REVving Up: Legal & policy changes to support EV uptake-leader jurisdictions

Abstract

Even as many experts predict that zero emission vehicles including electric vehicles will become a dominant North American transportation technology, many buildings are still being constructed across North America without EV-ready parking areas, raising the possibility of significant retrofitting costs down the road and likely delaying EV adoption for some residents. This paper considers policy actions being taken by North American "leader jurisdictions" that have recognized the potential of EVs to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. It examines (1) requirements targeting the development and renovation of the built environment (building code amendments and municipal by-laws), (2) requirements targeting rules governing condominiums and landlord-tenant relationships and (3) property tax financing schemes (known to many US readers as PACE financing).