Electronic vehicles are being considered beneficial by policymakers as these vehicles help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. California wants to have 5 million EVs by 2030. This goal would drive down statewide emissions 40% below 1990 levels.

However, federal data reveals that more homeowners own EVs than renters in California and the rest of the United States. Clearly, there is a gap. One may think that insufficient income among renters is the problem - but no. A lot of these people have similar income levels.

For example, 1 in 130 homeowners who earn between US$75,000 and $100,000 a year own an EV. On the other hand, 1 in 370 renters with the same income, own an EV.

The Problem: Charging Stations

Most homeowners have a garage or driveway which makes it convenient for them to charge their EVs. Renters may not have access to parking areas, especially renters who live in multi-family apartment buildings.

And yes, the issue of charging stations. These investments will cost renters about $1,000 or more, and they may not see this as applicable to their situation since they don’t own the property to start with. Why invest in a property that you don’t own?

Also, landlords may not allow tenants to install charging stations due to liability concerns.

Bill to Require Landlords to Approve Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Policymakers in California know how challenging it is for renters to own EVs. With that, a bill has been introduced, Assembly Bill No. 1796, that would require landlords to approve the written request of tenants to install an EV charging station. Read the bill here.

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