FROM OUR BLOG

FROM OUR BLOG

FROM OUR BLOG

The Future of EV Charging in Apartments: Trends and Strategies

Oct 8, 2025

The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping expectations for apartment and condominium living. In the U.S. alone, EV adoption is accelerating toward a tipping point – projections show that by 2030 about half of all new cars sold will be electric[1][2]. This surge in EV ownership puts a spotlight on multifamily housing, where roughly one-third of Americans live[1]. Residents increasingly view convenient at-home charging as a must-have amenity rather than a luxury. However, most apartment complexes and condos are struggling to keep pace with this new demand, creating both challenges and opportunities for property owners, developers, and managers. This report examines the latest U.S. trends – from tenant expectations to building codes – and outlines a practical strategy for integrating EV charging in multifamily properties. We’ll see why simply installing chargers isn’t enough; long-term management, reliability, and partnership are key to a successful EV charging program. 

EV Adoption is Booming - Can Apartments Keep Up?

The United States is entering an era of mass EV adoption. Battery costs have plummeted and federal incentives are in place, making EVs more accessible each year[3]. Industry research anticipates 50% of new car sales will be electric by 2030[1]. For property stakeholders, this means a growing share of residents will drive EVs and expect to charge at home. In fact, about 80% of EV charging happens at home today[4], and surveys show 83% of EV owners prefer home charging over other options[5]. Yet there’s a huge gap in the multifamily sector: while one-third of U.S. households live in multifamily buildings, only 5% of U.S. multifamily properties currently offer on-site EV charging[4][6]. This imbalance signals a pressing need for more charging infrastructure at apartments and condos. EV drivers will gravitate to residences that support their needs – as one industry CEO put it, “People really prefer to charge at home” and they’ll choose to “live in apartments or condos that offer that option”[7]

An electric vehicle charging in a multifamily residence parking area. With EV adoption surging, renters increasingly expect reliable at-home charging options. 

The U.S. is not alone in facing this shift. Other major markets have moved even faster to integrate EV charging with housing. Europe, for example, already has a dense charging network (over 500,000 public charging points vs ~145,000 in the U.S.)[8][9], and countries like the UK now require every new residential building to include EV chargers by law[10]. These global trends highlight how far behind many U.S. properties are – and suggest that American developers will need to follow suit to remain competitive. In regions with high EV adoption (California, Northeast, etc.), we’re quickly approaching a point where lacking EV charging is a significant market disadvantage. Forward-thinking multifamily owners are starting to recognize that the question is no longer if they should install EV chargers, but how to do so in a future-proof way. 

Residents Demand EV Charging as a Standard Amenity

What renters consider a “desirable amenity” is evolving with technology and lifestyle changes. Just as high-speed internet and smart home features have become expected, EV charging access is rapidly climbing the list of renter priorities. A national renter survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill found interest in EV charging shot up from 27% of renters in 2020 to 34% in 2022[11][12]. More than one-third of U.S. renters now actively look for EV charging availability when choosing an apartment – a dramatic jump in just two years. Among current EV drivers, the preference is even clearer: most EV owners won’t even consider renting in a building without charging facilities[13][14]. As EV model offerings expand and more drivers make the switch, this tenant demand will only intensify. 

Property owners and managers are also facing new regulations pushing them to accommodate EVs. In some cities and states, providing EV-capable parking is no longer optional for new developments. For instance, California’s updated building code (CalGreen 2024) now requires 50% of parking spaces in new multifamily projects to be EV-capable (wired for future charger installation)[15]. Other states and localities across the U.S. are considering or enacting similar rules to ensure new apartments are built with the electrical capacity for EV charging. These policy trends echo what other countries have done and reflect an understanding that charging access at home is crucial for widespread EV adoption. In short, resident expectations and regulatory standards are converging: both are making EV charging a standard feature of modern multifamily housing, rather than a niche perk. 

