Denver's new building code requires garages to support electric vehicles

[eridani]

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_29615729/new-garages-must-support-electric-vehicle-plugs-denver

Denver's new building codes include a change aimed at making it easier — and cheaper — for more residents of the fast-growing city to charge electric vehicles at home.

Although opposed by homebuilders, the electric vehicle readiness requirement says new single-family homes and duplexes built in the city will need to have the right electrical wiring to support electric vehicle plugs in their garages. At the least, the new homes must have conduits leading to the electrical panel.

While owners of older homes often must dig or break through walls, that latter option would allow a resident to install the wiring needed for a charging plug easily.

"It's very basic electrical work," said Mike Salisbury, a senior transportation associate with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, which advocated for the requirement. "What this tries to do is make sure it's easy and inexpensive for a new homeowner (to install) a new charging station."

The electric vehicle change was part of a large-scale update of the city's building and fire codes that won approval Monday from the City Council.