Home recharging systems will be important as major manufacturers like Nissan develop mass-production electric cars

Housebuilder KB Home has announced plans to allow customers buying its Built to Order homes to have them wired up ready to charge electric vehicles.

The LA-based company said yesterday that the option would be available to KB Home homebuyers nationwide.

With a number of major motor manufacturers planning mass production electric vehicles, experts are now predicting that up to 40% of the nation’s cars could be electrically-powered by 2050.

A study from the University of California, Davis, cited this week by MSN, suggested that charging cars at home would be the main location consumers would choose to recharge their vehicles.

Jeffrey Mezger, president and chief executive officer of KB Home, said his company’s “pre-wire” plan meant homes that would be “relevant” to homebuyers’ lifestyles in future years.

Mr Mezger said: “This is just one of many innovative and earth-friendly options that homeowners can choose from as part of KB Home’s Built to Order experience.

“It’s a great feature for homebuyers who currently drive electric cars, or for those who want to build their new home to accommodate these cars in the future,” he added.

“Critical”

Matt Mattila, Project Manager for the non-profit organization The Rocky Mountain Institute, which is working to help communities prepare for plug-in vehicles, said it would be “critical” for housebuilders like KB Home to offer the pre-wire option.

“The majority of electric vehicle charging will be done at home overnight,” said Mr Mattila.

“Not only is it convenient, but when managed correctly, charging overnight, at home, will put less strain on the grid than opportunity day-time charging at public charging stations.”