Challenges for Property Owners and Developers

Providing EV charging at multifamily properties isn’t as simple as buying a couple of chargers and bolting them to the parking lot. Owners and developers encounter a range of challenges that can make EV infrastructure deployment complex: 

  • High Upfront Costs: Installing a single Level 2 charging station can cost on the order of $6,000–$7,000 per charger, once you factor in the equipment, wiring, permits, and labor[16][17]. For a property that needs a bank of chargers, the capital expenses add up quickly. Even with government incentives or rebates, the budget impact is a major hurdle for many owners concerned about ROI. 

  • Electrical Capacity Constraints: Many existing apartment buildings – especially older ones – lack the electrical panel capacity to support multiple EV chargers[18]. Upgrading transformers, panels, or wiring to handle high-powered charging can be costly and technically challenging. Space for additional electrical infrastructure or new conduit runs can also be limited, particularly in dense urban sites or parking garages[19]

  • Regulatory Compliance: Building codes and state laws are increasingly mandating EV-ready parking, which is positive for long-term readiness but can pressure developers in the short term[20]. Designing a project to meet EV-capable requirements (e.g. conduit to 50% of spaces) or retrofitting an older property to comply with new rules requires careful planning and adds to project complexity. 

  • Operational and Maintenance Burden: Unlike passive amenities (e.g. a paved parking spot), EV charging stations are active pieces of equipment that require ongoing attention. Regular maintenance, network management, and repairs are needed to keep chargers operational[21]. Software updates, broken cables, or connectivity issues can render a charger unusable until fixed[22]. For property managers, this introduces a new operational responsibility that many are not staffed or trained to handle. 

  • User Management and Fair Access: With limited chargers and a growing number of EV-driving residents, properties have to manage how chargers are shared. This can involve setting up reservation systems, usage fees, or idle fees (charges for vehicles that stay parked after charging is done) to prevent “EV parking hogs.” Some buildings without robust management report a game of “musical chairs” among EV drivers jockeying for charging time[23], which can hurt the resident experience if not addressed. 

  • Technology Choices and Future-Proofing: The fast pace of EV charging technology presents a dilemma – invest in infrastructure now, or wait for cheaper or better tech? Property owners worry about choosing the “wrong” equipment or a network that might become obsolete. They also face uncertainty in how much charging capacity they will eventually need (Will 5% of residents have EVs? 50%?). Overbuilding is expensive, but under-building risks leaving tenants frustrated. Hitting the right balance requires strategic forecasting and flexibility. 

Given these challenges, it’s clear why many multifamily firms have been slow to act on EV charging despite the rising demand. Installing and operating chargers is not a core competency for most property companies[24][25]. As one real estate executive quipped, apartment owners “aren’t in the business of financing, installing, or operating complex EV charging projects”[24][25] – yet suddenly they are expected to figure it out. This gap between what residents expect and what owners can deliver with existing resources is driving a new approach in the industry: bringing in dedicated expertise to manage the complexity of EV charging programs. 

The Case for Dedicated EV Charging Management

EV charging at a multifamily property isn’t a one-time project – it’s an ongoing program that needs oversight. In the early days of this trend, some forward-thinking apartment operators tried a DIY approach, installing a charger or two themselves. But many ran into maintenance headaches and user complaints that revealed a truth: effective EV charging requires active management and expertise. In fact, early multifamily charging projects often suffered from poor reliability – chargers going offline or sitting broken for weeks – in part because no staff was tasked with keeping them running smoothly[26][27]. Charger uptime is critical; residents will quickly lose trust (and prospective tenants will look elsewhere) if the station is frequently out-of-order. As one facilities VP noted, the industry has seen “a lot of those chargers not functioning” and overall “not great” uptime statistics, especially for deployments where properties tried to handle it all on their own[27]

