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What Should Multifamily Builders Know About EV Building Codes?

Posted 09/19/2024

In 2023, the United States, saw over 1.4 million new electric car registrations, marking year-over-year increase of more than 40%. This growth brings the total number of plug-in electric vehicles to over 5 million nationwide. And unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles charge where they are parked, primarily at home. As a result, new developments, including multifamily housing projects, must plan for the electrical capacity needed to install EV charging infrastructure if they want to attract and accommodate the next generation of drivers and residents. Here is what multifamily builders need to know about the latest electrical requirements and building codes for residential EV charging.

EV Charging and Building Codes

The International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit organization that develops model building codes, which states and municipalities can adopt or use as a foundation for their own building standards.

Safety Requirements for EV Charging in Building Codes

The ICC offers three sets of codes that currently address or may address EV charging in the future:

The 2021 IBC, the most recent version, includes references to EV charging in Sections 406.2.7 and 1107, which outline safety requirements, accessibility standards, and equipment certification.

IBC Section 406.2.7 states: “Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 70. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11.”

IBC Section 1107 states: “Electrical vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 1107.2. Fuel-dispensing systems shall comply with Section 1107.3.”

Sections 1107.2 and 1107.3 address accessibility to charging stations, including a provision that at least one EV charging space should be accessible.

Three Types of EV Charging Building Codes

In addition to safety, building codes also address the infrastructure needed for EV charging. Building codes to not just address equipment safety. In addition to NFPA and UL certifications, there are also three types of “EV Make Ready” infrastructure seen in building codes: EV Capable, EV Ready, and EV Installed.

EVSE Building Codes: EV Capable, EV Ready, and EV Installed.

  • EV Capable: There is sufficient electrical capacity, wiring, and conduits, but the building does not have dedicated circuits connecting the parking spaces to the electrical panel.

  • EV Ready: In addition to the electrical wiring and conduits, the building has installed the 208/240V circuitry, panel capacity, junction boxes, and overprotection devices. All electrical work has been completed.

  • EV Installed: In addition to the electrical work, the building has installed the charging station(s) at the parking spaces.

Some utility companies offer commercial rebates for installing this infrastructure, significantly reducing project costs. Blink’s Commercial Incentive Finder helps identify local, state, and federal incentives for adding EV charging.

Draft versions of the IECC 2024 included EV readiness in the updated building codes. However, these provisions are now optional and have been moved to an appendix. Note that some cities and states have independently added their own requirements for installing EV infrastructure in new developments. For example, California has statewide building codes addressing EV charging, and cities like Denver, CO; Winter Park, FL; and Vancouver, BC, have their own municipal standards. The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) maintains a list of U.S. states and municipalities with EV-specific building codes, while the U.S. Department of Energy offers a searchable database of federal and state laws on EV charging.

Emerging EV Technologies

Building codes play a critical role in supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and create a resilient electricity grid. One emerging technology is bidirectional charging, which allows EVs to send electricity stored in their batteries back to the grid with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. EV drivers and/or charging station owners may be able to receive financial incentives from their utility company in return for participating in a V2G program.

The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that EVs will soon provide added value to the grid and consumers without requiring additional capital investment. According to estimates, consumers could see an additional $345 in annual revenue from managed unidirectional charging, with the potential for an extra $500 from vehicle grid integration (VGI) services.

As electricity grid demand increases, technology like bidirectional charging will become more important in new buildings. Building codes can ensure that all new projects include wiring and electrical capacity to comfortably host EV charging stations and bidirectional charging.

Benefits of EV Charging in Multifamily Developments

Even if your city has not adopted EV charging codes, adding charging infrastructure offers several key benefits for new single-family and multifamily developments:

Prepare for Growing Demand

Electric vehicles are already widely used, and millions of homeowners and renters are seeking homes with EV charging. Utility companies and governments plan to utilize EVs for energy storage and grid balancing, using technologies like V2G and battery energy storage systems. Property owners and managers can capitalize on current utility rebates for installing demand response-capable technology or participating in energy management studies.

By adding EV charging stations now (and additional EV Ready infrastructure for growth) this year, you can reap the benefits of being future-forward before the building codes catch up.

Attract and Retain Residents

The number of EV drivers increases each year, and many prospective tenants or buyers choose properties based on available charging amenities. Those who already drive an electric vehicle are looking for apartments that currently offer Level 2 charging as a resident amenity. If an EV driver has to decide between a community that has charging capability and one that doesn’t, they will choose the community with EV charging.

Increase Property Value

Like other energy-efficient amenities, EV charging raises property value and allows property owners to adjust rental rates accordingly.

Generate Additional Revenue

EV charging doesn’t have to be free. Many property managers charge drivers a fee for using the stations, similar to charging for shared laundry facilities. Property managers can set a kWh fee that matches or exceeds their own electrical rates.

Blink Solutions for Multifamily Properties

With the Blink Network, you can manage your EV charging stations in real-time, including adjusting pricing, monitoring usage hours, and tracking station availability. The Blink Network is a proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, tracks, and monitors the health of Blink charging stations and their associated data.

Our flexible pricing options include:

  • kWh transferred to the vehicle

  • Time spent at the charger

  • Discounted charging fees for residents.

With a variety of business models to choose from, including both purchase and lease options, Blink makes it simple to install EV charging at multifamily properties. Post-installation, Blink provides ongoing support, including preventative maintenance programs, extended warranties, 24/7 network monitoring, and dedicated customer service through our in-house Network Operations Center (NOC).

Ready to get started? Contact Blink Charging today to speak with a multifamily EV charging expert.

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