Condo Preparation for Electric Vehicles
CCBA Discussion Paper September 2021
Over the past several years, one of the key elements emerging in the global dialogue revolves around the concept of the increasing growth in the number of Electric Vehicles, “EV”. CCBA member condos for the most part are just now beginning to discuss how to address the likely demand for EV charging stations within member buildings.
Some of our member buildings, particularly those that are in Townhouse Style developments, have easy EV electric access for all owners who have individual garage units. However, the majority of our member buildings consist of multi-floor units with parking confined to common areas that require the building association to provide electric access for EV Charging stations.
The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline for member associations to understand their alternatives as they address the growing demand for in-house EV charging stations.
First we need to address the changing environment within which we live. The national discussion around climate change and the follow-on political dialogue has driven the market place of automobile manufactures to step up the development of EV models for each major automobile manufacturer. Below is a summary of the stated plans for EV development by each major auto manufacturer.
Auto Manufacurer - Future Projections
BMW – will offer 25 electrified vehicles by 2023 and projects fully electric vehicles will account for 25% of its sales by 2025.
Ford – by 2026 will offer only electric and plug in hybrid models. By 2030 all passenger cars will run solely on batteries
General Motors – the majority of the brand's models would be electric by 2030, and left open the possibility that the lineup would go entirely electric by then.
Honda – expected to have a full lineup of electrified cars by 2025.
Mercedes – plans for more than 10 different electric vehicles by 2022. In addition, they will be electrifying their entire portfolio so customers have 1 electric alternative for every Mercedes Benz model series.
Nissan – plans to introduce eight new electric cars by 2022
Toyota – expected to expand to 70 Electric models by 2025. Hoping to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Volkswagon – aims for EVs to make up 40% of its global fleet by 2030.
Volvo – plans to ditch petrol and diesel power entirely and go all in on electric vehicles by the end of the decade. Their electric-only by 2030 pledge joins with its existing plan to have electric vehicles comprise 50% of its sales by 2025.
The list of anticipated offerings by major auto manufacturer suggests that the demand for EV within all condos is upon us. This demand will come not only from existing owners who want to move to EV but also from existing owners who want to maintain the market value of their unit in an environment where future condo buyers will be seeking EV alternatives. We already see a list of benefits to consider including:
Benefits
Help attract and retain condo buyers. People who own or want to purchase electric vehicles and look for buildings with charging stations.
Real Estate Agents are now inquiring on a regular basis if we have charging capability for Electric Vehicles.
Increase property values
Convenience to charge vehicle on site
Lower cost of driving
Clean air commitment
With all of this in mind several of our member condo associations have begun to explore the alternatives available to address the challenge of introducing EV charging stations to multi-floor condo buildings. The following four sections summarize what we have learned about the alternatives available.
Interior – Inside Residential Garage
Option A – 1600A – 480 Volt Infrastructure
This option sets up the infrastructure inside the Residential Garage so every resident would have the ability to have a charging station at their parking space.
Cost: Approximately $190,000
Additional Cost: City of Clayton could require additional drawings that may cost $1,000-$3,000
Includes:
Electric contractor will supply all necessary electrical work, electric panels, cable trays and material
Additional Per Owner Charge:
Single Port wall mounted charger
Charging Capacity – 100-300 miles per hour
Cost per charger – $5,000
Bollard:
Pedestal
The charging stations would work off of an app based system included on owners’ phones which would allow owners to pay directly for the electricity used in charging.
*The 1600A 480V service gives you more expansion capability, cars will charge faster because the power share will be less. For the difference in cost, you gain a substantial amount of power. Having the 480 would also allow 480V units in the future if that is needed. Longer range vehicles are becoming popular with manufacturers and having the 480 volt option would be optimal for faster charging. However, it should be noted that EV charges currently available do not include those that would be able to take advantage of the 480 volt environment.
Option B – 1200A – 208 Volt Infrastructure
This option sets up the infrastructure inside the Residential Garage so every resident would have the ability to have a charging station at their parking space.
Cost: Approximately $165,000
Additional Cost: City of Clayton could require additional drawings that may cost $1,000-$3,000
Includes:
Electric contractor will supply all necessary electrical work, electric panes, cable trays and material
Single Port wall mounted charger
Charging Capacity – 20-50 miles per hour
Cost per charger – $5,000
Possible Additional Costs:
Bollards
Pedestal
The charging stations would work off of an app-based system included on owners’ phones which would allow owners to pay directly for the electricity used in charging.
*Basic Infrastructure to bring electric charging into the residential garage. 1/3 less wattage than the 1600A. If a future expansion is needed you may have to upgrade the wiring, panels and transformers.
As an alternative to the significant cost of the infrastructure build-out, some member condos are considering public units to be located outside of their garages. These options come with the possibility of tax credits which significantly reduce the cost. However, this credit requires the charging station be made available to the public at large.
Exterior – Alley Charging Stations
Option C – Fast DC 62.5 KW Charging Station
This charging station would be located in an exterior alleyway or parking area.
Cost: Approximately $99,000 (1 Fast Charger)
Charging Capacity: 100-300 miles per hour
Includes:
1 year Commercial Cloud Plan*
1 year Assure Maintenance Warranty*
Installation
Activation
Electric contractor will supply all necessary electrical work and material
Up to $50,000 in rebates – In order to receive any rebates, the charging station would need to be available to the public. Possible tax rebate.
*Annual Cloud Plan fee is $1,199 per station
*Annual Assure Plan fee is $3,906 per station
Option D – Level ll Charging Station
This charging station would be located in the alleyway or outside parking area available to the public.
Cost: Approximately $21,000
Includes:
Level ll Dual charging station
1 year Charge Point Commercial Cloud Plan
1 year Assure Maintenance Warranty
Installation
Activation
Electric contractor will supply all necessary electrical work and material
We hope you have found this paper to be helpful. For future questions or clarifications please contact us through the CCBA Website.
Note: All costs estimated above were based on estimates for one specific member condo. Costs related to specific condos are subject to local conditions and provider quotes.