This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17-30-2, to the Code of West Virginia, mandating that all new electric vehicle charging stations installed for public use after January 1, 2026, must be universally accessible. The legislation specifies that these charging stations must be compatible with vehicles manufactured after July 1, 2025, from a list of major automotive manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, and Tesla, among others.

The bill emphasizes the importance of universal charging stations, likening them to standardized fuel nozzles at gas stations, which allows for efficient refueling of all electric vehicle makes and models, regardless of the manufacturer. This initiative aims to enhance the infrastructure for electric vehicles in West Virginia, making it more accommodating for residents who own such vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17-30-2