Unlocking EV Access for Californians Who Live in Apartments

January 12, 2026

Home charging is one of the biggest drivers of electric vehicle adoption. But for millions of Californians who live in apartments or condos, it remains out of reach.

New research from Atlas Public Policy, supported by EVs for All America, finds that only five to six percent of Californians living in multifamily housing have adequate access to home EV charging—despite the fact that one-third of households in the state live in these buildings.

What’s Working—and What Isn’t

California has made real progress through programs like Communities in Charge and REACH, which together have invested more than $200 million to support charging at multifamily properties. These programs are popular and oversubscribed, demonstrating strong demand from property owners and residents alike.

But the research also shows that much of the multifamily market remains untapped. Programs that prioritize “shovel-ready” projects tend to favor experienced applicants with upfront capital, while more hands-on models that support early-stage projects are harder to scale.

Best Practices to Expand Access

The brief outlines several proven strategies to accelerate deployment, including:

  • Upfront incentives that reduce financial risk for property owners
  • Simpler, predictable application processes with longer windows
  • Support for site readiness, including permitting and utility coordination
  • Strong equity provisions to ensure investments reach underserved communities
  • Hands-on technical assistance to help projects move from concept to completion

Taken together, these best practices can help unlock EV access for millions of renters—especially low-income households and rideshare drivers who stand to benefit most from the cost savings of home charging.

The Bottom Line

California’s experience shows that multifamily charging incentives work—but scaling them to meet the moment will require sustained investment and smarter program design. Expanding access to home charging isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about making EV ownership affordable and practical for everyone.

You can read the full Best Practices for Multifamily Charging Incentives in California fact sheet for a deeper dive into the findings and recommendations