Will New Homebuilders Start Including Electric Car Charging Units?

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has sparked discussions among homebuilders and architects about whether they should begin installing electric car charging units as part of new home construction. Currently, the response is largely negative, but that could change as market and regulatory forces evolve.

Current Market Dynamics

Homebuilders and architects I have talked to are not automotive engineers and prioritize classic building requirements, suggesting that EV charging is not currently part of their standard services. The upfront installation cost of high-current power outlets is relatively low compared to the several thousand dollars that would be needed to retrofit existing homes. Considering that houses typically remain standing for at least fifty years, it is almost assured that all today's new homes will have at least one EV charging point before they are demolished.

However, unless the government mandates it, or market dynamics demand it, it seems unlikely that EV charging units will be included in new home constructions voluntarily. Still, there are signs that the climate is changing. For instance, during my recent visit to Northern Sweden, I observed that every new apartment building had its parking spots equipped with their own chargers, even during construction, installed with wooden planks until the final posts were in place.

Government Mandates and California as a Model

The short answer is yes, with a notable example being California. Many counties in California have required that homes be pre-wired for EV charging since 2004. The state's electrical code has mandated it for years, and in 2022, these requirements were expanded. For more details on the current requirements, you can refer to [California's Electrical Code].

Across California, it is common to see the inclusion of NEMA 14-50 configurations with a 50A breaker to support a 240V 40A plug for EVSEs (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Many builders will offer to include a pre-wire for a direct-wired EVSE upon request and will install the EVSE itself.

As EV uptake increases in new car purchases, the inclusion of EV charging points will become as standard as having a 240V run in laundry rooms and kitchens. However, the question is specifically aimed at the USA, where the situation is different in many regions. In sensible countries, 240V plugs are already standard, and the cost of upping the amps for EVs is minimal.

International Examples and Future Trends

Some countries have led the way in mandating electric car charging infrastructure. For instance, in the UK, all homes built after June 2022 must have a charger installed. This trend is likely to continue, with the absence of a charger becoming a negative factor in selling a house. Consequently, many people are expected to renovate and flip their houses to include chargers.

When I built a detached garage last year, local building codes required the installation of a car charging circuit, highlighting a growing trend in certain areas of the USA. It seems that if you want to build a home, you need to install a dedicated EV charging circuit in some regions.

In conclusion, the landscape of EV charging infrastructure in new home constructions is evolving, and it is increasingly likely that builders and architects will start including electric car charging units as part of their standard offerings. As consumers demand more sustainable living options and governments mandate it, the shift is inevitable.

[California's Electrical Code]