New Jersey Approves EV-Ready Home Requirement

New Jersey moves the needle on an important home feature that helps new homes go all-electric.  

An eight-month legislative process gained major momentum in the second half of 2020 as New Jersey approved an EV-ready requirement for new single-family residences in a development of 25 or more dwelling units. This is good for the environment, and studies have shown that it will help homeowners save money if they use electric cars.

It really starts as a disclosure requirement. The developer is required to “offer to install, or to provide for the installation of, an EV charging station into a dwelling unit when a prospective owner enters into purchase negotiations.” 

The disclosure includes: 

• Making it clear that it is an available option. 
• The cost of the install.
• The environmental benefits and potential cost savings of an electric vehicle.
• Information on “any applicable credits, rebates, or other incentives that may be available.” 

Should the prospective owner elect to have an EV charging station installed, it needs to be completed before the closing of title on the sale.

The state senate nearly unanimously passed the bill in late June. The state assembly did the same in late July. The bill was approved on September 14, 2020, went into effect immediately, “and shall apply to any dwelling unit for which a construction permit is issued on or after the 90th day following the date of enactment.” The applicable date was December 13, 2020.

Mike Collignon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Green Builder Coalition, a not-for-profit association dedicated to amplifying the voice of green builders and professionals to drive advocacy and education for more sustainable home-building practices.