Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a futuristic fantasy—they’re here, they’re everywhere, and they’re only gaining speed. From sleek Teslas to all-electric trucks and wallet-friendly compacts, EVs have officially gone mainstream. And renters are playing a significant role in driving this shift. 

That’s right—today’s renters aren’t just looking for stainless steel appliances and in-unit laundry. They want amenities that match their values, their tech-savviness, and their lifestyle—and EV charging is climbing to the top of that list.

If you’re in the multifamily game and haven’t added EV charging to your amenity lineup, consider this your friendly wake-up call. It’s not just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s quickly becoming a need-to-have. Renters are ready to plug in. The question is: will they be able to do it at your property? Because if not… they might just drive on by.

EV Sales Are Accelerating.

There’s no slowing down the EV revolution. Global electric vehicle sales are projected to soar past 20 million units in 2025, making up more than 25% of all new car sales worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). That’s one in every four new cars sold—electric.

Here in the U.S., we’re catching up fast. EV sales reached approximately 1.6 million units in 2024, accounting for over 10% of the total market—a significant jump from just a few years ago. And the momentum isn’t slowing - even with the changes in Washington..

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol summed it up perfectly: “EVs are no longer a niche. They are a mainstream market with momentum that’s only growing.”

This growth isn’t just about cutting-edge tech or lower emissions—it’s about consumer demand. And when it comes to who’s fueling that demand, look no further than renters.

Renters Are Driving the Demand.

Renters now make up 34.9% of U.S. households (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025), and they’re a driving force in the shift toward electric vehicles—both literally and figuratively. This demographic skews younger, more urban, and increasingly sustainability-minded. In fact, Gen Z alone accounts for 47% of recent renters (The Wall Street Journal, 2025), and they’re actively reshaping the housing market with a clear preference for eco-conscious living.

A Multifamily Executive survey found that 15% of renters plan to buy an EV within the next five years, and 58% of those say they’d pay more in rent for access to on-site EV charging. That preference aligns with broader sustainability trends: a study by MRI Software shows that 80% of apartment residents believe green communities benefit their health, and 61% are willing to pay more for eco-friendly features.

For multifamily property owners, this isn’t just a feel-good shift—it’s a strategic opportunity. Renters are increasingly making housing decisions based on access to sustainable amenities like EV charging. If your property can’t support their charging needs, they’ll find one that can. In a competitive market, that’s a game-changing detail.

The EV Charging Gap: A Roadblock for Renters.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cruising into the mainstream, but the infrastructure to support them—especially in multifamily housing—is hitting a speed bump.

Despite the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investment of $7.5 billion to build 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, progress has been painfully slow. As of late 2024, only 31 NEVI-funded charging station sites were up and running—while over 24,700 projects remained in various stages of development. And now, with portions of that funding paused under the current administration, the gap between EV adoption and charging availability is only growing wider.

This rollout delay poses a real challenge—especially for renters. While around 80% of EV charging happens at home, only about 5% of U.S. multifamily properties currently offer on-site charging (Canary Media). That lack of access is more than an inconvenience; it's a deal-breaker. In fact, 31% of renters who don’t yet own an EV say that the absence of at-home charging is one of the main reasons they haven’t made the switch.

The disparity is clear: while single-family homeowners often have the luxury of installing personal chargers, renters are left searching for public options, which are not only scarce but also less convenient.

For property owners and managers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By proactively installing EV charging stations, they can meet the growing demand, attract eco-conscious tenants, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Incentives Make EV Charging More Accessible Than Ever.

Thinking about adding EV charging stations to your multifamily property? Good news: a wealth of federal, state, and local incentives can significantly offset installation costs, making it easier than ever to meet tenant demand and future-proof your investment.

