Joint Office Releases Federal Guidance on Multifamily EV Charging

Approximately 44 million households—31% of the United States total—reside within the multifamily housing sector, encompassing both rented and owned homes in structures such as apartment buildings, condominiums, townhouses, and mixed-use developments. Despite the common misconception that all Americans are car-dependent, nearly one-third of the population does not drive. This statistic is particularly significant as the U.S. continues its stride toward transportation electrification. To ensure no community is left behind in this transition, it is imperative to support car-free or car-light households, as well as those residing in multifamily and rental housing. Such support requires developing tailored solutions that accommodate the unique needs and constraints of these living arrangements, thereby fostering a more inclusive and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

In an effort to ensure equitable access to clean transportation solutions, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, has emphasized the importance of developing mobility options that serve every member of the community, particularly focusing on the needs of the 44 million Americans living in multifamily housing. Recognizing the challenges faced by renters and those without access to home charging facilities, a new whitepaper addressing innovative mobility solutions has been released. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Justice40 initiative, aiming to provide convenient and equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. By doing so, the administration seeks to empower every individual, regardless of their living situation, with the choice to adopt cleaner, electric modes of transportation through multifamily EV charging. This moves us closer to achieving a more sustainable and inclusive transportation ecosystem.

Intended for the use of public officials, property and vehicle owners, utilities, and other stakeholders, the whitepaper presents a comprehensive array of strategies aimed at expanding EV charging infrastructure beyond conventional private onsite installations at multifamily properties. These innovative strategies include the integration of charging stations in the public right-of-way, leveraging existing infrastructure for streetlight charging, employing smart outlets and panels for more efficient energy use, exploring mobile charging solutions for areas lacking permanent installations, and advocating for “bring-your-own cord” approaches to reduce upfront costs for EV users. Additionally, the document enriches its guidelines with real-world applications, offering case studies and example projects from both the U.S. and Europe. These instances illuminate the tangible benefits and feasibility of implementing public charging initiatives, thus ensuring that multifamily housing residents are not left behind in the transition towards cleaner, electric modes of transportation. Through these shared insights and recommendations, the paper aims to guide and inspire stakeholders to create a more inclusive and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

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At GoPowerEV, the company is driven by the principle of “no electric divide,” ensuring equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for everyone, regardless of their living situation. GoPowerEV believes that both homeowners and renters should have the access and convenience to charge their EV on property. The company’s solutions are designed to allow properties to intelligently manage and adapt charging demand to align with the grid’s supply. This innovative approach not only supports the environment but also offers property owners a chance to be part of the EV revolution by investing in smart, scalable proptech.

Founded in 2019 and based in Palo Alto, CA, GoPowerEV is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in electrical systems, utilities, regulatory frameworks, and engineering. The company’s commitment to sustainable transportation is further solidified through valued partnerships with utilities and regulatory agencies across the California Bay Area, ensuring staying at the forefront of technology and policy. Additionally, the company’s vision has attracted investment from leading cleantech-oriented funds such as the Decarbon8 Fund and Good Growth Capital, and the company was recently honored with the CalNEXT Innovation Grant. This blend of venture capital and grant funding underscores the trust and belief in GoPowerEV’s mission to democratize EV charging access, making it a reality for communities across the board. Learn More >>>