the allowed use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) and Section 5.106.5.3.3 for the allowed use of Automatic Load Management System (ALMS).
CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.3.3 Identification.
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the reserved overcurrent protective device space(s) for future EV charging as “EV CAPABLE.” The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE.”
CALGreen Code Section A5.106.5.3.4
Future charging spaces qualify as designated parking as described in Section 5.106.5.2, Designated parking for clean air vehicles.
Intent:
The intent of these requirements is to facilitate EV charging capability by installing raceways for future electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at the time of new building construction. Construction plans and specifications must reflect that the infrastructure will be capable of supporting future electrical demands. Having the infrastructure pre-installed will allow the charging stations to be more cost-effectively added at a later date. This will aid in achieving an interim goal for infrastructure that will support 5 million zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV’s) on California roadways by 2030 as directed by executive order EO B-48-18.
Note: These EVSE-capable requirements are intended for new construction, as in a new building on a new or existing site with new or existing parking stalls, and is not triggered for additions or alterations to existing buildings or to existing parking lots.
Suggestions: Anticipate accessibility requirements when EV charging stations are installed per the California Building Code, Part 2, Chapter 11B. Locate the EVSE stalls near the entrance to the building and in a parking area that can easily accommodate compliance with accessibility regulations once the EVSE chargers are installed.
Compliance Method:
Include on the site plan the proposed location of the listed suitable cabinet(s), box(es), enclosure(s) or equivalent required for future EV equipment connections. Indicate on the plans the 40-amp minimum service panel capacity with raceways to the approximate location of the future EV charging connections as required in code Section A5.106.5.3. Use Table A5.106.5.3.1 or A5.106.3.2 to determine if single or multiple charging space requirements apply for the future EVSE infrastructure installation. Lastly, ensure that the service panel or subpanel(s) circuit directory is properly identified as being “EV CAPABLE” and that the raceway termination location is permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE.
Enforcement:
Plan intake: The plan reviewer should confirm that the construction documents comply with Section A5.106.5.3.1 or A5.106.5.3.2, and A5.106.5.3.3 as applicable and that the appropriate EV capacity for future EV connection to the required number of future EV charging spaces per Table A5.106.5.3.1 or A5.106.5.3.2 has been provided. Confirm proper identification at the service panel or subpanel(s) and that the raceway termination location is permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE.”
On-site enforcement: The inspector should verify on site that the service panel and raceway with proper termination have been installed per the approved set of construction documents.
(Excerpted from ‘Guide to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code Nonresidential’ – Chapter 5)
