EV Multifamily Charging

Local and federal regulations increasingly mandate the inclusion of sustainable amenities like EV chargers. For instance, California’s CALGreen Code requires new residential developments to incorporate EV infrastructure, and similar policies are emerging across the United States and Canada. Properties that proactively install EV chargers not only comply with these regulations but can also benefit from a range of financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits.

Evaluating the existing electrical infrastructure is the first step in planning an EV charging solution. A licensed electrician should perform a load analysis to ensure that the property’s electrical panel and transformers can handle the additional demand from EV chargers. Upgrading transformers or adding new power lines may be necessary for larger installations.

Several options are available to optimize electrical capacity and manage power effectively in multifamily settings. Energy-managed meters paired with standard (non-smart) chargers can help distribute energy efficiently without overloading the system. Power-sharing solutions, such as a 4-to-1 setup, allow multiple chargers to share a single dedicated circuit, reducing strain on the infrastructure. Alternatively, dedicated circuits with panel-level power management offer precise control over individual chargers. For larger installations, building-level power management with adaptive load balancing can dynamically adjust power distribution based on demand, ensuring efficient use of available electrical capacity.

Looking to avoid the steep costs associated with an infrastructure overhaul? You can increase your electrical capacity by as much as 4X, just by implementing a power management system. These solutions also future-proof your deployment, making it easier to add more chargers over time.

Allocating parking spaces effectively is crucial for EV charger installations. The optimal placement of chargers depends on the property layout and electrical setup. The pricing structure you intend could influence these decisions. You may opt to offer shared chargers with a generic surcharge added to EV drivers’ utility fees or dedicated chargers with energy costs passed through directly. The latter will require dedicated parking spaces and, hence, more logistical planning. In either case, parking spaces should have clear visual designations to ensure availability. Each of these factors needs to be considered when installing chargers to save time and money.

Property managers have several billing options to consider. One approach is a flat rate added to tenants’ monthly bills, providing predictable costs. Alternatively, billing per kilowatt-hour (kWh) used can be added to bills, ensuring tenants pay only for what they consume. For a more immediate option, kWh billing at the time of dispense allows users to pay directly as they charge, offering flexibility and transparency in usage costs.