Delegate Tarasen seeks mandatory EV charging infrastructure in new multifamily and townhouse construction

Delegate Jen Tarasen told the committee she has pursued EV-charging requirements for multiunit housing for several years and presented House Bill 14-96 on March 12 to require EV charging provisions during construction or significant renovation of two or more residential units (typically townhouses or multifamily buildings). The bill would mandate at least one EV charging station (EVSE) per covered project and one additional EVSE for every 25 residential units.

Tarasen and supporters argued in-construction installation is far less expensive than retrofitting—two to four times cheaper—and that many townhouse units lack driveways or garages that make later installation difficult. She cited Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) programs and a sharp rise in registered electric vehicles (a 433% increase in emissions-free vehicles from 2020 to December 2024, per testimony citing MDE figures) as reasons to require infrastructure now.

Committee members asked how the requirement would affect accessibility for people with disabilities and whether spaces reserved for disabled drivers could be preserved. Tarasen said she was open to clarifying language to ensure required EVSE did not reduce mandated accessible parking and said she would consider provisions to set aside spaces for disabled EV drivers. Tarasen also noted existing MEA funding to support EV charging in multifamily and underserved communities.

No vote was taken. Sponsors said the bill aims to broaden access to home charging and reduce barriers to EV adoption, especially where retrofitting is impractical.