INCREASING EV ADOPTION AND VISIBILITY IN SOUTH CAROLINA
WHAT IS THE SOUTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET STUDY?
Recognizing the importance of preparing South Carolina for increased EV sales and interest, Palmetto Clean Fuels conducted this study to address the following (and related) issues:
- An assessment of the current EV infrastructure and policy framework in South Carolina
- An analysis of trends and the outlook for the future
- Actions to prepare South Carolina for future EV development
Plug in SC Plan (PDF)
Plug in SC Incentive Program
The Energy Office has launched the Plug in SC Incentive Program to support the adoption of standardized electric vehicle (EV) charging station signage and branding. The Plug in SC Incentive Program enables qualifying participants to obtain standardized EV signage so that charging stations are easily identifiable. Eligible applicants will receive two (2) electric vehicle charging signs for each EV charging station identified in their application. Funding for this project comes from the US Department of Energy through the Clean Cities Program. Funding will be provided to the SC Department of Corrections to manufacture the signs.
More information and the application is available on the Energy Office website.
SIGNAGE
Ensure that all EV infrastructure is visible and recognizable by adopting the federal guidelines specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
General Service Signs
To direct motorists to publicly accessible infrastructure, use the Alternate Electric Vehicle Charging Symbol in combination with directional arrows along highways
Pavement Markings
Outline EV charging spaces with green pavement markings
Parking garages
Label the outside of parking garages with signage indicating on which level EV charging is located
Parking Spaces
Use the Alternate Electric Vehicle Charging Symbol in combination with the “no parking except electric vehicles” regulatory sign
The Plug in SC logo is an optional addition to parking pavement markings. PCF has created a pavement stencil for local governments, state agencies, utilities, businesses, and other organizations that house EV charging stations to use when marking their EV parking spaces. This stencil is available on loan from PCF as needed. To request this stencil, contact PalmettoCleanFuels@ors.sc.gov.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Efforts should include deployment of infrastructure and standardization of permitting across the state
Strategically install infrastructure at targeted locations:
- Rest areas and welcome centers
- Shopping centers and malls
- Industrial manufacturing and shipping facilities
- Airports
POLICY POTENTIAL
Alternative Fuel Corridors
Advance the deployment of AFVs and necessary infrastructure along designated AFV corridors
South Carolina State Energy Plan
Address top-tier recommendations relating to transportation
Volkswagen Settlement
Allocate 15% of the mitigation funds to EV infrastructure
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
Workplace Charging
Assist employers to establish workplace charging programs
Recognition Program
Create an award program to recognize employers who demonstrate a commitment to advancing EVs
MARKETING CAMPAIGNS
Develop a social media campaign and dedicated EV web content that builds on Best.Drive.EVer.
Digital content includes:
- Website
- Web banners
- Digital handouts
- PALMETTO CLEAN FUELS LAUNCHES PLUG IN SC CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE ELECTRIC VEHICLES
- BORDER STATES FIRST TO ADOPT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SIGNAGE IN SC
- CHARGING STATIONS TO BE REBRANDED- THE UNION TIMES
- PLUG IN S.C. HELPS E.V. DRIVERS LOCATE CHARGING STATION AROUND THE STATE- SOUTH CAROLINA RADIO NETWORK
- UNION GETS NEW SIGNAGE FOR ELECTRIC CHARGING STATIONS- GO UPSTATE.COM
- LOCKHART POWER AND USC UNION INSTALL RECHARGING STATIONS- THE BANTAM BLOG
- USC UNION CHARGING STATIONS RELOCATED- THE UNION TIMES
- ‘GREEN ENERGY FOR GREEN CARS’- THE UNION TIMES
- THE “PLUG IN SC” CAMPAIGN BY PALMETTO CLEAN FUELS- SPARTANBURG.COM NEWS
- PALMETTO CLEAN FUELS LAUNCHES PLUG IN SC CAMPAIGN- ABC COLUMBIA