Palo Alto to require wiring for fast EV chargers in new homes
![](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FHvZZrN_4zNbPeSXE3.5Dg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTUyNg--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/2ZxlOFZkNVcOaEPN_mZ4.w--~B/aD0zNDA7dz02MjA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/09/tesla-roadster-garage-jurvetson-flickr.jpg)
Palo Alto is an ideal place for electric vehicles when it's full of wealthy, tech-savvy executives. It only makes sense, then, that the city council has voted in favor of a proposal requiring that new homes include wiring for speedy Level 2 EV chargers. The mandate should add less than $200 to a home's price, and could represent a bargain for future residents -- they'd have to pay four times more for a retrofit, Mayor Greg Scharff says. Established locals may also catch a break, as the council wants to simplify the process of getting an EV charger permit. The moves aren't very bold -- many in the area could buy a Model S with spare change -- but they may start a trend that spreads to less affluent regions.
[Image credit: Steve Jurvetson, Flickr]