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By John ODell, Senior Editor


In a preliminary ruling that sets the stage for competitive marketing of electric vehicle charging services in California, the state's Public Utilities Commission has said that it doesn't intend to regulate businesses that sell electrical power for use as a vehicle fuel.

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Operators of commercial EV stations such as this rapid-charge model being marketed by Coulomb Technologies would not be regulated under a preliminary California ruling.
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The proposed ruling, issued May 21, is now subject to a 30-day public comment period before utility commissioners take a final vote, likely in late June or early July.


The decision is important because California is seen as a leader in the implementation of an electric vehicle market and many other states have indicated a willingness to follow California's actions as they try to figure out how to  mesh rechargeable battery vehicles and  their power systems with a minimum of disruption.


The commission was asked last year to tackle the question of EV charger regulation because many interpreted state rules to say that only a regulated utility could sell electricity within the state.


EV charger developers such as Coulomb Technologies, a California-based company, say they don't sell power but instead charging users for access to their commercial EV charging stations.


With many cities installing chargers of their own and encouraging private operators to install them as well as a means of encouraging acceptance of low-emissions and emissions-free electric drive vehicles as they begin entering the market, the state utility commission agreed to turn a blind eye to possible violation of state rules until it decided the matter.


A spokeswoman for Better Place, a California-based global EV infrastructure provider, called the preliminary decision a boost for both the industry and for consumers.
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Tags: Fuels & Technologies, California Public Utilities Commission, EV Charger Regulation, EV Charging

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California Commission Doesn't Want to Regulate EV Charging Industry was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.