Key Government Announcements for EV Charging Stations and Owners

The electric vehicle (EV) market continues to surge, with governments at every level issuing new policies, incentives, and regulations that directly impact EV charging stations and EV owners. Whether you’re a property developer, business owner, or EV driver, staying updated on these government announcements is essential for making informed decisions about charging infrastructure and vehicle ownership.

Major Federal Announcements Impacting EV Charging Stations

Federal policy shifts can significantly alter the EV landscape. In 2025, several headline government actions are already reshaping how and where charging stations are deployed and how EV owners can benefit.

1. Halt on New Federal Charging Stations

• In March 2025, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) issued Directive 5605.1B, halting the installation of new EV charging stations at federal facilities unless agencies can prove a mission-critical need.
• The policy aims to eliminate wasteful spending on underused or unnecessary charging infrastructure at government properties.
• As a result, 32 federal charging projects worth over $23 million have been canceled, signaling a strategic shift in federal infrastructure priorities.

2. Expanded Federal Tax Credits for EV and Charging

• Recent laws have broadened federal tax credits, now covering not just new EVs but also used and commercial vehicles.
• Homeowners, businesses, and multi-unit dwellings can claim tax credits for installing qualifying EV charging stations, making home and workplace charging more accessible.

State and Local Government Announcements

While federal policy sets the tone, state and local governments are enacting their own ambitious requirements and incentives to expand EV charging access. These measures often target new construction and infrastructure planning.

3. EV-Ready Building Codes and Mandates

• Many states have implemented “EV-ready” building codes, requiring new residential and commercial developments to include EV charging infrastructure or at least the wiring needed for future charging stations.
• For example, in Delaware:
  • As of January 1, 2025, at least 5% of parking spaces in newly constructed multifamily housing must have fully installed EV charging stations.
  • Additionally, 10% of spaces must be “EV-capable,” meaning they have the electrical capacity and wiring to support future charger installation.
• New single-family homes, as of January 1, 2024, must include at least one EV-capable parking spot.

4. Local Incentives for Public and Private Charging

• Many cities and counties offer rebates or grants to encourage the installation of public and workplace charging.
• Some municipalities prioritize fast-charging infrastructure in urban centers to support EV adoption for drivers without home charging access.

National Trends and Infrastructure Projections

Understanding the trajectory of EV charging deployment is essential for both station owners and EV drivers. Government agencies and industry groups have outlined clear targets and forecasts for the coming years.

5. Projected National Charging Needs by 2030

• By 2030, the U.S. is expected to have over 26 million EVs on the road.
• To support this, an additional 12.9 million charging stations will be required nationwide.
• Of these, the majority will be Level 2 chargers in homes and multifamily dwellings, with a significant but smaller number of DC fast chargers for rapid public charging.

6. Prioritizing Level 2 Charging

• Given the extended charging time of Level 1 outlets, governments are prioritizing Level 2 charging (240V) for residential and public settings.
• Level 2 chargers offer a practical balance of charging speed and installation cost, making them the preferred choice for most new construction codes.

Key Requirements for Property Developers and Building Owners

Property developers, landlords, and building managers need to closely follow new mandates for EV charging infrastructure, especially in residential and commercial projects.

How to Comply with New EV Charging Regulations

1. Review Local Codes: Check your state, city, or county requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new construction or major renovations.
2. Assess Electrical Capacity: Ensure your building’s electrical system can handle the additional load of multiple EV chargers.
3. Plan for Scalability: Even if only a portion of spaces need chargers now, wiring more spaces to be EV-capable prepares you for future expansion.
4. Apply for Incentives: Take advantage of available federal, state, and local tax credits or grants to offset installation costs.
5. Consult with Professionals: Work with licensed electricians and EV infrastructure specialists to ensure safe, code-compliant installations.

Pros and Cons of Recent Government Announcements

Common Challenges and Solutions for EV Charging Station Owners

• Challenge: Keeping up with evolving regulations and code requirements.
  Solution: Subscribe to local government updates and work with regulatory consultants.
• Challenge: Managing installation costs.
  Solution: Leverage tax credits, grants, and group purchasing programs to reduce expenses.
• Challenge: Ensuring adequate electrical capacity.
  Solution: Integrate EV charging planning into early building design and consult certified electricians.
• Challenge: Navigating varying requirements across states and municipalities.
  Solution: Use national resources and legal counsel familiar with multi-jurisdictional compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About EV Charging Station Regulations

1. What does “EV-capable” mean in new building codes?

“EV-capable” refers to parking spaces that have the necessary electrical panel capacity, conduit, and wiring to support the future installation of an EV charging station, even if a charger isn’t installed right away.

2. Are there federal incentives for installing EV charging stations at home?

Yes. Homeowners can claim federal tax credits for a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing qualified EV charging equipment. Check the latest IRS guidance for current limits and eligibility.

3. How do new federal policies affect public charging availability?

While some federal agencies are pausing unnecessary installations, the overall public charging network continues to grow rapidly, driven by state and local mandates and private investment.

4. Do all new apartment buildings have to install EV chargers?

Requirements vary by state and local laws. In many jurisdictions, new multifamily buildings must provide a certain percentage of parking spaces with installed chargers and additional spaces that are EV-capable.

5. What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging?

Level 1 chargers use standard 120V outlets and offer slow charging, typically adding 2–5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers use 240V and can add 10–60 miles of range per hour, making them the preferred option for homes and public spaces.

6. Can existing buildings be required to retrofit for EV charging?

Most mandates currently focus on new construction, but some areas are exploring retrofit requirements for major renovations or for buildings seeking certain permits. Always check with your local building department.

Key Takeaways

• Federal and state governments are actively shaping the future of EV charging through new policies, funding, and building codes.
• Recent federal directives have halted unnecessary charging installations at government facilities, emphasizing mission-critical needs and cost savings.
• Expanded tax credits and state-level incentives are making EV charging more accessible and affordable for homeowners, businesses, and property developers.
• EV-ready building codes are now common in new residential and commercial developments, requiring a percentage of parking to be charger-equipped or EV-capable.
• The EV charging network is rapidly expanding, but staying informed about evolving requirements is crucial for compliance and strategic investment.

Staying ahead of government announcements and policy changes is the key to success for both EV charging station owners and electric vehicle drivers. As the market and technology continue to evolve, proactive planning and compliance will ensure you’re ready for the next wave of electrified transportation.