Electric Charging Stations Are the Biggest Trend in Parking Garages

Electric vehicle charging stations are the biggest trend in parking garages. An increase in electric vehicle ownership has created more demand for charging stations, and owners are responding to the need. The trend is true for both private owners and public owners.

“One of the trends we’re seeing is an increase in the percentage of electric vehicles over vehicles powered by gas engines,” Al Carroll, EVP of parking structures at McCarthy Buildings Cos., tells GlobeSt.com. “Concerns with global warming and increasing gas prices are changing the average consumer’s preference/mindset when they’re contemplating the purchase of a new vehicle. These concerns are also driving some municipalities toward adopting higher percentages of spaces that have provisions for electric car charging stations which is requiring increased electrical capacity to operate their parking facility.”

Technology is also an important aspect of the rise in electric vehicle charging stations. “Technology is also advancing in the area of parking controls such as the use of transponders for automatic access and payment,” Carroll says. “Other advancements consist of license plate recognition cameras for better security and parking control systems that allow for the use of phone apps that can locate your car or an open parking spot.”