Cluttered Garages Hinder US EV Adoption
The lack of widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the US may not solely be attributed to government policies, but a new report suggests that cluttered garages could play a significant role. According to Telemetry, a strategic communications firm, 90% of American homes have the potential to install a 240-volt outlet for EV charging near parking spaces. However, many homeowners struggle to find the space due to garage storage usage.
Sam Abuelsamid, Vice President of Market Research at Telemetry, asserts that the use of garages for parking or storage will significantly impact EV adoption. He also notes that while most homes can accommodate 240-volt outlets, it’s the garage utilization that is more decisive in determining in-house charging capability.
The report cites research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, indicating that approximately 42% of homeowners park near electrical access suitable for a Level 2 charger, although some modifications might be required. Cluttered garages are not the only hindrance; the high cost associated with upgrading a home’s electrical service is another major concern. Approximately 40% of homeowners with space and access for home charging require extensive electrical work, potentially incurring thousands of dollars in costs, primarily affecting older homes or those in remote areas.
Shared parking spaces also pose a challenge, as per the research. Although 20% of new EV buyers reside in multi-family dwellings (MFDs), only 11% of these individuals report having charging access at their residence.
Despite an increase in public chargers over the past few years, home charging still accounts for 80% of all EV charging in the US. However, US EV growth has been slower compared to Europe and China, with sales increasing by a mere 2% in the first seven months of 2025. The modest growth is attributed to ongoing tariff fears and anti-electrification moves, but also to generous subsidies for new EV buyers in countries like China, Italy, and the UK.
While the reasons for slowing EV adoption vary, the US lags behind other regions when it comes to EV growth, despite a gradual rise in sales overall.
