Are you considering purchasing an electric vehicle in 2026? If so, your garage door will need more attention than you think. Many consumers will be switching over in the next couple of years, and the new, more affordable electric vehicles make the change even more enticing. While most people think about the costs of running an electric vehicle and charging points, the garage door is rarely considered.
A Standard Technology
The garage door industry is changing. Smart garage doors that connect to your phone and home systems are no longer a luxury. With voice command automation, you can close the garage door and set it to a location automation. Worried about leaving your garage door open while you work? You can check.
This is especially handy when an electric vehicle is charging. If you worry about the risk of fire, or you just want to check in, being able to monitor your garage is a handy home feature that provides peace of mind. Some systems even alert the user if a garage door is open for an extended period of time.
Affordable EVs Are Finally Arriving
You can say that the most important automotive news this year is that electric vehicles are becoming more affordable, with some models, such as the Rivian R2 priced at around £35,000, making them more accessible.\ Hyundai and many other manufacturers are also introducing their three-row electric SUVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, so you can go electric even if you have a bigger family.
The downside is these vehicles are a bit bigger than the average family vehicles, especially the trim levels with the bigger batteries, which are very common this year.\ BMW, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, and even Bentley have their electric SUVs ready for 2026, and thes are quite a bit bigger than the hatchbacks family cars, so if your garage door was sized for a standard hatchback a decade ago, you might find it’s a bit tight with a modern electric SUV.
Charging Points and Door Placement
How your garage door is siting is not just important for your garage, also for potentially easily being able to put in a home EV charger.\ If the door takes up most of the front wall, you might struggle to find a good spot for the charging unit, and people have to put the charger on a side wall, which can mean running cables across the garage floor.
Things to think on before making a purchase decision on EV charging. Is your garage door a candidate for replacement? Consider what styles will give you greater access for charging equipment. Roller and side hinged doors typically will give you more wall space than a traditional up and over door.
Future Proofing Your Set Up
Even if an EV purchase isn’t imminent, take a moment to assess the remaining lifespan of your garage door. Planning for an EV in the next couple of years is a sound strategy and will save you hassle down the line. Consider going a tad wider for more spacious accommodating of larger vehicles, adding remote access controls on your door for easy monitoring, or simply making sure the door’s position won’t impede charging access.
The EV revolution is here and there’s no stopping it. Ensuring your garage is fit for the future will save you a headache in the long run, considering it’s one of those tasks you simply have to take care of before you need it. You’ll want to avoid the disappointment of having to scramble a solution on a permanent structure once your vehicle is already parked and waiting in your driveway.