Dedicated staff or program management for EV charging is becoming a new norm at leading property management companies. Large real estate firms are beginning to designate sustainability managers or facilities directors to oversee EV infrastructure portfolio-wide. For example, CBRE, one of the world’s largest property managers, even created a Vice President of EV charging solutions to advise multifamily clients[28]. The reason is clear – coordinating site assessments, hardware selection, electrical upgrades, tenant communications, billing, maintenance, and 24/7 troubleshooting is more than a part-time job. Some owners have learned the hard way that without someone accountable for the charging program, the result can be underused or poorly maintained stations (the equivalent of the dreaded “broken treadmill” in the gym room). As Mark Kerstens of CBRE observed, the market is now shifting to the point where lacking EV chargers will be a “negative differentiator” – if you’re the only apartment in the area with none, it sets you back[29][30]. However, he also cautions that for many owners, it’s just like the vending machine or fitness equipment – they don’t really want to manage it themselves, “they’d rather have a service provider” take care of it[29][30]

Many multifamily operators, especially those without the scale to justify in-house specialists, are now looking to external providers to bring it all together. This is fueling a rise in companies offering “EV charging as a service” or turnkey solutions for apartments. Under these models, a vendor might handle everything from upfront installation to ongoing operation, and the property owner’s role is largely to provide the parking space and basic utilities. In some cases, the provider even covers the capital costs in exchange for a long-term contract – for instance, one startup is installing and owning chargers at multifamily sites at no cost to the owner, recouping investment over a 10-year usage agreement[31]. Most third-party offerings aren’t zero-cost, but they do aim to remove the technical and financial burden from property owners through arrangements like revenue sharing, leasing, or subscription fees[31]. The common thread is simplicity for the landlord: instead of diverting their own staff to manage chargers, they partner with specialists who run the program day-to-day. 

Partnering with the Right EV Charging Operator

If outsourcing EV charging management is the way forward for practical property owners, choosing the right partner becomes critical. Not all EV charging providers are created equal. Owners should seek a long-term partner that understands the multifamily context and prioritizes reliability and service. Key considerations include: 

  • Operational Track Record: Does the provider have a history of keeping charging stations in excellent working order over many years? What uptime do they guarantee? Given the “bad track record” of some DIY and early solutions that left chargers broken or offline[32], a reputable operator should be willing to commit to performance standards and have a plan for speedy repairs and support. 

  • Alignment of Incentives: Look for a partner whose business model aligns with the property’s success. For example, some venture-backed startups focus on rapid scaling and might be inclined to cut corners on support or abandon less profitable sites. Indeed, there have been instances of known companies exiting the multifamily charging market and leaving customers with unsupported equipment[33]. A reliable partner will be in it for the long haul. This could mean they are financially stable (not solely dependent on aggressive VC growth targets) and value steady, sustainable expansion of their network. The goal should be a “win-win” arrangement where the provider succeeds only by making the property’s EV program successful (e.g. sharing usage revenue or tying fees to performance). 

  • Full-Service, Turnkey Support: The ideal EV charging partner handles end-to-end tasks – from initial design/installation (engineering the right number of chargers with the electrical capacity available) to ongoing management (software networking, driver access/payment systems, customer service for residents, and maintenance). For instance, our company’s approach is a turnkey model covering everything from day-one design to year-ten operations, acting as an extension of the property management team. This kind of comprehensive service means owners don’t have to become EV experts overnight; instead, they gain a subject-matter expert on call. It’s important that the provider offers training or resources for onsite staff as well, so there is transparency and coordination, especially in the early stages of a project. 

  • Scalability and Future-Readiness: A partner should help the property scale up EV infrastructure as demand grows. Maybe today only 2% of residents drive EVs, but in five years it could be 20%. A good strategy might start with a modest installation but include a roadmap for expansion (additional charger installations or panel upgrades) when utilization hits certain milestones. Providers should also stay on top of technology updates – from new charger models to software features – and proactively advise clients on when to upgrade or expand. Future-proofing is part of the service, ensuring the investment made today continues to meet resident needs throughout the duration of the partnership. 

