Choose the right EV charging infrastructure for your apartment building

Choose the right EV charging infrastructure for your apartment building

Einar Holte Gasmann

24. Sep 2023 | 8 min read

man charging electric car outside apartment building

Facilitating EV charging in apartment buildings has become a necessity in today's society, with more and more residents taking the step towards electric mobility. However, it's important to choose the right EV charging infrastructure that suits both the needs and budget of your apartment building and its residents. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when making this decision and how Current Eco can be your trusted partner in this process.

 

ASSESS THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS

Before moving forward with the implementation of EV charging, it's crucial to understand the unique needs of your community. This includes the number of residents who already own or plan to purchase electric vehicles, as well as their charging habits. Some key questions to consider include: 
 
  • How many EV parking spaces are needed to meet demand? 
  • How are the parking spaces distributed between residents? 
  • Is there a need for charging e-bikes or other electric vehicles in addition to cars?
  • How can charging be managed efficiently to avoid conflicts?   
These questions are important in determining the extent of EV charging infrastructure needed in the apartment building.

 

CHOICE OF CHARGING SOLUTIONS

Once the needs are clearly defined, you need to consider the available charging solutions. There are four main options that the residents of apartment buildings can consider based on their needs and preferences.

  1. Shared Charging Stations

Community charging stations are installations shared by all residents in the apartment building. They can be outdoors or indoors and give residents access to charging on a shared network. This option is cost-effective and can be ideal for smaller apartment buildings with moderate charging needs.

  1. Private Charging Stations

Private charging stations give residents the opportunity to install their own charging stations in their dedicated parking spaces or in their private garages. These can be particularly attractive for residents who want full control over the charging of their electric vehicles and do not want to share the charging stations with others. This solution gives residents the most individual control over charging, but it also requires the apartment building to have guidelines for the installation and safety of private charging stations.

  1. Smart Charging Stations

Smart charging stations provide individual control over charging and allow residents to monitor and manage the charging process via a mobile app or network interface. This option is more flexible and can be a good fit for apartment buildings with varying charging needs.

  1. Fast Chargers

Fast chargers provide faster charging, which is ideal for residents who need a quick refill. However, these charging stations are more expensive to install and often require a higher power capacity. They can be a good addition to apartment buildings with residents who often travel long distances.

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BUDGETING AND FINANCING 

Choosing the right EV charging infrastructure is also about considering the budget and financing options for the apartment building. It's important to get a clear picture of the costs of installation, maintenance, and electricity consumption over time. Here are some points to consider: 
 
  • Installation costs for the chosen charging solution. 
  • Costs for electrical infrastructure upgrades if needed. 
  • Pricing structure for electricity consumption and any charges for administration and service. 
This budget work will help the apartment building to plan a sustainable and financially beneficial solution.

 

SAFETY AND SCALABILITY 

Safety is always a priority when it comes to EV charging infrastructure. Make sure your chosen charging stations comply with current safety standards and are well-maintained to avoid dangerous situations. 
 
Furthermore, when choosing infrastructure, consider the possibility of future scalability. Electric mobility constantly evolves, and more residents may invest in electric vehicles over time. Having a plan to expand charging capacity is important to meet growing demand.
 
 

OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION

It is important to decide how the charging network will be managed and to determine who has operational responsibility. For the easiest possible operation, a smart management system for charging points is a key component of the infrastructure. A management system allows the community to set up the charging network to suit residents' needs and preferences. It enables intelligent allocation of power resources, ensures a smooth and coordinated EV experience for residents, and minimises administrative tasks such as billing and payment. Overall, a management system is not only a technological necessity but also a practical tool for creating an efficient and user-friendly EV infrastructure in the housing association.

 

CURRENT: A SIMPLE CHARGING SOLUTION 

We know the complexity of choosing the right infrastructure for condominiums and co-ownership. At Current Eco, we offer tailored charging point management solutions that take into account the specific needs of condominiums and co-ownerships. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the entire process so that you can implement EV charging in a cost-effective, safe, and scalable way. Together, we can shape a greener and more environmentally friendly community.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right EV charging infrastructure is an important decision for apartment buildings that want to offer residents the opportunity to charge electric vehicles. By considering the needs of the apartment building, the choice of charging solutions, budgeting, safety, and operation structure, the residents can lay the foundation for a sustainable and future-proof charging infrastructure. With support from Current Eco, you can rest assured that you're making the right choice for your building, and we look forward to helping you implement EV charging successfully.

Book a demo with one of our experts to learn how CURRENT can help your apartment building choose the right EV charging infrastructure and operate it in the easiest way possible!