#NDEM25 – Charging Ahead With Communities in Charge:
Why Install at Multifamily Housing Areas
Going electric isn’t a fad — it’s a lifestyle. Not only do electric vehicles (EVs) look good, but they also provide health and environmental benefits that can’t be ignored. However, one factor stands in the way of more consumers driving electric: charging infrastructure. For those living in multifamily dwellings, lack of chargers can deter buyers from making the transition.
Two charging electric cars at charge station
Thankfully, California’s Communities in Charge program has helped fund EV charging initiatives since 2023, allowing organizations to take advantage of resources to continue helping them build infrastructure to power EVs. In fact, Communities in Charge currently has over $56 million in incentives available for their newest funding wave dedicated to multifamily housing sites that plan on installing Level 1 and 2 EV chargers.
In this blog post for National Drive Electric Month (NDEM), we caught up with CALSTART’s Deputy Director of Clean Fuels and Infrastructure, Nick Kline, who leads the Communities in Charge Project, to discuss how multifamily housing areas across California and the nation can drive EV adoption with supporting infrastructure.
Q: Why is there an urgent need to install chargers at multifamily housing areas?
For many, availability of chargers is a more important factor than range or cost when considering whether to purchase an EV. People typically charge overnight where they live, so installing chargers where people live reduces one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.
State funding resources like California’s Communities in Charge program provide stability and market conditions that enable continued deployment and growth for these vital clean mobility technologies.
Q: Why is this funding wave so critical at this moment in time?
Federal sources of funding that support clean energy systems and mobility options can be unpredictable as new administrations change priorities and shift resources away. State funding resources like California’s Communities in Charge program provide stability and market conditions that enable continued deployment and growth for these vital clean mobility technologies.
Q: What are the benefits of expanding EV charging infrastructure into multifamily housing sites?
Multifamily housing sites are places where many families and households can have access to the same chargers. Installing chargers at these sites is an efficient way to use public dollars for maximum public benefit.
Q: What challenges do multifamily housing areas face when considering the installation of charging infrastructure?
Top challenges include finding the time, resources for predevelopment and upfront costs, and the right partners to design and install chargers. Many incentive programs like Communities in Charge are available to address challenges around project costs.
Q: Which chargers (Level 1 or 2) are most commonly available at apartment buildings, and how can builders and owners plan for both?
As of now, Level 2 chargers are the most commonly available at apartment buildings. There are a wide variety of technologies available for both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, and key factors to consider are cost, building electrical infrastructure, and users’ charging needs.
Q: What do builders need to know about installing Level 1 and 2 chargers?
Consider all available incentives and apply them! Many incentives can be combined with other incentives, so charger installation project costs can be significantly defrayed.
Q: How many chargers are recommended at multifamily housing complexes?
Multifamily housing complexes can include anywhere from 5 units to 500 units, so thinking through current and future demand for charging and likely charger utilization rates can help you decide how many chargers would be the best fit for a given building or complex.
Q: How do you hope these opportunities will impact or inspire others to continue working to make EV charging infrastructure accessible?
As incentives like those provided by Communities in Charge support more and more deployment of diverse EV and EV supply equipment technologies, people will see the numerous benefits of electrifying transportation options, and the momentum to advance and complete the energy transition will become unstoppable. With every charger installed, we’re not just building infrastructure — we’re creating healthier communities, cleaner air, and a more equitable future. These efforts empower individuals and neighborhoods to participate in the clean energy economy, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the freedom of clean, reliable transportation. The ripple effects of this work will be felt for generations, inspiring others to join in creating a more sustainable and just world.
Interested in applying for this wave’s funding to support EV charging infrastructure in multifamily housing sites? Communities in Charge, funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, now has $56.5 million available in state funding for projects intending to install Level 2 EV chargers at multifamily residential sites in California.
To learn more about the funding wave, click here or apply now!