In evaluating providers, property owners might find that smaller, specialized operators can offer a more “hands-on” partnership than some larger, venture-backed companies whose priority is exponential growth. There is a strategic advantage to working with a practical operator that focuses on a collaborative, long-term relationship over simply chasing installation numbers. Such a partner will take the time to tailor a solution to each property’s unique layout and tenant profile, and will remain responsive as needs evolve. The value of this approach is evidenced by higher resident satisfaction (drivers know their charging spot will be accessible and functional) and peace of mind for the property manager (knowing an expert is managing this complex amenity reliably). 

A Practical Path Forward

The electrification of transportation is coming to every neighborhood, and multifamily housing must adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Fortunately, by recognizing the trends and planning proactively, property owners and developers can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Offering EV charging is no longer just about installing a couple of stations to tick a box – it’s about integrating a new service into your community in a sustainable way. Those who succeed will treat EV charging as a long-term program that requires the right mix of hardware, software, and human support. They will leverage partnerships or dedicated staff to ensure the system is reliable and convenient, thereby protecting their investment and keeping residents happy. 

In the coming years, we will likely see EV-ready amenities become as expected as an in-unit washer/dryer or a functional fitness center. As one industry expert warned, not having EV charging could soon be a major disadvantage in attracting tenants[29]. On the flip side, properties that “lead the charge” stand to enhance their appeal and asset value, gain a new revenue stream, and future-proof themselves against regulatory changes[34][35]. The consensus among practical operators is that the EV charging conversation has shifted – it’s no longer if you should install chargers, but how to manage the entire lifecycle effectively. By focusing on reliability, strategic planning, and the right partnerships, multifamily housing providers can confidently navigate this electric future and deliver the convenience that modern residents expect. The time to act is now: the EV wave is building, and apartments that ride that wave with well-managed charging programs will reap the rewards for years to come. 

Sources

The insights and data presented here are drawn from a range of industry reports, surveys, and expert analyses, including Energy Innovation’s research on EV charging in multifamily housing[36], the NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey[11], Canary Media’s interview with multifamily charging providers and property managers[27][29], and other cited sources throughout this document. These references underscore the urgent need for multifamily properties to elevate their EV readiness and the benefits of taking a practical, partnership-driven approach to charging infrastructure. 


[1] [4] [6] [7] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] Multifamily housing needs EV charging. This startup… | Canary Media 

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/ev-charging/3v-infrastructure-multifamily-apartments 

[2] [3] [5] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] The Lack of Multifamily EV Charging is Holding Back US EV Adoption - EVinfo.net 

https://evinfo.net/2024/08/the-lack-of-multifamily-ev-charging-is-holding-back-us-ev-adoption/ 

[8] [9] Charging into the Future: Europe and the United States Race to Build EV Infrastructure - Power Integrations 

https://www.power.com/community/green-room/blog/charging-future-europe-and-united-states-race-to-build-ev-infrastructure 

[10] Housebuilders ‘lobbied against plan for electric car chargers in new homes in England’ | Automotive industry | The Guardian 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/12/housebuilders-lobbied-against-plan-for-electric-car-chargers-in-new-homes-in-england 

[11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [34] [35] Why EV Charging is the Ultimate High-Tech Amenity for Modern Multifamily Residences | Buildings 

https://www.buildings.com/resiliency-sustainability/electrification/article/55241601/why-ev-charging-is-the-ultimate-high-tech-amenity-for-modern-multifamily-residences 

[36] The State Of Electric Vehicle Charging For Multifamily Housing • Energy Innovation 

https://energyinnovation.org/report/the-state-of-electric-vehicle-charging-for-multifamily-housing/ 

The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping expectations for apartment and condominium living. In the U.S. alone, EV adoption is accelerating toward a tipping point – projections show that by 2030 about half of all new cars sold will be electric[1][2]. This surge in EV ownership puts a spotlight on multifamily housing, where roughly one-third of Americans live[1]. Residents increasingly view convenient at-home charging as a must-have amenity rather than a luxury. However, most apartment complexes and condos are struggling to keep pace with this new demand, creating both challenges and opportunities for property owners, developers, and managers. This report examines the latest U.S. trends – from tenant expectations to building codes – and outlines a practical strategy for integrating EV charging in multifamily properties. We’ll see why simply installing chargers isn’t enough; long-term management, reliability, and partnership are key to a successful EV charging program. 

