CEA has managed numerous EV charging infrastructure projects in communities across B.C., paving the way for connected networks that enable emissions free travel throughout the province. Access to charging is of course a key enabler of EV adoption.
Yet, against a backdrop of sustained EV adoption during the last decade with 22.5% of new vehicle sales in the province in 2024 and 18.5% in Q3 2025, even after both federal and provincial rebates were paused, there is no province-wide standard to future-proof new buildings and ensure that all British Columbians can access affordable, reliable charging—regardless of housing type.
With 33 local governments representing 79% of B.C.’s population already having some form of EV-readiness requirements in place, the lack of a province-wide standard leaves cross-jurisdictional developers navigating a patchwork of local rules, adding both time and cost to projects.
Working with Clean Energy Canada, CEA managed local government interviews, contributed to dialogue sessions and assisted in the creation of Making All New B.C. Homes EV-ready.
About the report
The document provides a stakeholder-informed pathway for implementing a province-wide EV-ready standard for new residential buildings (those covered by Part 3 as well as Part 9 of the BC Building Code).
Why is this important for local governments?
A single harmonized, province-wide EV-ready building standard will:
- Reduce administrative burden at the local level
- Allow for best practices to be applied at scale, province-wide
- Enable EV-readiness in communities facing capacity challenges
- Facilitate more efficient energy usage and improved planning for utilities
- Avoid locking in higher future costs as more drivers switch to electric vehicles
