According to recent statistics, approximately 2.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) have been sold to drivers in the US over the past 48 months. With so many people buying EVs, it should come as no surprise that EV-friendly homes are on the rise. EVs aren't just changing how we drive but also influencing how we build power and future-proof our homes.
If you own an EV and are thinking of buying a new home in 2026, you've come to the right place. At CKN Homes, we're seeing a surge in clients asking for home EV charger installation. In today's blog, our team at CKN Homes will discuss the EV charging home trends of 2026 so you can make informed decisions before building an EV-ready home.
What Are the Latest EV Home Charging Trends in 2026?
You might find it hard to believe – and we did at first – but EVs now represent a whopping 10% of all light-duty vehicle sales in the US. Since Austin, TX, is a tech-savvy city, more and more homeowners are driving electric vehicles and seeking modern home EV features and EV home charger installation, and we're not surprised.
At CKN Homes, we understand how much our clients appreciate everything tech-forward. If you count yourself among the tech-savvy crowd and want to learn more about home trends for electric vehicles, have a look below:
- Level 2 charger integration: Many homeowners are opting for Level 2 home EV charger installation, which offers faster and more reliable charging than a basic 120-volt outlet. It's quickly becoming standard in newly built homes.
- Smart EV chargers: When we refer to smart EV chargers, think of app-based controls, scheduled charging, and real-time usage tracking. This is one of the fastest-adopted EV home trends we're seeing at CKN Homes.
- Wireless charging: While still new, wireless EV charging pads are gaining attention in high-end custom homes. These systems enable drivers to park and charge, eliminating the need for plugging in. We expect to see this feature continue to grow, especially in luxury builds.
- Solar and battery integration: Energy-efficient homes in Austin are on the rise, and part of making a home energy-efficient is pairing EV chargers with solar panels and home batteries. The ability to generate, store, and use your own clean power is a win for both sustainability and your electricity bill.
- Two-way charging (vehicle-to-home): Some new EV models support bi-directional charging, meaning your car can power your home in a pinch. If this isn't a notable mention of green home trends in 2026, we don't know what is. If you're a forward-thinking EV owner and homeowner, consider working with a firm that can design garages that can accommodate this technology.
What Are the Actual Benefits of Wireless EV Charging at Home?
Wireless EV charging is no longer a futuristic concept; it's a reality and an EV home trend in 2026 that's set to take off. At CKN Homes, we're intimately aware of this.
If you're considering building an EV-friendly home that features EV chargers but are not quite sure if it's the best move for your household, here's a closer look at why more clients are asking us to explore this option:
- No cords equals no fuss: Wireless EV charging removes the daily task of plugging in. As a homeowner, you simply park over the charging pad and walk inside. It starts automatically, which means no bending down, no untangling cords, and no forgetting to connect. This is impressively convenient, especially for busy families or individuals who rely on their EV as their go-to car.
- Weather-proof and kid-friendly: Since there are no exposed cables or charging stations to step around, wireless setups help keep your garage organized and easy to navigate. That's a big plus for households with kids, pets, or limited space. It also reduces the risk of tripping, water damage, or unnecessary wear and tear that could impact performance over time.
- Great for multi-EV households: Wireless charging systems can be installed in multiples, making it easy to manage more than one EV at a time. For homeowners with two or more electric vehicles – or plans to add another – it eliminates the need to swap cords, share outlets, or juggle charging schedules. It's a smart way to future-proof your home for an EV-centered lifestyle.
That said, this tech isn't cheap. Installation costs and compatibility requirements mean it's still best suited for new custom homes, but we expect that to change as the tech matures. If you would like to learn more about EV charger installation in homes, please don't hesitate to contact us about your custom build.
Home EV Charger Installation Cost: How Much Are Homeowners Spending on EV Charging Setups?
Electric vehicle home integration is a must for EV owners, but it can be a pricey endeavor, admittedly. Here's a quick look at what homeowners are investing in and how much you should prepare to spend when building a custom home that follows the future home trends of 2026:
- Basic level 2 charger installation: The cost typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on proximity to your panel and any required electrical upgrades.
- Smart chargers with app integration: Typically $1,500 to $2,500 total, including hardware and installation.
- Wireless EV charging systems: Still on the premium side, with estimates ranging from $3,500 to over $ 6,000 for early adopters. We recommend budgeting higher for integration into new builds.
- EV-ready garage upgrades: Many of our clients set aside $3,000 to $5,000 to fully future-proof their garage with extra amperage, conduit runs, panel expansion, and mounting options for future chargers.
When you're already investing in a custom home, setting up an EV now can save you the headache (and cost) of retrofitting later if you are considering owning an EV in the future. The costs we gave are estimates, so you’ll need to speak with us about your needs so that we can give you a transparent quotation during your house build.
Building EV-Ready Homes in the Texas Hill Country
At CKN Homes, we specialize in creating homes that reflect how you live today and how you'll live tomorrow. Whether you're building a modern Texas Hill Country home or something sleek and urban in Austin, we bring thoughtful design and EV expertise together under one roof.
You can contact our friendly design-build team here, and we'll guide you through everything you need to know about EV charger home installation and integration into your custom-built home.