EV Adoption is Booming - Can Apartments Keep Up?

The United States is entering an era of mass EV adoption. Battery costs have plummeted and federal incentives are in place, making EVs more accessible each year[3]. Industry research anticipates 50% of new car sales will be electric by 2030[1]. For property stakeholders, this means a growing share of residents will drive EVs and expect to charge at home. In fact, about 80% of EV charging happens at home today[4], and surveys show 83% of EV owners prefer home charging over other options[5]. Yet there’s a huge gap in the multifamily sector: while one-third of U.S. households live in multifamily buildings, only 5% of U.S. multifamily properties currently offer on-site EV charging[4][6]. This imbalance signals a pressing need for more charging infrastructure at apartments and condos. EV drivers will gravitate to residences that support their needs – as one industry CEO put it, “People really prefer to charge at home” and they’ll choose to “live in apartments or condos that offer that option”[7]

An electric vehicle charging in a multifamily residence parking area. With EV adoption surging, renters increasingly expect reliable at-home charging options. 

The U.S. is not alone in facing this shift. Other major markets have moved even faster to integrate EV charging with housing. Europe, for example, already has a dense charging network (over 500,000 public charging points vs ~145,000 in the U.S.)[8][9], and countries like the UK now require every new residential building to include EV chargers by law[10]. These global trends highlight how far behind many U.S. properties are – and suggest that American developers will need to follow suit to remain competitive. In regions with high EV adoption (California, Northeast, etc.), we’re quickly approaching a point where lacking EV charging is a significant market disadvantage. Forward-thinking multifamily owners are starting to recognize that the question is no longer if they should install EV chargers, but how to do so in a future-proof way. 

Residents Demand EV Charging as a Standard Amenity

What renters consider a “desirable amenity” is evolving with technology and lifestyle changes. Just as high-speed internet and smart home features have become expected, EV charging access is rapidly climbing the list of renter priorities. A national renter survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and Grace Hill found interest in EV charging shot up from 27% of renters in 2020 to 34% in 2022[11][12]. More than one-third of U.S. renters now actively look for EV charging availability when choosing an apartment – a dramatic jump in just two years. Among current EV drivers, the preference is even clearer: most EV owners won’t even consider renting in a building without charging facilities[13][14]. As EV model offerings expand and more drivers make the switch, this tenant demand will only intensify. 

Property owners and managers are also facing new regulations pushing them to accommodate EVs. In some cities and states, providing EV-capable parking is no longer optional for new developments. For instance, California’s updated building code (CalGreen 2024) now requires 50% of parking spaces in new multifamily projects to be EV-capable (wired for future charger installation)[15]. Other states and localities across the U.S. are considering or enacting similar rules to ensure new apartments are built with the electrical capacity for EV charging. These policy trends echo what other countries have done and reflect an understanding that charging access at home is crucial for widespread EV adoption. In short, resident expectations and regulatory standards are converging: both are making EV charging a standard feature of modern multifamily housing, rather than a niche perk. 

Challenges for Property Owners and Developers

Providing EV charging at multifamily properties isn’t as simple as buying a couple of chargers and bolting them to the parking lot. Owners and developers encounter a range of challenges that can make EV infrastructure deployment complex: 

  • High Upfront Costs: Installing a single Level 2 charging station can cost on the order of $6,000–$7,000 per charger, once you factor in the equipment, wiring, permits, and labor[16][17]. For a property that needs a bank of chargers, the capital expenses add up quickly. Even with government incentives or rebates, the budget impact is a major hurdle for many owners concerned about ROI. 

