AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin City Council is considering a proposal to install more electric vehicle chargers throughout the city, with the goal of reducing pollution.
On Thursday, the city council will consider an amendment to the land development code. It would make it easier to install chargers in the city.
Councilmember Ryan Alter said right now, it could take up to year to go through the process to get one installed.
"What this change would do is simply say, 'These areas are automatically allowed to have it.' And so, if you purchase that property or already own it, you will be able to immediately move forward with creating vehicle charging there," Alter said. "We want 40% of vehicles traveled to be electric, but for that happen, people have to feel comfortable leaving their home to charge."
Chargers would not be allowed in residential areas, but they would be allowed in transit corridors like Lamar Street and William Cannon Drive.
William Potratz charged his electric vehicle in Downtown Austin on Tuesday. It took him about 30 minutes and gave his car 200 miles.
He said the charge is cheaper than gas, which is one of the big reasons why he went electric.
"Certain times around the year, it’s economical to have an electric car. We are trying to do our part to cut down on pollution and gasoline," he said.
He said he would like to see more chargers around the city.
The city council will discuss and could vote at Thursday’s meeting at 10 a.m.