Powering the Permian: New Mexico adopts new EV parking infrastructure requirements

NEW MEXICO (KMID/KPEJ) - Beginning August 1, new residential parking will need to be compatible with electric vehicle charging stations across the state of New Mexico. This affects one- and two-family dwelling and townhomes, in support of the storage and charging of electric vehicles.

The requirement includes an electrical box, eight-gauge wiring to a 50-amp circuit breaker within the electrical panel, and a label which states, "For Future Electrical Vehicle Charging Equipment." The charging system itself does not need to be installed but the infrastructure is required to be there.

While New Mexico Michelle Lujan Grisham has been supportive of EVs, there has been concern over parking space mandates, especially for rural communities that lack the robust electric infrastructure of cities.