  • Electrical Capacity Constraints: Many existing apartment buildings – especially older ones – lack the electrical panel capacity to support multiple EV chargers[18]. Upgrading transformers, panels, or wiring to handle high-powered charging can be costly and technically challenging. Space for additional electrical infrastructure or new conduit runs can also be limited, particularly in dense urban sites or parking garages[19]

  • Regulatory Compliance: Building codes and state laws are increasingly mandating EV-ready parking, which is positive for long-term readiness but can pressure developers in the short term[20]. Designing a project to meet EV-capable requirements (e.g. conduit to 50% of spaces) or retrofitting an older property to comply with new rules requires careful planning and adds to project complexity. 

  • Operational and Maintenance Burden: Unlike passive amenities (e.g. a paved parking spot), EV charging stations are active pieces of equipment that require ongoing attention. Regular maintenance, network management, and repairs are needed to keep chargers operational[21]. Software updates, broken cables, or connectivity issues can render a charger unusable until fixed[22]. For property managers, this introduces a new operational responsibility that many are not staffed or trained to handle. 

  • User Management and Fair Access: With limited chargers and a growing number of EV-driving residents, properties have to manage how chargers are shared. This can involve setting up reservation systems, usage fees, or idle fees (charges for vehicles that stay parked after charging is done) to prevent “EV parking hogs.” Some buildings without robust management report a game of “musical chairs” among EV drivers jockeying for charging time[23], which can hurt the resident experience if not addressed. 

  • Technology Choices and Future-Proofing: The fast pace of EV charging technology presents a dilemma – invest in infrastructure now, or wait for cheaper or better tech? Property owners worry about choosing the “wrong” equipment or a network that might become obsolete. They also face uncertainty in how much charging capacity they will eventually need (Will 5% of residents have EVs? 50%?). Overbuilding is expensive, but under-building risks leaving tenants frustrated. Hitting the right balance requires strategic forecasting and flexibility. 

Given these challenges, it’s clear why many multifamily firms have been slow to act on EV charging despite the rising demand. Installing and operating chargers is not a core competency for most property companies[24][25]. As one real estate executive quipped, apartment owners “aren’t in the business of financing, installing, or operating complex EV charging projects”[24][25] – yet suddenly they are expected to figure it out. This gap between what residents expect and what owners can deliver with existing resources is driving a new approach in the industry: bringing in dedicated expertise to manage the complexity of EV charging programs. 

The Case for Dedicated EV Charging Management

EV charging at a multifamily property isn’t a one-time project – it’s an ongoing program that needs oversight. In the early days of this trend, some forward-thinking apartment operators tried a DIY approach, installing a charger or two themselves. But many ran into maintenance headaches and user complaints that revealed a truth: effective EV charging requires active management and expertise. In fact, early multifamily charging projects often suffered from poor reliability – chargers going offline or sitting broken for weeks – in part because no staff was tasked with keeping them running smoothly[26][27]. Charger uptime is critical; residents will quickly lose trust (and prospective tenants will look elsewhere) if the station is frequently out-of-order. As one facilities VP noted, the industry has seen “a lot of those chargers not functioning” and overall “not great” uptime statistics, especially for deployments where properties tried to handle it all on their own[27]

Dedicated staff or program management for EV charging is becoming a new norm at leading property management companies. Large real estate firms are beginning to designate sustainability managers or facilities directors to oversee EV infrastructure portfolio-wide. For example, CBRE, one of the world’s largest property managers, even created a Vice President of EV charging solutions to advise multifamily clients[28]. The reason is clear – coordinating site assessments, hardware selection, electrical upgrades, tenant communications, billing, maintenance, and 24/7 troubleshooting is more than a part-time job. Some owners have learned the hard way that without someone accountable for the charging program, the result can be underused or poorly maintained stations (the equivalent of the dreaded “broken treadmill” in the gym room). As Mark Kerstens of CBRE observed, the market is now shifting to the point where lacking EV chargers will be a “negative differentiator” – if you’re the only apartment in the area with none, it sets you back[29][30]. However, he also cautions that for many owners, it’s just like the vending machine or fitness equipment – they don’t really want to manage it themselves, “they’d rather have a service provider” take care of it[29][30]

