Last night, on September 24, the City of Atlanta won the Policy Champion Award at the first annual Electric Innovation Awards during Climate Week NYC. The recognition celebrates Atlanta’s groundbreaking 2025 EV Readiness Ordinance, a first-in-the-nation policy that makes electric vehicle (EV) charging a standard part of new development.
Mayor Andre Dickens praised the recognition, noting Atlanta’s national leadership in electrification:
“Winning the Electric Innovation Award shows that Atlanta is leading the way on clean transportation,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “This recognition highlights our commitment to safer buildings, better access to EV charging, and a cleaner, more affordable future for every Atlantan.”
Accepting the award on behalf of the City, Chief Sustainability Officer Chandra Farley highlighted how Atlanta’s EV readiness efforts are meeting the moment:
“Here in the City of Atlanta, we’re looking at about 100,000 electric vehicles on the road right now. Our partners at the Atlanta Regional Commission expect that number to grow to about 500,000 by 2030. To support this growth, the region will need an estimated 45,000 new Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.
That’s why the City’s 2025 EV Readiness Ordinance is the most ambitious in the nation—not only because of its access requirements, but also because of the first-of-its-kind fire safety standards we put in place. We’re ensuring not just access to charging, but access to safe buildings with safe charging infrastructure.”
Why It Matters
The ordinance makes charging as common as water or electricity, requiring:
- New homes: One EV Servicing Equipment (EVSE) Ready Outlet for every unit.
- Apartments & Workplaces: At least 20% of parking spaces equipped with EV chargers (EVSE Installed), with an additional 20% EV Capable spaces.
- City-Owned Garages: Half of all spaces EVSE Capable, with a quarter equipped with chargers, EVSE Installed.
- Safety First: Emergency shut-offs, spacing standards, and fire extinguishers built in.
The policy also creates good-paying local jobs, avoids costly retrofits, and expands access to affordable charging across all communities—including affordable housing and public facilities.
Building on Past Leadership
Atlanta first adopted EV readiness rules in 2017, inspiring cities nationwide. The 2025 ordinance raises the bar again, establishing a new national model for how EV infrastructure can be built into every community.
A Cleaner, Safer Future
Farley also underscored how the City is pairing clean energy and electrification:
- Atlanta operates the largest municipal solar program in Georgia, with solar panels on 41 city facilities, including fire stations.
- Through the Fleet Forward campaign with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, the City is electrifying its municipal fleet and ensuring charging is available at city facilities.
“Atlanta’s EV Readiness Ordinance supports families now while preparing for generations ahead—cleaner air, safer buildings, and more affordable access to clean transportation,” Farley said.
Residents can learn more about Atlanta’s clean energy programs and other initiatives from the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience by visiting here. Specific information on the 2025 EV Readiness Ordinance and 2025 EV Readiness Workbook can be found here: https://www.100atl.com/electric-vehicles.
