This misadventure in EV charging stations at multi unit developments was spotted in San Diego. The fact that one of California’s biggest cities, with a very powerful and active utility in the EV industry (SDG&E), still has not solved EV charging at multi unit developments is not a great sign for the industry.

The picture shows a relatively new BMW 330e (which looks amazing btw) with the charging door open on the street side, a Level 1 trickle charger loosely rolled in the street, the Level 1 charger connected to an extension cord that runs across a public sidewalk and finally the extension cord running through a window connected within a unit that would probably really piss off a landlord not interested in extra energy consumption.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations At Multi Unit Developments

For years states, utilities and other agencies charged with EV adoption have struggled with the problem of installing EV charging stations at multi unit developments.

Why? Well, there isn’t a slumlord in this world that wants to trench a driveway.

With EV adoption levels increasing dramatically, combined with the lower cost of electric vehicles, we are now at a moment of truth for the industry. We need to install charging stations for renters.

EV adoption statistics

In 2022, EVs were nearly 16% of new light-duty vehicle sales in California, according to data PwC provided. In the 12 other states that have adopted the California zero-emission vehicle standard, EV sales exceeded 9%, but in the remaining states, the adoption rate was just 3.38%. The stats are showing a clear trend that EVs are here to stay:

• At the end of 2022, there were 47 electric models available for sale in the U.S., up from 33 the prior year.
• EVs made up 5.6% of all new U.S. car registrations in 2022.

Another way to measure EV adoption is by looking at the number of public charging stations relative to the population.  There are now more than three million EVs on the road and over 130,000 public chargers across the country. Further accelerating the buildout of a convenient, reliable charging network is critically important to make electric vehicle charging a seamless experience.

Finally, another way to gauge EV adoption is through surveys that ask people if they are considering purchasing an EV in the near future. A recent study found that about 20% of respondents in the US said they were likely or very likely to purchase an EV within the next two years. This suggests that there is a significant amount of interest in EVs, and that adoption rates are likely to continue to increase in coming years.

Renters need EV charging at home

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for EV charging stations at multi-unit dwellings. However, many landlords and property managers are reluctant to install charging stations due to the cost and lack of understanding about how they work.

Installing EV charging stations at apartment complexes, condos, and other multi-unit dwellings is a great way to attract and retain residents who own EVs. It also provides a valuable amenity for guests who may be visiting from out of town.

There are many different types of EV charging stations, so it’s important to consult with an expert to find the best option for your property. The installation process is typically quick and easy, and most units can be up and running in just a few hours.

condominium and apartment buildings’ lack of home charging options

As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road increases, so does the demand for home charging options. Unfortunately, many condominium and apartment buildings are not able to provide this amenity to residents. This is due to a variety of factors, including the lack of available parking spaces and the high cost of installing charging stations.

Some condo and apartment buildings have been able to overcome these hurdles by partnering with local businesses or organizations that can provide EV charging services. Others have installed charging stations in common areas, such as laundry rooms or gyms. However, these solutions are not always ideal, as they can create additional traffic in already busy areas of the building.

The best way to ensure that all residents have access to home charging options is for condo and apartment buildings to install EV charging stations in every parking space. This may require some upfront investment, but it will pay off in the long run by making your building more attractive to potential tenants and reducing your carbon footprint.

Efforts by utilities to solve EV charging at multi unit developments

Utilities across the United States are working to solve the problem of electric vehicle (EV) charging at multi unit dwellings. In general, there are two approaches being taken by utilities: working with existing EV charger companies to install chargers at apartment and condo complexes, and/or installing their own EV chargers at these locations.

Utilities such as Southern California Edison and Con Edison in New York are partnering with existing charger companies like ChargePoint and Blink to install chargers at multifamily dwellings. In some cases, the utility provides funding for the charger installation, while in others the property owner pays for the charger and the utility provides a rebate.

Other utilities, such as Duke Energy in North Carolina, are taking a different approach by installing their own EV chargers at multifamily dwellings. In this case, the tenants pay a monthly fee to use the charger, similar to how they would pay for water or trash service. The advantage of this approach is that it gives the utility more control over where the chargers are installed and how they’re used.

The goal of both approaches is to make it easier for people who live in multifamily dwellings to charge their EVs, thus increasing adoption of this clean transportation option.