Why power up parking places

With the generous support of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and other donors, the Pembina Institute launched a project in 2023 that focused on the need to prepare multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) for the increasing number of residents driving electric cars. The project recently concluded with the release of the second of two guides. Included in both are recommendations for policy and regulatory changes and other supportive measures, along with practical advice that, bundled together, will advance the installation of charging infrastructure in MURBs. In addition to the guides, we held workshops and in-person roundtable discussions with numerous stakeholders. What we heard at these sessions contributed to subsequent talks we initiated with municipal decision-makers.

Electric car sales still trending upward

Since 2019, electric vehicle (EV) sales in Alberta have increased almost 11-fold. This upward trend is expected to continue over the next decade for two reasons. Firstly, battery-electric cars are likely to reach price parity with internal combustion vehicles by the mid- to late-2020s. Secondly the federal government introduced policies last year that will increase domestic EV supply.

The number and location of EV chargers needs to increase accordingly to keep pace with demand. While residential EV chargers are the most common and convenient option, many Canadians live in multi-unit residences where there are few if any EV chargers either in the building’s parking area or nearby.

To address this scenario, we produced A Guide to Installing EV Infrastructure in Alberta’s Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. The report presents expedient ways to install chargers for electric vehicles; the report also enumerates electrical and cost efficiencies that can be applied to existing residential buildings and new builds. Not only does charging infrastructure heighten the appeal of a building to residents, EV-ready MURBs benefit from a boost in market value. Arguably, the addition of charging infrastructure encourages uptake in EV purchases, which aligns with Canada’s goal to phase out gas cars.

With the rapid transition from gas-fueled to hybrids and all-electric cars, the guide offers resources and advice for property owners, building managers, and condo boards on how to prepare multi-unit residences for the influx of electric passenger vehicles.

Takeaways for property owners, managers and condo boards

1. Start preparing for the future now. The federal government requires that 20% of new passenger vehicle sales by suppliers be zero-emission cars by 2026, followed by 60% of sales by 2030, and 100% by 2035. Electrical renovations can take considerable time to plan and implement and, in the case of new builds, charging plans must be in place at the beginning of the project.
2. Make parking spaces “EV-ready.” EV chargers do not need to be the first step in making a building EV-friendly. Installing outlets or junction boxes adjacent to parking spaces allows residents to easily connect to a charger at some point in the future.
3. Use EV energy management systems (EVEMS) to reduce costs. EVEMS are a technology that controls the rate, or speed, of the charge, and the most efficient times to charge. This allows multiple chargers to share the same branch circuit (the wire from the electrical panel breaker to the outlet connecting the charger).
4. Understand the benefits of a comprehensive 100% EV-ready approach. It can be tempting to electrify only a few parking spaces at a time, or to install a handful of chargers for drivers to share in common parking areas. As demand for charging grows, however, and more drivers want access to chargers in their dedicated parking spot, a piecemeal approach can quickly become unsustainable and expensive. If only a handful of parking spaces are electrified with little forward planning, those first few chargers could end up exhausting electrical capacity.

Regulatory measures and other means of support

Our second guide, Installing Chargers in Apartments and Condos, summarizes the actions that Alberta municipalities and the provincial government can take to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure in MURBs. The guide additionally outlines measures that stakeholders, such as financial institutions, utilities and industry associations, can implement to contribute to electric vehicle preparedness in multi-unit residences.

In addition to the benefits that accrue to property owners and tenants, installing chargers addresses equity issues by ensuring that all residents, regardless of household income, have equal access to charging infrastructure. More chargers will also help to increase EV uptake, improving both air quality and health outcomes.

Takeaways for municipalities

1. Regulatory measures: Require new MURBs to be 100% EV-ready, meaning there is sufficient electrical capacity and infrastructure in place to power EV chargers which can be installed at a later date; establish firm milestones to track progress.
2. Financing opportunities: Set up a rebate program and other financing mechanisms to encourage building owners and condo boards to install an adequate number of chargers and make upgrades to the power supply as needed.
3. Community outreach: Develop educational material for residents, property managers, building owners, and condominium corporations to learn more about charging infrastructure installation.

Takeaways for federal and provincial governments

1. Regulatory measures: Standardize and streamline permitting and administrative processes (which can fall under Right to Charge legislation) and update building codes to encourage investment and help lower costs. Directing utilities to develop favourable rate structures and demand response systems will also incentivize buy-in and private investment.
2. Financing opportunities: Set up a funding body to contribute to municipal-level financing for EV-ready retrofits in MURBs.
3. Community outreach: Arrange ways to connect property owners and condo associations with service providers and engineering consultants who can provide advice on best practices for installing charging equipment.

Takeaways for financial institutions and utilities

1. Regulatory measures: Consider utility investments in EV charging infrastructure and demand response programs to lower costs and improve the viability of installing and using chargers for both tenants and owners.
2. Financing opportunities: Provide loans designed specifically for retrofits of existing MURBs. Many leaders in the Alberta real estate community have initiated plans to retrofit multi-unit structures to accommodate electric vehicles. Property owners have started to think big about their projects and prepare multiple EV-ready stalls rather than taking a piecemeal approach. As building codes are updated and regulatory and financing measures are put in place, the deployment of charging infrastructure in MURBs will become the norm, aligning with the national transition from internal combustion to clean driving, battery-electric cars.

Many leaders in the Alberta real estate community have initiated plans to retrofit multi-unit structures to accommodate electric vehicles. Property owners have started to think big about their projects and prepare multiple EV-ready stalls rather than taking a piecemeal approach. As building codes are updated and regulatory and financing measures are put in place, the deployment of charging infrastructure in MURBs will become the norm, aligning with the national transition from internal combustion to clean driving, battery-electric cars.