Many multifamily operators, especially those without the scale to justify in-house specialists, are now looking to external providers to bring it all together. This is fueling a rise in companies offering “EV charging as a service” or turnkey solutions for apartments. Under these models, a vendor might handle everything from upfront installation to ongoing operation, and the property owner’s role is largely to provide the parking space and basic utilities. In some cases, the provider even covers the capital costs in exchange for a long-term contract – for instance, one startup is installing and owning chargers at multifamily sites at no cost to the owner, recouping investment over a 10-year usage agreement[31]. Most third-party offerings aren’t zero-cost, but they do aim to remove the technical and financial burden from property owners through arrangements like revenue sharing, leasing, or subscription fees[31]. The common thread is simplicity for the landlord: instead of diverting their own staff to manage chargers, they partner with specialists who run the program day-to-day. 

Partnering with the Right EV Charging Operator

If outsourcing EV charging management is the way forward for practical property owners, choosing the right partner becomes critical. Not all EV charging providers are created equal. Owners should seek a long-term partner that understands the multifamily context and prioritizes reliability and service. Key considerations include: 

  • Operational Track Record: Does the provider have a history of keeping charging stations in excellent working order over many years? What uptime do they guarantee? Given the “bad track record” of some DIY and early solutions that left chargers broken or offline[32], a reputable operator should be willing to commit to performance standards and have a plan for speedy repairs and support. 

  • Alignment of Incentives: Look for a partner whose business model aligns with the property’s success. For example, some venture-backed startups focus on rapid scaling and might be inclined to cut corners on support or abandon less profitable sites. Indeed, there have been instances of known companies exiting the multifamily charging market and leaving customers with unsupported equipment[33]. A reliable partner will be in it for the long haul. This could mean they are financially stable (not solely dependent on aggressive VC growth targets) and value steady, sustainable expansion of their network. The goal should be a “win-win” arrangement where the provider succeeds only by making the property’s EV program successful (e.g. sharing usage revenue or tying fees to performance). 

  • Full-Service, Turnkey Support: The ideal EV charging partner handles end-to-end tasks – from initial design/installation (engineering the right number of chargers with the electrical capacity available) to ongoing management (software networking, driver access/payment systems, customer service for residents, and maintenance). For instance, our company’s approach is a turnkey model covering everything from day-one design to year-ten operations, acting as an extension of the property management team. This kind of comprehensive service means owners don’t have to become EV experts overnight; instead, they gain a subject-matter expert on call. It’s important that the provider offers training or resources for onsite staff as well, so there is transparency and coordination, especially in the early stages of a project. 

  • Scalability and Future-Readiness: A partner should help the property scale up EV infrastructure as demand grows. Maybe today only 2% of residents drive EVs, but in five years it could be 20%. A good strategy might start with a modest installation but include a roadmap for expansion (additional charger installations or panel upgrades) when utilization hits certain milestones. Providers should also stay on top of technology updates – from new charger models to software features – and proactively advise clients on when to upgrade or expand. Future-proofing is part of the service, ensuring the investment made today continues to meet resident needs throughout the duration of the partnership. 

In evaluating providers, property owners might find that smaller, specialized operators can offer a more “hands-on” partnership than some larger, venture-backed companies whose priority is exponential growth. There is a strategic advantage to working with a practical operator that focuses on a collaborative, long-term relationship over simply chasing installation numbers. Such a partner will take the time to tailor a solution to each property’s unique layout and tenant profile, and will remain responsive as needs evolve. The value of this approach is evidenced by higher resident satisfaction (drivers know their charging spot will be accessible and functional) and peace of mind for the property manager (knowing an expert is managing this complex amenity reliably). 

