The Overview

Ohio electric vehicle drivers and the businesses that serve them now operate under new rules about who can own and run EV charging stations, after the state enacted Senate Bill 106, which regulates the ownership of electric vehicle charging stations. The law arrives as EV sales have grown nationally while public charging infrastructure has expanded more slowly and unevenly, a mismatch that Reuters reported in October 2024 can mean queues at charging points and give some prospective buyers pause. ​

The central change: electric utilities are barred from owning charging stations, keeping that market open to private competitors. The bill adds new sections to Ohio's Revised Code and took effect Sept. 23, 2026.

What the Law Does

The law bars electric utilities from owning EV charging stations, a move Cleveland.com called a win for gas stations and truck stops. It also allows consumers to obtain EV-charging service from suppliers operating within their electric utility's territory, giving drivers more options for where they buy charging service. Under the law, drivers can get EV charging service from suppliers in their electric utility's territory, the Newark Earthworks Herald reported.

Sen. Bill Reineke argued in committee that the bill was necessary as EV ownership grew, and a Senate release quoted him saying the bill "protects a free-market approach" and encourages investment by preventing electric utilities from owning EV charging stations. The law does not set prices or mandate the number of charging stations a business must install.

Legislative Status

Sen. Bill Reineke is a Republican who represents Ohio's 26th district. The bill drew 17 cosponsors. They include Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-OH-2), Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-OH-22), Sen. Beth Liston (D-OH-16), Sen. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-OH-11), and Sen. George Lang (R-OH-4), along with 12 others.

The bill passed the upper chamber 32 to 0 on Feb. 19. The House passed it 96 to 1 on May 20. The Senate then agreed to the House changes 31 to 0 on June 3. The bill cleared both chambers with almost no opposition across three separate votes. The bill was signed by the Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on June 24.

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