Multi-Family EV Charging is Here

Why EV Charging Matters for Property Managers

There is a clear need for EV charging in multi-family housing. Electric vehicle adoption is growing across the United States, with a record 607,089 EV sales for the first half of a year in 2025 according to Cox Automotive. Gone are the days where EVs were only a luxury item for wealthy early adopters. Battery prices, economies of scale, and increasing competition have made electric cars more affordable. In the United States, the gap in operating expenses is so significant that it more than offsets the higher up-front purchase price of an EV over time, according to The Rocky Mountain Institute.

But EVs can’t work without charging infrastructure. Although market leaders like Tesla are constructing Level 3 “fast charging” sites, these stations are costly to develop, more demanding on the grid, and more expensive for drivers. As a result, charging at home is widely considered the most convenient and cost-effective option for drivers. While it is relatively straightforward for homeowners to install chargers (they use roughly the same voltage as a dishwasher,) shared charger installation and management presents greater difficulty for multi-family charging. Clearly there is significant latent demand for EV charging in the multi-family housing population, and state and local governments are investing hundreds of millions in the industry through incentive programs.

EVs are here and property managers need to be prepared for this opportunity to attract and retain residents right now by offering EV charging. Not only that, in certain state and local government jurisdictions, building codes require that new buildings be constructed with Level 2 EV charging stations, or with capability to build them. (The regulatory environment affects existing buildings as well, especially in California.) 

The good news is, with an effective multi-family EV charging solution, property managers can turn the EV charging headache into a revenue stream. For multi-family housing, EV charging is more than a resident perk—it is a strategic investment that attracts tenants, increases net operating income (NOI), and enhances property value and competitive positioning for investors.

This article outlines the importance of multi-family EV charging and demonstrates why EVmatch offers the most convenient, affordable, and ROI-focused solution for residential properties.

Common Challenges with Multi-Family EV Charging

There are a few hurdles to be overcome with charging in apartment buildings, condominiums, and other shared residential properties. For instance, who should pay for the charger installation? How does charger sharing work? Can property managers bill residents individually? Financially, installation costs can be significant, as Level 2 chargers typically require 240V connections and may necessitate costly electrical panel upgrades, conduit work, or even transformer enhancements.

Navigating incentive funding programs adds another layer of complexity. While state and utility-level rebates or grants can significantly reduce upfront costs, eligibility requirements are often stringent, and multi-family buildings may not meet the same criteria as commercial or single-family installations. Additionally, some funding programs can be competitive or unreliable, as evidenced by the recent EV charging policy changes at the federal level. Application processes can be time-consuming, requiring detailed documentation and coordination with multiple stakeholders. 

EV charging can also present ongoing operational challenges including maintenance, software management, and utility monitoring, which require either in-house expertise or a reliable third-party solution to ensure chargers remain functional and accessible. Variations in utility rate structures can complicate billing, as peak and off-peak rates affect both operational costs and resident charges. Property managers must also navigate resident turnover, which can disrupt billing arrangements and access permissions. 

Why EVmatch is the Best Partner for Multi-Family EV Charging

We think these barriers and ongoing headaches shouldn’t fall on property managers. EVmatch stands out by offering a complete, turnkey solution designed specifically for multi-family housing, combining Level 2 EV charging hardware with software that makes managing shared chargers simple and efficient. Property managers can use the EVmatch Dashboard to easily control access, bill for individual sessions, set pricing, and track usage, while residents enjoy a seamless experience with the ability to reserve stations in advance or use them on-demand.

Beyond hardware and software products, EVmatch supports the full installation process, helping properties navigate electrical upgrades and maximize available rebates, reducing or eliminating upfront and long-term costs. Features like idle fees encourage driver turnover, while scalable load balancing capabilities help reduce costs by allowing multiple chargers to share electrical circuits and panels. 

Our solution is typically 40–60% more affordable than competitors, enabling property owners to deploy a professional, high-quality charging network without straining budgets. With ongoing customer service, maintenance packages, and a user-friendly management platform, EVmatch ensures that stations remain reliable, profitable, and well-utilized.

By integrating EVmatch’s system, multi-family communities can enhance resident satisfaction, attract environmentally conscious renters, and develop a new revenue stream, while future-proofing properties for the growing charging demand from electric vehicles. 

For developers, EVmatch is a one-stop-shop for hardware, software, and installation coordination and rebate management. The platform scales easily as tenant demand grows, and detailed reporting tools allow stakeholders to track revenue, utilization, and performance over time. 

Improve Tenant Retention and Attraction

Renters increasingly expect sustainable amenities such as EV charging when evaluating where to live. According to a recent survey from Smartrent and Morning Consult, 75% of renters believe that it’s important to them to reduce their environmental impact.. This means that properties without EV charging are at risk of losing residents to competitors that do provide it. Offering reliable charging access not only helps retain current tenants but also acts as a powerful attraction tool for prospective renters who already own EVs or are considering making the switch. EVmatch ensures tenant satisfaction through its reservation system, which allows drivers to book charging times in advance, reducing frustration and guaranteeing access. As part of a Department of a U.S study, Green Rock Apartments (97 units) in Minneapolis implemented EV charging infrastructure across four multi-family buildings and their corporate offices to attract eco-conscious tenants and enhance property value. Owner Dale Howey emphasized that chargers are “a major draw for tenants and make the units more valuable,” while supporting the company’s all-electric fleet.

Incentive Program Advisory

While some property owners may hesitate over the perceived cost of EV charging, numerous state and utility incentive programs help offset installation expenses. EVmatch can reduce  funding complexity with our dedicated rebate program support team. Many programs cover 50% to 100% of hardware and installation costs, dramatically improving ROI. For example, PG&E’s Multi-Family Housing and Small Business EV Charger Program offers to install Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers at no cost for sites located in priority communities within PG&E’s service territory. Additionally, the Communities in Charge (CIC) program, funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, specifically targets multi-family housing sites, offering incentives to property owners, authorized lessees, or their representatives. Eligible projects can receive a base incentive of $8,500 per Level 2 charging port, These programs can significantly reduce the financial burden on property owners or cover upfront costs entirely. EVmatch offers rebate advisory and application services to help property managers navigate the often-complex application process and maximize their financial benefit. This ensures properties can implement charging stations at the lowest possible cost while capturing the long-term revenue and retention advantages.

Get in On EV Charging

In today’s competitive real estate landscape, multi-family properties must constantly evolve to meet resident expectations. Amenities such as gyms, co-working spaces, and rooftop lounges are now standard in many markets, and EV charging is quickly emerging as the next must-have feature. For asset managers seeking ways to differentiate their portfolios, EV charging represents a strategic investment that sets properties apart while appealing to environmentally conscious renters. 

With EVmatch’s flexible software, affordable hardware, and comprehensive support, multi-family properties can capture these benefits quickly and efficiently. EV charging is no longer a question of “if” but “when,” and EVmatch ensures that when you’re ready, your property reaps the full return on investment.

With EVmatch’s affordable turnkey EV charging solution for multi-family developments, we help property managers build and manage chargers without the headaches and boost NOI. 

We specialize in quickly understanding the unique needs of a property, working with installers and contractors, and securing incentives to get upfront construction done. Then, we bring in our software to provide managers with a “set-it-and-forget-it” experience. 

If you are ready to future-proof your property and start generating revenue from EV charging, contact EVmatch today for a demo at Sales@EVmatch.comVisit our FAQ page