A Practical Path Forward

The electrification of transportation is coming to every neighborhood, and multifamily housing must adapt quickly or risk falling behind. Fortunately, by recognizing the trends and planning proactively, property owners and developers can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Offering EV charging is no longer just about installing a couple of stations to tick a box – it’s about integrating a new service into your community in a sustainable way. Those who succeed will treat EV charging as a long-term program that requires the right mix of hardware, software, and human support. They will leverage partnerships or dedicated staff to ensure the system is reliable and convenient, thereby protecting their investment and keeping residents happy. 

In the coming years, we will likely see EV-ready amenities become as expected as an in-unit washer/dryer or a functional fitness center. As one industry expert warned, not having EV charging could soon be a major disadvantage in attracting tenants[29]. On the flip side, properties that “lead the charge” stand to enhance their appeal and asset value, gain a new revenue stream, and future-proof themselves against regulatory changes[34][35]. The consensus among practical operators is that the EV charging conversation has shifted – it’s no longer if you should install chargers, but how to manage the entire lifecycle effectively. By focusing on reliability, strategic planning, and the right partnerships, multifamily housing providers can confidently navigate this electric future and deliver the convenience that modern residents expect. The time to act is now: the EV wave is building, and apartments that ride that wave with well-managed charging programs will reap the rewards for years to come. 

Sources

The insights and data presented here are drawn from a range of industry reports, surveys, and expert analyses, including Energy Innovation’s research on EV charging in multifamily housing[36], the NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey[11], Canary Media’s interview with multifamily charging providers and property managers[27][29], and other cited sources throughout this document. These references underscore the urgent need for multifamily properties to elevate their EV readiness and the benefits of taking a practical, partnership-driven approach to charging infrastructure. 


[1] [4] [6] [7] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] Multifamily housing needs EV charging. This startup… | Canary Media 

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/ev-charging/3v-infrastructure-multifamily-apartments 

[2] [3] [5] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] The Lack of Multifamily EV Charging is Holding Back US EV Adoption - EVinfo.net 

https://evinfo.net/2024/08/the-lack-of-multifamily-ev-charging-is-holding-back-us-ev-adoption/ 

[8] [9] Charging into the Future: Europe and the United States Race to Build EV Infrastructure - Power Integrations 

https://www.power.com/community/green-room/blog/charging-future-europe-and-united-states-race-to-build-ev-infrastructure 

[10] Housebuilders ‘lobbied against plan for electric car chargers in new homes in England’ | Automotive industry | The Guardian 

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/12/housebuilders-lobbied-against-plan-for-electric-car-chargers-in-new-homes-in-england 

[11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [34] [35] Why EV Charging is the Ultimate High-Tech Amenity for Modern Multifamily Residences | Buildings 

https://www.buildings.com/resiliency-sustainability/electrification/article/55241601/why-ev-charging-is-the-ultimate-high-tech-amenity-for-modern-multifamily-residences 

[36] The State Of Electric Vehicle Charging For Multifamily Housing • Energy Innovation 

https://energyinnovation.org/report/the-state-of-electric-vehicle-charging-for-multifamily-housing/ 

Reach out to learn more

Reach Out to Learn More

Electric vehicle charging is new and fast paced industry. You don't have to tackle it alone. Book a meeting with one of our team members to discuss any of these items and more!

Reach out to learn more

Reach Out to Learn More

Electric vehicle charging is new and fast paced industry. You don't have to tackle it alone. Book a meeting with one of our team members to discuss any of these items and more!

Reach out to learn more

Reach Out to Learn More

Electric vehicle charging is new and fast paced industry. You don't have to tackle it alone. Book a meeting with one of our team members to discuss any of these items and more!