In a request for information (RFI) released Tuesday, the California Department of Motor Vehicles seeks a turnkey solution for public electric vehicle charging (EVC) services. Among the takeaways:
- DMV offers driver licensing, identification card processing, and vehicle registration services statewide, via 246 “premises” and 173 public locations or field offices. As many as 70,000 residents visit DMV offices daily; the department provides licensing and identification card services to 30,951,398 residents and to the state’s 35,656,590 registered vehicles in California. DMV’s Sustainability Roadmap centers its sustainability work and has guidance on reaching its climate action goals. DMV initiatives support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) procurements for the DMV fleet, as well as building out DMV’s EVC infrastructure. The RFI aligns with state and DMV goals on increasing access to EVC stations (EVCS) in support of the public transition to electric vehicles. DMV doesn’t own or operate any public EVCS. It anticipates that EVCS during the pilot, and at potential future DMV offices, will run on a “bifurcated portion of existing DMV parking lots to avoid affecting access to DMV facilities.”
- DMV seeks a solution from vendors to provide electric vehicle charging at select office locations. With such a solution available, DMV would lease part of its parking lot at an office — no more than 20 percent of available parking — to a vendor at a nominal rate, to develop and run EVC services for the public. The only permissible use of the leased land would be to deliver EVC services to the public. Any provider selected would be responsible for building, electrifying, operating and maintaining the EVC infrastructure and services being provided on the leased land. The provider would also be responsible for all activities related to the EVC products being delivered and for reporting usage statistics to DMV.
- The department is not specifying the manner in which providers implement EVCS — noting this would “obviate the turnkey nature” of the RFI. But in the interest of public good, services must be at Level 2 or Level 3, the latter of which is preferred, and support a variety of connectors such as SAE-J1772, CCS and/or CHAdeMO. Services should be available 24/7; have open-access payment options to minimize obstacles for the underserved; and should not be subject to surge pricing “except as reflected in local utility schedules.” If a vendor solution seeks to alter DMV’s existing IT, hardware or software, that will require prior DMV approval. Data and information gathered is highly proprietary, confidential, and only for DMV’s use and ownership. Once a report is initiated, levels of information security access may exist — impacting how much information vendors can view during the process.
- In sharing available solutions, respondents should offer a general overview of the proposed solution; describe its availability and how it could minimize impact to DMV parking lots and entry points; how electrification could be done without access to the DMV facility; how the design will ensure Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and 24/7 accessibility; and how it will meet payment and charging needs. Respondents should also provide an overview of their proposed approach to implementation and describe any additional permitting needed; any additional contracts or agreements needed between utilities and/or the DMV; the estimated time needed to install and implement; and characterize DMV involvement and any third-party involvement.
- The RFI is being conducted solely for information and planning and does not constitute a solicitation, the document cautions. DMV may, at its discretion, call on respondents to make a presentation or demonstration. The information generated by the RFI may help DMV develop a request for proposals. Responses are due by 10 a.m. Dec. 13.
