APS plan would raise number of electric car charging stations

PHOENIX — An Arizona utility has presented a proposal that would make it easier for residents in multi-family housing units to charge electric cars.

According to Kent Walter, a spokesman with the Arizona Public Service, the company presented the proposal to the Arizona Corporation Commission last year and is now awaiting its decision.

The proposal, according to Walter, includes a plan to increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations at apartment complexes and other multi-family housing facilities.

“Multi-family homes don’t always have the ability to charge,” he said. “This would allow them to use electric vehicles.”

It would also let APS pre-wire new homes for those charging stations, which Walter said is a much cheaper option than wiring stations into already-existing homes.

APS claimed that residents would be able to charge their electric cars for the equivalent of 30 to 90-cents per gallon.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for customers,” Walter said.

The utility proposed the plan in response to a growing trend of electric vehicles. Walter said currently, electric vehicles make up 1 percent of all car sales, but that number is expected to “grow dramatically.”

If this sounds exciting, you might have to wait a while until it is implemented: There is no word when the corporation commission might rule on the program.

KTAR News’ Bob McClay and Kathy Cline contributed to this report. 

Related

Former Supreme Court chief justice to complete independent review of Matthew Mayich collapseArizona doctor sentenced for his role in a $36.5 million Medicaid fraud caseTeen found with life-threatening injuries in San Tan ValleyRob Schneider helps Andy Biggs mock Gov. Katie Hobbs’ debate refusalStage 12 West, a new restaurant and live entertainment venue, opens in downtown MesaIt’s another busy weekend of construction across the Valley freeway system