Benefits
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Electric vehicle sales have increased by over 500% in just the last 5 years and a majority of the sales are here in California. That is why it is essential for you to install EV charging stations on your property. It will help retain residents and attract new ones. It is essential to have enough charging stations on your property – proportionate to your residents. 

Statistics show that over 90% of the charging for plug-in vehicles occurs at home and for more than 35% of California residents, ‘home’ is in multifamilies. 

Installing EV chargers just takes a few simple steps! 

Steps to installing charging equipment

Step #1 – Conduct a survey of residents

Before you begin any installation of Electrical Supply Equipment (EVSE) in your multifamily, you should conduct a survey among your residents to understand how much interest there is. It will help you establish an orderly and responsive way to install the charging stations. 

Step 2: Contact a Trusted Local Certified Electrician

The property managers, or whoever is responsible for overseeing the installation of chargers at your property should contact us. We will come to your property, do a job walk to analyze the scope of the project and work with you to find the best, cost-effective way to execute. 

Step 3: Contact the Local Utility

They may provide better utility rates for service to PEVs (Plug-In Electric Vehicles). Utilities provide support in 3 key areas:

1. They will determine if the local distribution service is adequate to support the PEV charging activity planned
2. They will provide information to the property owner on utility rates
3. Advise customers of electrical service and metering equipment options necessary to support their installations 

One way you may be able to save money and reduce the load on your power grid, is to charge on off-peak hours. Below is a graphic from San Diego Gas & Electric which demonstrates the difference in cost when you use energy during off-peak hours.

Step 4: Look at Different ways of installing EVSE

There are 3 basic ways of installing EVSE. 

1. It can be installed by individual residents for their own use in coordination with the HOA/Property manager
2. By property owners as a part of the facility amenities
3. By third parties that are providing charging services to the community

One thing for prospective customers, who are residents of multifamilies, to note is that many need their own electric meters, garages, or private parking arrangements. When that is the case installation will involve many stakeholders in the HOA. 

Step 5

Finally, you will need a permit(s) from the municipal government. Usually, to install EV chargers, an electrical permit and/or a building permit are required. The job of the municipal government is to make sure the EVSE installation is safe by making sure electrical safety and building codes are observed.