California is taking a big step towards solving the only real problem with EVs - charging for people who don't own a garage.

Summary

Starting in 2026, California will require all new residential units with parking spaces to be EV charger-ready, significantly increasing access to electric vehicle charging.

Multi-family developments must equip at least one EV-ready spot per unit, while hotels, commercial lots, and parking renovations will also face new EV charging mandates.

Advocacy groups praise the policy, emphasizing its balanced approach to affordability and infrastructure needs.

The initiative aligns with California’s 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales, aiming to address key barriers to EV adoption and support the state’s transition to electrification.

  • nBodyProblem@lemmy.world
    1·
    3 hours ago

    Unfortunately every apartment I have lived in with charging adds a massive markup to the electricity coming out of the chargers. At one place we were paying $150/month for a space with an EV charger and the electricity coming from the charger was still billed at around 10x the base rate. It was far cheaper to fill our plugin hybrid with gas than to use the charger in our parking space.

    I’m sure the same will apply here. It doesn’t help anyone if the complex is allowed to gouge the tenants on the electricity usage.

    • PlantJam@lemmy.world
      3·
      2 hours ago

      In theory chargers being more readily available will help with this. If they mark up the electricity 10x and all the tenants just charge at work instead, there’s a motive to make the price more competitive. In practice we might just end up with more AI price fixing and consumers with no recourse.

      • nBodyProblem@lemmy.world
        3·
        2 hours ago

        Ironically, the chargers at my office ALSO charge a big markup.

        Competition is good, but landlords at offices and apartment buildings have a somewhat captive customer base who will often pay exorbitant prices for convenience.