Allowing new buildings where new parking is provided to have an optional, charger-agnostic, power-based allocation method alternative to certain electric vehicle charging infrastructure requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Conrad and 7 co-sponsors

An optional, charger-agnostic, power-based method to size EV charging in new buildings with parking, offering flexibility and potential upfront cost savings for developers.

PRINT NUMBER 8543A

Summary of Bill A 8543

A 8543, introduced on May 20, 2025 and currently REFERRED TO ENERGY, would provide an optional alternative method for determining required electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in new buildings that include new parking. The approach is described as charger-agnostic and power-based, offering an alternative to existing EV charging infrastructure requirements.

Purpose and Intent

To give developers and property owners a flexible option for meeting EV charging infrastructure rules.

To implement an allocation method that centers on a building’s electrical power capacity rather than a fixed number of charging ports.

To potentially reduce upfront costs and streamline compliance for new construction with parking.

Key Provisions (High-Level)

Establishes an optional, charger-agnostic, power-based allocation method for EV charging infrastructure.

Applies specifically to new buildings where new parking is provided.

Serves as an alternative to certain existing EV charging infrastructure requirements (the bill text would define the exact benchmarks and calculations, which are not provided in the summary).

Allows the use of this method in lieu of the standard charging-port requirements, presumably subject to review and approval by the applicable energy or building authorities.

Provides the framework within which localities or state agencies would implement or accept this alternative method (implementation details would be in the final bill language).

Affected Parties

Developers, property owners, and builders constructing new buildings with new parking.

EV charging equipment providers and installers (due to potential changes in required infrastructure).

Local planning, permitting, and energy/state building authorities that would administer or approve compliance under the new method.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to Energy committee (as of May 20, 2025).

Legislative actions listed: two entries noting “REFERRED TO ENERGY” on the same date.

Sponsors:

Primary: Albert A. Stirpe
Cosponsor: Anna Kelles

Related/Companion Bill: S 7283 (listed as companion in the Senate)

Potential Impact and Considerations

Aims to increase flexibility in meeting EV charging requirements, potentially lowering upfront costs for developers and enabling more adaptable project planning.

The actual impact will depend on the final text, including how the power-based allocation is calculated (e.g., metrics such as electrical load, capacity, or other design constraints) and how it interfaces with local building codes and planning approvals.

Since the bill is in a preliminary committee stage, full details (definitions, calculation methods, eligibility criteria, and enforcement) will emerge in future amendments and the final enacted language.

For readers tracking this bill, watch for updates from the Energy committee on any amendments, voting, or passage to the floor.