An EV charging space is a parking space served by a charging port, where a vehicle can park and charge. Codes and ordinances may count it toward required parking and set its design, accessibility and signage.
A charging space works only if the right vehicle can reach the cable and the space is free when needed. That makes layout and enforcement as important as the equipment.
Design considerations
- Cable reach. Vehicle inlets are on different corners; place equipment where a cable can reach front-in and back-in vehicles, often between two spaces.
- Protection. Wheel stops or bollards to protect equipment from vehicles.
- Clearances. Room for people to handle cables without stepping into drive aisles.
- Accessibility. A share of charging spaces designed for people with disabilities. See accessible EV charging space.
- Lighting and wayfinding. Visible from the entrance and well lit.
Keeping spaces available
- Signage and rules reserving the space for vehicles actively charging.
- Idle fees after charging completes.
- Reservations or app-based queuing in busy facilities. See charging utilization.
The Parkonomics view
A charging space earns money only while a car is charging in it. Rules that move finished vehicles out matter as much as the number of chargers.
Related terms: Charging Port, Accessible EV Charging Space, Charging Utilization, EVSE Installed, Dwell Time