Why Renters in Multifamily Buildings Are Getting Left Out of the EV Boom

The electric vehicle push has a glaring blind spot: people who live in apartment buildings and other multifamily housing often have no reliable way to charge a car at home. According to The Truth About Cars, more than one-third of Americans fall into this category, and without a dedicated place to plug in, switching to an EV becomes far less practical.

For homeowners, a garage outlet or a driveway charger makes the daily routine simple, but renters usually depend on landlords and property managers to install infrastructure. That split creates an uneven transition where access depends less on interest in electric cars and more on whether a building decides to invest in charging equipment.

The result is a large group of potential EV buyers who are effectively sidelined, even as new models hit the market. Until charging becomes available where these residents actually park overnight, the shift away from gasoline will keep stalling for a significant share of the population.