Exploring the Best EV Charging Solution for Your Strata/Condo Community
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, strata and condo communities are faced with the question of how to provide accessible and efficient EV charging options for their residents. Many will ask, “how many EV chargers should we install?” The answer to this question may seem daunting, but the pros and cons are quite simple. As of October 2023, British Columbia has 129,500 registered light-duty EVs, implying that 4.7% of all registered light-duty vehicles in BC are EVs, a jump from 3% last year.
To help you make an informed decision, we've outlined the pros and cons of two popular choices: dedicated EV charging stations for strata/condos and communal EV charging stations in guest parking areas.
Dedicated EV Charging Stations for Strata/Condos
Pros
1. Exclusive Access
Imagine never having to worry about finding an available charging spot again. Residents with EVs can enjoy the convenience of having their own charging stations right in their parking spaces, ensuring they can charge whenever they need to.
2. Convenience
It is as easy as it gets. Residents can charge their EVs right where they park, eliminating the hassle of searching for a charging spot in a crowded communal area.
3. Control
The condo association can effortlessly manage access, usage, and billing for the dedicated charging stations. This level of control ensures a seamless experience for both residents and management.
4. Property Value
Offering dedicated charging stations can significantly enhance the attractiveness and value of the property. It is a win-win for both current residents and potential buyers or renters.
Cons
1. Installation Costs
Setting up dedicated stations can be expensive (we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars), and the initial costs may need to be covered by residents through fees or other arrangements. Since only 4.7% of the passenger vehicle population in BC drives EVs, it is highly likely that a majority of residents who pay the fees will not own EVs.
2. Limited Guest Access
Visitors may not have access to these stations, which can inconvenience residents with guests who drive EVs. It is essential to consider the guest experience.
3. Fairness
The volume of registrations of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Canada per quarter is growing, but remains around 8.6% in Canada and 10.5% globally. It is a positive trend, but one must ask why owners that drive internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles (or those that do not drive at all) should subsidize the charging infrastructure in their building for other residents that own EVs?
4. Slower Charging Speeds Due to Load Sharing
Some EV charging providers incorporate load sharing between their chargers. When multiple EVs are charging at the same time on the same circuit, the speed of charge is divided by the number of EVs that are charging simultaneously.
For example, if you have a 40A circuit divided by 4 cars, that’s 10A of charging speed, or 2kW of output. 2kW of output would take 37 hours to charge a 75kWh battery or 18 hours to charge 50%. For residents who tend to charge their EVs overnight, most will not do so for 18 hours, but rather much less than that.
Communal EV Charging Stations in Guest Parking Areas
Pros
1. Cost-Effective
Communal stations are a budget-friendly solution as they serve multiple users. The cost burden is shared amongst all residents, making it an economical choice.
2. Guest Access
Visitors and guests can use these charging stations, adding value and convenience to your community and making it an attractive amenity for potential renters and buyers.
3. Scalability
It is easy to add more communal stations as more residents transition to EVs. This flexibility allows for growth alongside the increasing demand for charging options. If utilization is high for the few stations already installed, the strata/condo is mutually aligned with the EV charging provider to add more stations to meet the high utilization demands.
4. Encouraging EV Adoption
Communal stations can inspire more residents to make the switch to EVs, knowing that convenient charging is readily available.
Cons
1. Limited Access for Residents
Communal stations might not be as convenient for residents, potentially leading to competition for charging spots. A first-come, first-served system may not suit everyone.
HoneyBadger Charging offers solutions that prioritize residents' needs while still making communal charging accessible to guests. For example, we can implement a reservation system that allows residents to book charging time slots in advance, ensuring they have dedicated access when needed.
2. Usage Control
Managing usage, billing, and access can be more complex with multiple users. An efficient system for managing communal charging is crucial.
HoneyBadger Charging provides a robust management system to control and monitor usage effectively. This includes user authentication, payment processing, and remote monitoring to prevent misuse and ensure a fair distribution of charging resources.
3. Inconvenience
Communal stations may be located farther from residents' parking spots, which can be less convenient. Residents may have to walk a bit further to access the charging infrastructure.
HoneyBadger Charging strategically installs communal charging stations in proximity to resident parking areas to minimize inconvenience. Additionally, we employ fast-charging technology to reduce charging time, making the process more convenient for residents and guests.
What is the Right Charging Solution for Your Community?
As the number of EVs in the community grows, HoneyBadger Charging can help scale the communal charging infrastructure by easily adding more charging stations. Our expertise and services may ensure that the expansion is cost-effective and efficient.
Contact us for specific information on their services and how we can address these communal charging station challenges. We offer innovative solutions and technology that can significantly improve the EV charging experience for both residents and guests.
Ultimately, the choice between these options depends on the needs and priorities of the condo/strata association and its residents, as well as local regulations and available parking space. Some properties may choose to implement a combination of both options to provide convenience for residents while ensuring accessibility for guests, all while managing costs and accommodating infrastructure growth. At HoneyBadger Charging, we're here to help you make the right decision for your community's EV charging needs.