2025 EV Reach Code Opportunities
The upcoming 2025 code cycle will bring with it substantial changes to electric vehicle (EV) requirements in CALGreen. As we near implementation of the next code cycle, now is the perfect time for jurisdictions to consider reach code development for decarbonizing the transportation sector.
With local EV reach codes currently adopted in 47 jurisdictions across the state, the momentum is strong for continued adoption for the 2025 code cycle. The most common approach is to adopt CALGreen voluntary measures for EV charging, as this minimizes the development resources required by local staff.
EV Reach Code Options
The wide range of measures outlined in the CALGreen voluntary tiers provide jurisdictions with an existing framework that they can customize according to the specific needs of their community and stakeholders. Let’s consider these voluntary options and a few customization options.
Single Family Homes
For single family homes, a jurisdiction could adopt the CALGreen Tier 1 voluntary measures to require EV Ready over the baseline EV Capable requirement. This would mean that new single-family homes must install circuitry with either a receptacle or charger as opposed to simply installing the electric capacity and raceway for future charging infrastructure. By extending beyond the voluntary measure, this requirement could also be applied to existing buildings with a “time of renovation” trigger to target buildings undergoing a panel upgrade or other alteration. Another option would be to extend the existing EV Capable or upgraded EV Ready requirement to additional parking spaces, rather than only one in an attached private garage.
Multifamily Buildings
Of the defined building types, multifamily occupancies will see the most significant changes in the 2025 code cycle, with requirements outlined for both new construction and additions and alterations. For new construction, the updated code requires EV charging equipment for 100% of spaces or at least one space per dwelling unit. Furthermore, assigned spaces must have Low Power Level 2 receptacles and at least 25% of common spaces must have EVSE. For multifamily reach codes, a jurisdiction could adopt the CALGreen Tier 1 measures to require full power receptacles (208/240 volt, 40 amp circuits) rather than Low Power Level 2, change the required percentage of common spaces with EVSE from 25% to 40%, and eliminate the exception for receptacles in spaces served by lifts.
The CALGreen voluntary measures, as written, only impact new construction, so jurisdictions might consider customizing the voluntary measures to apply unique requirements to existing buildings as well. Alternatively, a jurisdiction could create custom requirements for existing buildings only.
Hotels and Motels
For hotels and motels, a jurisdiction could adopt CALGreen Tier 1, which would require that 60% of spaces (up from the baseline 40%) have Low Power Level 2 Receptacles and 40% (up from 25%) have EVSE. Adopting Tier 1 would also mean removing the exception of receptacles for spaces served by lifts. Since the CALGreen voluntary measures for hotels and motels only impact new construction, jurisdictions might consider customizing requirements for existing buildings.
Nonresidential Construction
The CALGreen framework also provides flexibility for jurisdictions to set nonresidential requirements by occupancy, as separate thresholds are outlined for some common building types (see the table below, Table 10 from the Statewide Team’s Options and Opportunities document). Depending on a jurisdiction’s priorities, they could adopt either Tier 1 or Tier 2 measures to increase the required amount of EV Capable spaces and EVSE. Since the CALGreen voluntary measures only apply to new construction, the jurisdictions might consider extending these requirements to existing buildings or otherwise customizing requirements to prioritize their community’s greatest needs and impact.
