April 18, 2024
Electric vehicles (EVs) are the transportation modes of the future, particularly for modern drivers who embrace change. Benefits like a lower carbon footprint (electric vehicles typically emit lower greenhouse gases than traditional cars) and reduced fuel costs (EV drivers can spend up to 60% less on fuel compared to drivers of gas-powered vehicles) make EVs an attractive choice.
The yearly growth of EV purchases is continuing its trend, which means property owners can capture this growing demographic by installing EV charging for apartments, condos, and other multi-family properties. In doing so, property owners will join the national trend of expanding charging station infrastructure, as the US Department of Energy reported a quarter-over-quarter growth in both private and public EV charging points in 2023.
The relative newness of EVs comes with an overload of information and several myths about EV charging for apartments. Here are five of the most prevalent myths we’ve seen in the community and the truth behind each claim.
The truth: Demand for EV chargers is actually increasing among those living in multi-family properties, and many renters express interest in paying more for access to charging stations.
Compared to chargers at commercial venues, EV chargers for apartments are more convenient, cost-efficient, and time-saving for residents. Commercial chargers can vary in pricing models, which means EV drivers may face pricing fluctuations depending on where they charge. By offering EV charging stations as an amenity in your multi-family property, you’re likely to catch the eye of many drivers who prefer more predictable and reliable charging services. In fact, major apartment rental sites like Apartments.com now offer EV charging as a community amenity filter option, showcasing its increasingly mainstream popularity for renters.
State governments are supporting the growth of EV charging stations in apartments through legislation, too. States like California and Florida have “right-to-charge” laws for multi-family properties that support tenants’ rights to install EV charging stations. With laws like this increasing in popularity, installing chargers for the community ensures your property remains future-proof.
The truth: EV chargers at multi-family properties can provide the same charging level as many commercial chargers elsewhere.
EV charging stations installed at multi-family properties are typically level 2 chargers, which can charge faster than many private, residential chargers. Here’s a breakdown of what these charging capabilities mean:
So, EV charging at apartments, condos, and other multi-family residences provides the same level of service as commercial chargers but includes the convenience of charging where residents live. This comfort is uniquely valuable since many EV drivers like to top up their vehicle batteries at intervals to maintain their health. Level 2 stations are optimal for convenient, frequent charging.
The truth: There are only three charging station types in North America today, and level 1 and 2 charging stations accommodate any standard electric vehicle.
The two most common chargers on the market are level 1 and 2 chargers (as explained above). While these two offer different charging power or charging speeds, both are compatible with fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Level 3 charging stations (also known as DC Fast-Charging) do exist but have different standards and connectors. Ultimately, these are impractical for multi-family residences.
In short, Level 2 charging stations can charge any EV and plug-in hybrid in the market today at optimal speeds.
The truth: The right charging service will guide you through easy and quick charging station installation.
Installing charging stations shouldn’t be overwhelming nor should it be difficult. It’s important to know that EV charging installation doesn’t mean you must provide private chargers for each resident. In fact, we actively recommend against it. When installing level 2 chargers, it’s likely that most, if not all, buildings won’t have the infrastructure to support dozens and dozens of chargers. Not to mention — it would also be prohibitively expensive to do so. Thanks to the power of level 2 charging stations, installing just a few can satisfy the needs of all your residents.
If you partner with OBE Power, you only need to consider where to install your chargers — they should be easily accessible to the electric infrastructure and convenient to residents. OBE Power installs charging stations for your multi-family property at no cost to you.
Read our complete guide to commercial EV charging station installation here.
The truth: EV charging for apartments is typically low maintenance since they have only a few moving parts.
As with all equipment, the quality of your charging station makes all the difference when it comes to maintenance. If you pick the right hardware, wear and tear is minimized and maintenance is optimized.
OBE Power will install charging stations at your multi-family residences and maintain the chargers for your property. We deploy our technical team quickly for maintenance and repairs so you can benefit from maximum charging uptime.
You can also keep a pulse on the maintenance needs of your charging station by using the OBE Power Host Portal to assess utilization, energy consumption, and more in real-time.
Now that you have the rundown on EV charging truths, you know everything you need to provide EV charging for apartments or other multi-family properties you own or manage. Ready to get started? Sign up for a demo of OBE Power — feel free to come with additional questions.
