US exit sign standards updated to include EV charging

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andyG59

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For those who may be interested, here is a summary flyer from the US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (responsible for NEVI, BIL/IIJA, etc. implementation) about how interstate signage will be changing to provide another way for drivers to find EV charging.

https://driveelectric.gov/files/mutcd-ev-signage-help-sheet.pdf

I'm a transportation engineer and an EV driver so this is right up my alley to geek out about. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is the Federal Highway Administration publication that standardizes signs and pavement marking color, shapes, and size options across the US. In other words, it is the reason that stop signs are always 8-sided with white letters on a red background, regulatory speed limit signs are black letters on a white background, and so on. The publication gets updated every 10 years or so and BEV's were a rarity at the time of the last update.

As there is some flexibility in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices guidance for application of service signs, it will be interesting to see how EV signs will evolve and be added to interstate and freeway exit information signs for specific services (food, fuel, lodging, etc.) in different states. For instance, EV charging could have its own sign or be part of another sign.

On my last trip earlier this year from Florida to Iowa, I did not notice any changes to existing business signs that I knew had EV charging.
 
A sign for EV charging is much more challenging than a sign for gas. Gas is basically gas. EV charging availability is more challenging. I imagine you have to at least indicate Level 2 vs. Level 3, and CCS vs NACS?
 
A sign for EV charging is much more challenging than a sign for gas. Gas is basically gas. EV charging availability is more challenging. I imagine you have to at least indicate Level 2 vs. Level 3, and CCS vs NACS?

Good points! As a disclaimer, I was not involved in the process of the update and am not involved in implementation, I'm just passing along the information. For those who wish to wander into the deep weeds, here is a link to the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices section.
https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/Chapter2hthu2n.pdfhttps://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/11th_Edition/Chapter2hthu2n.pdf

Specifically Section 2.J. Specific Service Signs (on page 493) calls out 'To be eligible for an Electric Vehicle (EV) CHARGING business identification sign panel, the EV chargers shall meet the criteria for Direct Current Fast Chargers provided in 23 CFR 680.106 and be in continuous operation at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week'.

Here is a link to 23 CFR 680.106, the referenced federal code which as I recall was created along with NEVI
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-680/section-680.106
Looks like 23 CFR 680.106 refers to 'CCS compliant'.

It will be interesting to see how each state applies this relating to NEVI and NACS.
 
Bovine fecal matter:

(c) Connector type. All charging connectors must meet applicable industry standards. Each DCFC charging port must be capable of charging any CCS-compliant vehicle and each DCFC charging port must have at least one permanently attached CCS Type 1 connector. In addition, permanently attached CHAdeMO (www.chademo.com) connectors can be provided using only FY2022 NEVI Funds. Each AC Level 2 charging port must have a permanently attached J1772 connector and must charge any J1772-compliant vehicle.

The correct reading is "ONLY CCS-compliant vehicle and . . . CCS Type 1 connector."

I would prefer to see a sign with CCS-1 and/or J3400 and/or J1772 connector outline. After all, we see vendor names and icons showing gas stations and fast food places. An EV plug is just another "brand'.

Given how many 60 kW, ChargePoint stations exist and are expanding, I would lower the threshold to 60 kW from 150 kW. A 60 kW charger is an excellent "bridge" charging point.

Bob Wilson
 
It will be interesting to see how each state applies this relating to NEVI and NACS.

First one shows "Tesla Supercharger" located at exit 155 near Arizona Mills in Tempe, Arizona.
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"The U.S. Department of Transportation updated federal rules, allowing fast charging stations that meet certain standards to be listed.
With Tesla’s Supercharger network meeting those requirements, the company is now taking advantage of the opportunity to reach drivers directly on the road."

I feel confident that one of the updated standards DOT includes is accessibility to all EVs (ie those using a NACS/CCS adapter), so not having to use the "Tesla app" to determine that fact. It would be rather upsetting to pull up and find out it is available only for Tesla vehicles.
The station referred to does have that capability.
Great to see more of these visible charging options particularly on interstate corridors.
Would be beneficial if Transport Canada adopts the same on interprovincial highways as well.;)
 
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Very cool to see one with a variety of fuel types in the wild! Also very cool if Tesla initiated this and I wonder if the site host may have helped as it is a form of advertising.

In more research prompted by another question in another group, I discovered that the 'logo signs' as they are sometimes called, have to be applied for. The website https://www.fdot.gov/rightofway/LogoSignProgram.shtm and form https://florida.interstatelogos.com/state/pdf/FloridaApplication.pdf for Florida has not been revised since 2021 so it does not include the since adopted new category of EV charging. For instance, there are 7-Elevens, Circle K, Wawa, Waffle House, and Pilot/Flying J's along I-75 in Florida with either gas or food interstate logo signs, that could add a supplemental message 'EV Charging'.

I am still waiting to see one in person myself. Maybe on my next trip........
 
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