• Colorado: Charge Ahead with Substantial Support - Colorado's Charge Ahead Colorado program offers generous grants covering up to 80% of project costs for installing Level 2 and DC fast-charging stations. Multifamily properties can receive between $4,500 and $6,250 per Level 2 charger, depending on the specifics of the installation. For properties located in Disproportionately Impacted Communities, incentives can be even higher, reaching up to $11,670 per Level 2 charger. Additionally, Xcel Energy provides a Shared Parking Make-Ready Program, supplying infrastructure, installation, and maintenance at no cost when installing a minimum of four EV charging stations for residents or guests. This program is particularly beneficial for multifamily housing units aiming to offer EV charging without bearing the full financial burden .

• New Jersey: It Pay$ to Plug In - In the Garden State, the It Pay$ to Plug In program provides grants to offset the cost of purchasing and maintaining EV charging stations. Multifamily properties can receive up to $4,000 per Level 2 charging port, with increased incentives of up to $6,000 for properties located in overburdened municipalities. Moreover, the Charge Up New Jersey initiative offers additional incentives, providing up to $6,000 per charger for multifamily properties. These programs aim to expand New Jersey's EV infrastructure, ensuring residents have convenient access to charging options.

• Denver: Local Incentives for Sustainable Transportation - Denver's Mobility Incentive Program prioritizes multifamily housing units for EV charging station installations. Projects that reduce fossil fuel-based transportation and demonstrate community input are given preference. While specific funding amounts vary, the program supports the deployment of Level 2 or higher charging stations, especially when combined with other state and utility incentives.

• Nationally - On a national level, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit offers a 30% credit, up to $1,000, for the installation of EV charging stations at residential properties. Businesses can also benefit from similar tax incentives, provided they meet specific labor and construction criteria. 

• Utilities - Additionally, various utility companies across the country offer rebates and incentives for EV charger installations. For instance, in Maryland, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) provides rebates covering 50% of the cost, up to $5,000 per Level 2 port, for multifamily properties.

Strategic Advantages for Property Owners.

Integrating EV charging stations into multifamily properties isn’t just a trendy upgrade—it’s a strategic investment that delivers long-term value across multiple fronts.

• Attract and Retain High-Value Tenants - Today’s renters are looking for more than just granite countertops and in-unit laundry. They want amenities that align with their values—and EV charging is quickly becoming a must-have. With 15% of renters planning to purchase an EV in the next five years (Multifamily Executive), and 58% of those willing to pay more for on-site charging, properties that offer EV infrastructure are far more likely to attract and retain environmentally conscious, tech-forward tenants. In a competitive rental market, offering charging options can be the deciding factor for a prospective resident—and the reason a current tenant renews their lease.

• Boost Property Value and Marketability - EV charging infrastructure adds a layer of future-focused functionality to your property that can increase its market value and appeal. According to a 2023 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) study, buildings with EV charging amenities saw higher property valuations and faster lease-up rates than those without. In some cases, EV charging access has even helped properties qualify for green certifications like LEED or ENERGY STAR—enhancing both their brand and their bottom line. Think of it as curb appeal with a power cord.

• Future-Proof Your Investment - By 2030, EVs are projected to make up over 50% of new car sales in the U.S. (BloombergNEF), and that momentum isn’t slowing. Properties that don’t prepare now risk falling behind as renter expectations shift and regulations evolve. Cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco have already passed building codes requiring EV infrastructure in new developments, and other municipalities are following suit. By installing charging stations now, you’re not only meeting current demand—you’re positioning your property to stay compliant, competitive, and desirable in the years to come.

Whether you're looking to stand out in the market, attract a new wave of tenants, or simply get ahead of the curve, EV charging is no longer a bonus amenity—it’s a strategic necessity.

Ready to Plug In? Let’s electrify your property's appeal—literally.

Ready to plug in? Explore available incentives with the help of National Car Charging—your go-to expert for EV infrastructure in multifamily housing. From navigating federal and state rebates to designing a solution that fits your property’s needs, we’re here to make the process simple and successful.

Start building your EV charging strategy today—because the properties that act now will be the ones renters race toward tomorrow. Call us at (866) 996-6387 or email info@nationalcarcharging.com to get started.