Multifamily EV Charging Challenges: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

As EVs become more popular, residents in multifamily homes face limited access to convenient charging at home compared to those in single-family residences. Savvy property owners and managers can make the most of this by setting up charging spaces to satisfy the growing demand. 

However, installing EV chargers for multifamily buildings leaves you with much to consider, including your budget and return on investment (ROI). With so many details to juggle, it can be easy to overlook common mistakes. Understanding the most significant EV charging mistakes can help you choose the right charging solution for your property. 

Mistake 1: Underestimating Resident Demand

Before choosing a product, assess the potential demand for chargers on your property. Not having enough EV parking spaces can create conflict among residents and your site teams. On the other hand, investing in too many EV chargers for your needs can leave you with high energy and installation costs and a limited ROI.

Follow these strategies to gauge your residents' demand for EV chargers:

• Record the electric vehicles in your lot: Track the number of electric vehicles parked on your property across various periods. Pay attention to whether they belong to residents, guests, or staff. 
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• Consider your residents driving needs: EV ownership is growing across all demographics as electric vehicles become more affordable. Consider how often residents will need to charge, parking availability, and future demand to make the best investment for your community.
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• Monitor local market trends: While electric cars are on the rise, they don't appeal to all drivers and are still sparse in some regions. Track their popularity in your area to predict how much demand may change. 
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• Survey residents: Ask your current residents whether they'd be interested in EV charging spaces, including private chargers for additional fees or shared spaces that guests can use. This can also help you gauge whether anyone may upgrade to electric vehicles later.
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Mistake 2: Inadequate Electrical Infrastructure Assessment

Your property's electrical infrastructure (including equipment, grid capacity, and usable circuits) directly impacts EV charger installation. Understanding its limits can help you avoid unexpected costs and challenges.

Limited Electrical Capacity

Your property can only draw a certain amount of electric power at once, restricting the number and types of EV chargers you can safely install. You may be able to upgrade your power capacity through your utility provider, but this option isn't always available. 

Compare the charging stations with your current power capabilities:

• ‍Level 1 & Level 2 chargers use less power than Level 3 (DC fast chargers).
• Multiple Level 2 stations running simultaneously may strain your system.
• If energy capacity is limited, several Level 1 stations might be a more practical investment.

Available Circuits and Wires

Depending on the provider you choose, you'll likely need to expand your electrical infrastructure to reach your EV chargers' parking spaces. You may also need to connect your chargers to multiple circuits to avoid causing outages or energy dips. These variables can impact your budget, the number of chargers you can add, and where you can put each parking space.

Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Charging Equipment

Most non-Tesla EVs use universal charging ports, making it easy to serve a wide range of drivers. The right equipment ensures a seamless experience for both EV owners and property managers.

Consider the following factors when choosing the right EV charging stations:

• Charger type: Level 1, 2, and 3 chargers have significantly different features and power needs. Though most multifamily properties only use Level 1 and 2 options, your best choice will depend on your property's energy capacity, resident needs, and potential ROI. 
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• Electrical upgrades: Virtually every charger will require an installation process, though some may be more expensive. Beyond analyzing cost, consider which installations could benefit your future upgrades. For example, if you plan to install twice as many chargers later on, installing additional circuits now could save you money in the future and increase your current charger options. 
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• Software features: Charging systems should come with an EV software, that can handle payments, lower energy cost by tracking energy usage and provide analytics. Prioritizing compatibility guarantees you can upgrade your setup later without replacing everything. 
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• Customer and client reviews: Whether investing in a charger, a software solution, or a contractor, thoroughly research what other customers have to say. This can give you more confidence in your investment or alert you to potential risks. 
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Mistake 4: Overlooking Energy Metering

Not all EV charging providers offer energy metering, which means properties can end up paying a flat monthly fee per charger—whether it’s used or not—on top of energy costs. Without a system that tracks and bills drivers for actual energy usage, these recurring fees quickly add up, making it harder to recover your investment.

Without a system that accurately tracks energy usage, you risk:

• Overpaying for energy: Getting charged for unused chargers instead of actual driver consumption.
• Exceeding electrical limits: Leading to expensive infrastructure upgrades.‍
• Uneven charging speeds: Frustrating residents with inconsistent performance.‍
• Ongoing fees cutting into ROI: Recurring costs make it difficult to break even.

A smart energy metering system ensures you’re only billed for actual usage, reducing unnecessary costs and making EV charging a more financially sustainable investment for your property.
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Mistake 5: Overlooking Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Compliance is one of the biggest challenges in EV charging, especially as regulations continue to evolve. Your installation must meet safety, inspection, maintenance, and operational requirements determined by federal, state, and local laws. 

Key considerations include:

• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance: Charging stations, parking spaces, and walking paths must be accessible to residents with disabilities.
• Electrical & Safety Codes: Installations must follow guidelines to ensure safe operation and prevent hazards.
• Permitting & Inspections: Local regulations may require approvals before and after installation.

Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to fines, installation delays, or costly modifications. Stay ahead by working with knowledgeable installers and keeping up with changing regulations.
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Ready To Future-Proof Your Multifamily Property With EV Charging?

Addressing the most significant challenges of EV charging stations gives you more control over your investment and your future upgrades. Still, with the wide range of variables to consider, you can't do this alone. 

Partnering with electrical contractors and EV charging providers such as Orange gives you better insight into your EV charging decisions. Contact Orange today to find the best EV chargers for your property's unique needs. 

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