Want to put an EV charging cord across a Vancouver sidewalk? What you need to know

No Level 2 (240V) charging cords may cross the public right-of-way or sidewalk, says city

Published Jan 01, 2025  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Level-two electric vehicle charging cords like this one that is crossing a sidewalk in Vancouver are now banned. Photo by David Carrigg

In 2021 the City of Vancouver introduced a licensing system for electric-vehicle owners who want to place a charging cord across city sidewalks.

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It’s been fours year since, and in that time the number of EVs has increased across the province with more charging cords appearing on city rights of way.

Here is what to know about the Vancouver licence policy and what you can and can’t do.

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Vancouver’s EV charging policy

In 2009 Vancouver became the first municipality in North America to require 240-volt electric-vehicle charging circuits to be installed in new homes and multi-unit residential buildings.

Three years later, council adopted Transportation 2040 with a focus on encouraging EV use and providing charging infrastructure.

In 2020, the city’s climate emergency plan was approved and included several efforts to increase access to EV charging.

In January 2021, the licence for covered electrical cords for electric vehicle charging was approved by council.

What are the three levels of EV charging

According to the city’s website, “at-home charging is often the least expensive and convenient way to charge an EV.

“In Vancouver, most people can charge enough for their daily driving needs in under four hours using a Level 1 charger. With access to a Level 2 charger, most people can charge enough for their daily driving needs in about 45 minutes.”

Level 1 charging is easy, with the charging cord plugged into any standard 120-volt outlet in the home.

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Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt outlet, similar to that required for a clothes dryer or electric stove, and has to be installed by an electrician with a permit.

Level 3 charging, or fast charging, is available at pay sites across the city and includes the two Tesla charging stations in downtown Vancouver.

What EV charging cords can you place across a sidewalk

Level 1 charging cords are permitted.

As per the city’s guidelines, “Level 2 EV charging cords should not cross a city right-of-way or sidewalk.”

This means an EV owner who lives in a home without a garage or driveway and has installed a Level 2 charger cannot use it legally.

How do you get a licence

The city’s 13-page electric vehicle charge cord licence agreement states that a licence holder must provide proof of having personal liability insurance of at least $1 million. Also, licence holders must prove they have at least $500,000 automobile liability insurance.

The $5 licence also stipulates the size of the charge-cord cover, including height, width and angles or approach.

Licence holders must also remove the cord and cover unless the vehicle is actively being charged and must abide by whatever parking restrictions are in place.

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What happens if you don’t have a licence or lay a Level 2 cord on a sidewalk

According to the city, “specific fines or penalties would depend on the circumstances, but the goal is to ensure safety and accessibility for pedestrians. The city generally issues warnings or notices of violation, with further action taken if the issue is not resolved promptly.”

If a person with a Level 2 charger installed at their home places the cord across a sidewalk, they may be subject to enforcement actions under the city’s street and traffic bylaw.

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