In a significant step forward for clean transportation and air quality, two Utah communities—Summit County and the City of Moab—have adopted new electric vehicle (EV) readiness ordinances. These forward-thinking policies require new multifamily housing developments, such as apartments and condos, to include infrastructure that supports EV charging.
This is a major win not just for electric vehicle adoption, but also for housing equity, cleaner air, and transportation choice across Utah. For the past two years, Utah Clean Energy has been working with a cohort of local governments across the state (including Summit County and Moab) to provide technical assistance, research, and guidance in adopting EV ready policies. We’re excited to see our partners start to officially adopt these impactful ordinances.
What is EV Readiness?
EV ready buildings are constructed with the infrastructure needed to support future EV charging, such as conduit, wiring, and panel capacity. While EV readiness does not require the installation of EV chargers, this infrastructure makes it possible for chargers to be easily installed when needed. This is much more affordable to do during construction than retrofitting a building later – 4-6x less expensive, according to some estimates!
By requiring new multifamily properties to be EV ready, cities can remove a huge barrier to EV ownership for renters, who often lack access to home charging. EV readiness also provides flexibility to property managers by making it possible to install charging as demand increases.
Why It Matters
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that around 80% of EV charging happens at home. But for the growing number of Utahns living in apartments and condos, home charging is often not an option.
These new policies change that byensuring that new housing is built to support the future, not the past. That means:
- Cost Savings – It’s far cheaper to include EV-ready infrastructure during construction than to retrofit buildings later.
- Equity – Renters deserve to access the benefits of clean transportation as homeowners. Did you know that a family in Summit County could save $1,189 per year on fuel by driving an electric vehicle compared to a gas car? EV readiness policies ensure everyone can experience the benefits of driving an EV no matter where they live.
- Future-Proofing – The buildings we are constructing now should be equipped with the technology of the future, which includes EV infrastructure.
- Transportation Choice – Residents have more freedom to choose to drive electric – they won’t be limited by what type of housing they live in.
“Adoption of EV readiness and bike parking codes is one step of many that Summit County has taken to make alternative and active transportation modes easier for our community to use,” said Emily Quinton, Summit County Sustainability Director.
A Model for Other Utah Communities
The good news? Other cities and counties in Utah can do this too.
These ordinances in Summit County and Moab provide a clear model for how local governments can support a more equitable, sustainable, and future-ready transportation system.
Congratulations to Summit County and Moab for setting the standard—and leading the charge toward a cleaner, healthier Utah for all!
We would like to clarify that Utah Clean Energy is not a solar company. We are a nonprofit organization that advocates for solar and other clean energy technologies, but we do not install or sell solar in any way.