As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, cities in North America are updating building codes to require Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs) to adapt to an electric future. The City of North Vancouver, for instance, mandates 100% EV-ready parking in new MURBs (Plug in BC), signifying that EV charging is not just a convenience, but is becoming a regulatory requirement. However, this shift brings unique challenges for MURB owners due to shared power constraints.
The Challenge of Electrical Upgrades
Residents are increasingly prioritizing access to convenient EV charging when selecting a home, but many multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) currently lack the electrical capacity to support widespread charging. Presently, these buildings can only power around 25% of their parking spaces with existing electrical systems (Pecan Street). This is largely due to outdated grid infrastructure and low service sizes, which were originally designed when buildings relied on gas for many utilities. As more building systems transition to electric, this limited capacity is further strained, making it difficult for multiple EVs to charge without risking power overloads and blackouts. Furthermore, administrative burdens and conflicts arising from monopolized power distribution add to the challenges of shared charging systems in MURBs.
Upgrading MURBs’ electrical systems to meet these demands can be both time-consuming and expensive, often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and requiring extensive permitting (Energy Star). This is a growing concern as EV adoption is projected to skyrocket—from 3 million in 2022 to 27 million by 2030—with MURB chargers expected to represent 17% of the overall EV charging market, a significant increase from their current near-zero representation (PWC).
To manage this growing demand, MURBs will need innovative solutions that allow for electrification without overwhelming their existing electrical capacity (PG&E). One promising low-cost alternative is load-balancing technology, which intelligently adjusts power supply to multiple EV chargers simultaneously. This enables more residents to charge their EVs without overloading the system, maximizing the use of existing infrastructure and removing the need for costly electrical upgrades. Additionally, load-balancing fosters greater accessibility while promoting community harmony by preventing power distribution conflicts.
The inequitable EV landscape is especially challenging for lower- to middle-income residents, who face greater barriers to EV adoption due to limited access to reliable charging infrastructure. By providing equitable charging opportunities in MURBs, these residents can more easily transition to EVs, ensuring that EV adoption becomes accessible to a broader range of people. Implementing load balancing technology is key to enhancing both the accessibility and fairness of EV charging infrastructure in multi-unit buildings (PG&E).
Variablegrid’s Solutions
Although load balancing is pivotal in providing low-cost solutions for grid strain in MURBs, not all systems offer the same level of effectiveness. Variablegrid’s unique load-balancing technology, however, stands out by offering comprehensive solutions that reduce inequities and eliminate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades when installing EV chargers, saving building owners time and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here are the tools Variablegrid deploys to make an electric future in MURBs advantageous, even with limited electrical capacity.
Advanced EVEMS
Variablegrid’s EV Energy Management System (EVEMS) offers cost-effective electrification with Dynamic Load Balancing technology. It modulates EV charging based on the available capacity in any given moment, allowing many residents to charge at once without exceeding capacity. Using real-time data on available power, our EVEMS can reduce or increase charging levels of all parking stalls to ensure 100% of energy capacity is utilized. It’s innovative monitoring capabilities, safety features, and easy integration position Variablegrid’s EVEMS as the ultimate, cost-effective solution for alleviating energy strain in MURBs without expensive service upgrades.
This approach was successfully implemented by Variablegrid at Cates Landing, a strata community in Vancouver’s Deep Cove. We facilitated the electrification of 80 EV stalls without necessitating a service upgrade. Peter from Cates Landing Strata shared that, “So far, 26 owners have installed EV chargers. We’re reassured knowing that as demand grows, Variablegrid’s solution will support any owner who wishes to install a charger.”
Hassle-Free Administration
Another barrier to the installation of EV chargers in MURBs can be the administrative headaches that are expected when sharing power among suites. However, our EVEMS can be combined with our networked administration solutions to simplify this process. Our fully automated systems facilitate optimal shared charging, offering features like prioritized charging for select stalls, lower rates for occasional drivers, and customizable payment plans based on usage- all without added effort for building managers. Ensure optimal efficiency by integrating Variablegrid’s billing administration and unlock effortless adaptive features.
Future-Proof Your Building with Variablegrid
While installing EV chargers in MURBs may seem challenging, Variablegrid’s solutions make the transition seamless and cost-effective. With our technology, there is no need to compromise optimal EV charge when you save on electrical upgrades.
At Variablegrid, we believe in providing solutions that not only meet current demands but also anticipate future needs, ensuring that your building remains ahead of the curve in EV readiness. Our solutions can enhance property value without necessitating costly infrastructure changes as EV adoption increases. Variablegrid’s capabilities will grow with you; ensuring convenience for residents, cost savings for building owners, and compliance with evolving regulations.
By Danielle Shefley