Newark, Delaware Proposal Requires EV Charging to Be Included in New Residential and Commercial Developments

On July 9, 2026, the Newark Post reported that the City of Newark, Delaware is moving forward with a proposal that would require electric vehicle charging infrastructure to be included in new residential and commercial developments, helping prepare the community for continued EV adoption in the years ahead.

Planning Director Renee Bensley told the Newark Post that transportation is steadily shifting toward electrification and that access to charging remains a key factor for many drivers considering an EV.

“It’s been predicted that by 2040, EVs will outnumber traditional combustion engine vehicles,” Bensley said. While changes to incentives have slowed adoption somewhat, she noted that many drivers still need convenient charging options to support daily vehicle use.

The proposed ordinance would align Newark’s residential requirements with existing Delaware law while adding new standards for commercial developments. According to Bensley, the goal is to make EV ownership easier and more practical for residents and businesses.

Under the proposal, all newly constructed single-family homes and townhouses would be required to include at least one EV-charging-capable parking space. The requirement does not mandate installation of a charging station. Instead, builders would need to install the electrical circuits, wiring, and supporting infrastructure necessary for homeowners to easily add a Level 2 charger in the future.

For new apartment developments, at least 5% of parking spaces would be required to have Level 2 charging stations installed, while 20% of spaces would need to be EV-charging capable. This approach allows developers to meet current demand while ensuring additional charging stations can be added as EV ownership grows.

Commercial developments, including offices, shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels, would face similar requirements. At least 5% of parking spaces would need to include Level 2 chargers, and 10% would be required to be EV-charging capable.

The proposal also targets future fueling infrastructure. Any newly constructed gas station would be required to install at least four Level 3 DC fast chargers and provide infrastructure for two additional fast-charging spaces.

The regulations would apply only to new construction and would not require existing homes or businesses to retrofit their properties with charging equipment.

During discussion of the proposal, Planning Commission member Alan Silverman raised concerns about locating charging infrastructure inside residential garages, citing fire safety considerations related to lithium-ion batteries. Bensley acknowledged the concern but noted that state law requires charging infrastructure to be installed in garages when a new home includes one. Homeowners would still have the option of installing an outdoor charger if they prefer.

Following a unanimous 5-0 vote by the Newark Planning Commission, the proposal now advances to the city council for final consideration.

Installing EV Charging Infrastructure During Construction Is Significantly More Cost-Effective Than Retrofitting

The concept of EV readiness in building codes was highlighted in the 2022 report Cracking the Code to EV Readiness in New Buildings, authored by Peter Banwell of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Kurt Steiner of the U.S. Green Building Council, Kevin Miller and Emily Kelly of ChargePoint, and Sarah Kay and Stacy Noblet of ICF.

The report emphasizes that installing EV charging infrastructure during initial construction is significantly more cost-effective than retrofitting parking spaces later. Converting an existing parking space to support EV charging typically requires additional equipment, electrical upgrades, and labor, making retrofit projects considerably more expensive. According to the report, creating an EV-ready parking space during commercial construction generally costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per port in labor and materials. In contrast, retrofitting a comparable parking space can add approximately $5,000 in additional costs.

The authors also cite research showing that preparing parking spaces for future EV charging during construction can reduce installation costs by as much as four times compared to retrofitting buildings that were not designed with EV readiness in mind. These findings highlight the long-term economic benefits of incorporating EV-ready requirements into building codes and development standards as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Newark’s Proposal is Smart Public Policy

Planning Commission member Alan Silverman’s apparent limited knowledge about EV fires is very concerning. We invite Silverman and others with similar concerns to read our article, EVs Are Far Less Likely to Catch Fire Than Gas-Powered Cars.

As electric vehicles become an increasingly common part of everyday life, communities face an important question: should charging infrastructure be built after demand arrives, or should cities prepare in advance? The City of Newark’s proposal to require EV charging infrastructure in new residential and commercial developments represents a practical and forward-thinking answer.

One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption remains access to charging. While public charging networks continue to expand, most EV owners prefer charging at home or at locations they regularly visit. Installing charging infrastructure during construction is significantly less expensive than retrofitting buildings years later.

By requiring developers to include wiring, electrical capacity, and charging-ready spaces from the start, Newark is helping future-proof its building stock while avoiding higher costs for property owners down the road.

The proposal is particularly sensible because it focuses on infrastructure readiness rather than forcing immediate charger installation everywhere. For single-family homes, builders would simply provide the electrical foundation needed for future Level 2 chargers. Apartment complexes and commercial properties would install a limited number of chargers while ensuring additional spaces can be upgraded as demand grows. This balanced approach recognizes that EV adoption will continue to increase without placing unnecessary burdens on developers.

The policy also benefits businesses. Consumers increasingly expect charging availability at shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. Properties equipped to support EV drivers will be more attractive to customers and tenants in the future. Commercial developers that prepare today will be better positioned to compete tomorrow.

Perhaps most importantly, Newark’s proposal acknowledges where the automotive industry is heading. Nearly every major automaker is investing billions of dollars in electric vehicles, and EV sales continue to grow worldwide. Whether adoption occurs faster or slower than projected, the long-term direction of transportation is clear. Cities that prepare now will avoid infrastructure shortages and costly upgrades later.

This type of planning is especially important in the United States, where charging infrastructure often lags behind vehicle adoption. Rather than waiting for problems to emerge, Newark is taking a proactive approach that supports consumer choice, economic development, and long-term community growth.

Smart public policy is often about anticipating future needs before they become urgent. By requiring EV-ready infrastructure in new developments, Newark is doing exactly that. The city is not mandating that residents purchase electric vehicles. Instead, it is ensuring that when more people choose to drive them, the infrastructure will already be in place. That is a practical, cost-effective, and forward-looking strategy that other communities should consider following.