AUSTIN, Texas — In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular on U.S. roadways.
This seems especially true in the Texas capital. In fact, Austin is one of the top EV-friendly cities for renters in the country, according to an analysis from Realtor.com.
The study compared 50 of the largest U.S. metros to determine which spots are the most accessible for EV users looking to live in an apartment.
Tied for No. 1, approximately 1.7% of all Austin and Los Angeles rental listings included EVs and/or charging stations.
Following the top spots were San Jose, California, and Orlando, Florida, tied at 1.4%; Atlanta at 1.3%; Phoenix at 1.1%; and San Francisco and San Diego, tied at 1%.
The study found that part of the reason renters are less likely to purchase EVs is because of a lack of accessible charging locations. Owners can typically recharge their vehicles in front of shopping centers, restaurants, offices, hotels and other public spaces but not at rental locations.
Those looking to power up their vehicle from their apartment might have more luck at "luxury rental communities," according to a Realtor.com chief economist. In fact, some 5.5% of all Austin luxury apartments are reportedly EV-friendly.
Here in Texas, there are more than 3,500 charging stations spread throughout the state. Some Austin-area EV-friendly rentals include the Riata, The Shiloh, Bridge at Windsor Park and more.
While renters might not be as likely to enter the EV space, homeowners are slightly more inclined. Last year, approximately 2% of EV-friendly homes were listed in the Austin area, compared to the national average of 0.09%.
Austin is also home to Elon Musk's Tesla Gigafactory, which has been producing EVs in the city for the past several years. In its most recent quarter, Tesla sales decreased, but the company doesn't plan to leave Texas anytime soon.
