MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
USE CASE 03
More than a third of Arizona residents in urban areas living in Multi-Family Housing (MFH), with projections for growth at a faster pace than Single-Family Housing. Multi-Family has special EV charging challenges such as navigating the relationship between residents, property owners and property managers. However, the benefits can be substantial and are worth the effort.
Why is this Use Case 'In the Money'?
The benefits of EV charging at apartment complexes, condos and other multi-family homes is easy to understand from the perspective of a resident. One of the core benefits of electric vehicles is the opportunity for 'fueling' at home. A lack of residential charging puts the potential EV owner in the position of depending upon public or workplace charging. A 2022 study from the National Multifamily Housing Council found that nearly a third of renters look for EV charging at their prospective properties, a value that is likely increasing as EVs become more prominent.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations benefit rental property owners by increasing property value, attracting higher-paying tenants, and creating new revenue streams. They also boost tenant retention, improve the property’s green reputation, and future-proof the building against stricter environmental regulations.
Key Success Factors from Early Adopters
Key success factors for implementing EV charging in rental properties include proper infrastructure planning, choosing the right billing model, leveraging financial incentives, and maintaining operational rules. Success requires an approach that treats EV chargers as ongoing operational infrastructure rather than a one-time construction project.
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Infrastructure & Site Planning
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Assess electrical capacity: Hire an electrician to evaluate how EV charging can best be accommodated at your property.
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Understand smart load management: Consider how power-sharing software can balance electrical loads across multiple chargers, possibly minimizing or avoiding utility upgrades.
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Plan for future expansion: Run conduit and wiring for "phase two" installations now. This saves money on future digging and demolition costs.
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Choose the right charger level: Use Level 2 chargers for resident parking. Level 2 provides a full charge overnight, which fits perfectly with tenant dwell times.
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Ensure ADA compliance: Locate chargers in spots that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and clearance requirements.
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Financial Strategy
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Use utility programs: Apply for utility company programs designed to reduce the cost of EV charging infrastructure.
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Choose a billing model: Decide if charging will be a free building perk, billed at a flat monthly fee, or pay-per-use using kilowatt-hour (kWh) tracking software.
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Open access to non-residents: Consider allowing public or non-tenant access to generate secondary income and boost overall return on investment (ROI).
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Operations & Management
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Install networked hardware: Select hardware connected to the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). This lets you switch network providers easily as software technology advances.
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Implement charging etiquette rules: Prevent "charger hogging" by establishing clear parking time limits and fees.
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Use app-based management: Implement software that allows managers to monitor uptime, process payments, and troubleshoot remotely.
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Educate your tenants: Provide clear instructions on charging costs, reservation systems, and proper unplugging habits.
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Case Studies
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Arizona development goes big on EV charging
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Private garages are a rarity at rental communities, and electric vehicle charging stations, while growing in popularity, are still a limited offering as well. In a bold move, the development and management team behind Bella Victoria, a 236-unit rental community located west of Phoenix in Mesa, Arizona, has combined the two to create a unique standard feature — EV charging stations in all private resident garages.
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Plugging into Mobility Needs at Lower-Income Multifamily Housing
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RMI engaged with residents of lower-income multifamily housing communities in Portland, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia; and Phoenix, Arizona to learn about the nuanced transportation needs and barriers faced by multifamily housing residents, and to propose solutions. Our findings were supplemented by insights from residents and community members, city partners, EV equity advocacy groups, car rental organizations, micromobility companies, charging equipment providers, and those involved in building management.
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Turning EV Charging into a Strategic Asset for Security Properties
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Security Properties, a leading multi-family real estate firm, needed a smart, scalable EV charging solution to meet growing tenant demand and sustainability targets. After initial challenges with an in-house installation, they partnered with PEC for a turnkey system. PEC delivered a custom, revenue-generating solution — future-proofed and seamlessly integrated into their property.
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Multifamily Case Study: Condo adds 21 EV charging stations and avoids $24K in electrical upgrades
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A novel approach in smart energy management behind the meter is making EV charging stations more viable in condos and multi-unit residential buildings. Here’s a case study on how one property management company and condo board approached the solution and got their building EV Ready
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EV Charging Case Study for a high-rise condominium complex
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Deploying Future‑Ready EV Charging Across Greystar’s Multifamily Properties
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As electric vehicle adoption accelerated across its resident base, Greystar sought to equip its newly constructed multifamily properties with reliable, onsite charging from day one by integrating EV infrastructure into building development plans.
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