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Livingston Energy Group Honored by New York League of Conservation Voters

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Livingston Energy Group Honored by New York League of Conservation Voters

 

An organization that empowers New Yorkers to make environmental change recognizes EV Infrastructure Leader.

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Albany, NY – The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) has selected Livingston Energy Group as the honoree for their annual Capital Region Cocktail Party on April 17th at the Corning Tower Observation Deck.  NYLCV selected the green energy technology business for its commitment to environmental progress in the Capital Region and beyond. Honoree selection is decided with input from the NYLCV’s Capital Region Chapter Board and historically consists of sector leaders who prioritize NYLCV’s mission of fighting for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space.

“The New York League of Conservation Voters is thrilled to honor Livingston Energy Group at our 2023 Capital Region Cocktail Party in Albany. One of our top priorities is investing in decarbonizing transportation across the state. Transportation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York, damaging our public health and concentrating pollution in low-income communities and communities of color. We commend Livingston for their commitment to investing in electric vehicle charging and the necessary infrastructure,” says Julie Tighe, President of NYLCV.

“We’re committed to the investment and expansion of New York’s infrastructure and the greater green economy and are honored to be recognized by the League as a leader in the combined revolution of energy and transportation,” says Schuyler Poukish, CEO and Co-Founder of Livingston Energy Group.

“Livingston is proud to be making substantial investments throughout its facilities in New York state, adding over 100 high-tech jobs in the last few years.  With most of the EV charging industry offshoring hardware manufacturing and software development, it gives us a huge competitive advantage to be able to compete and win with our team we’ve built here in the state,” says Jason Zarillo, President and Co-Founder of Livingston Energy Group. 

The partners will be speaking at the event which will also feature a keynote address by Didi  Barret (D) Assembly District 106, Chair of the Committee on Energy.

To reserve your space at the event visit NYLCV 2023 Capital Region Cocktail Party or contact Emily Poole at (212) 361-6350, ext. 212, or epoole@nylcv.org.

About Livingston Energy Group

Livingston Charge Port™ powered by Lynkwell, provides an end-to-end turnkey equipment and software solution for sustainable and cost-effective EV charging infrastructure, and is well positioned as a deployment partner for any organization in the industry. Aggregating the best AC/DCFC equipment and providing customizable and brandable software; we help design, install, and maintain sites, with cooperative ownership/investment, as well as customer and warranty support. Integration-ready for onsite battery, solar generation, and energy management systems for resilient micro-grid deployments, and a platform to explore scalable economic models from demand management and energy arbitrage with utilities, to supporting public fleet and carshare programs.

About NY League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)

NYLCV is the only statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy, and open space through political action. They are non-partisan, pragmatic, and effective.

Find them online and on social media at:

https://nylcv.org/, https://www.facebook.com/nylcv/, (34) NYLCV – YouTube, https://www.instagram.com/nylcv

 

 

 

EV HUB, IPMI & Member News, Mobility Resource Center, News, Resources, Sustainability, Technology

Ribbon Cut on the Largest EV Charging Station Deployment in Upstate NY

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Van Patten, Livingston Energy Group, and National Grid Cut the Ribbon on the Largest EV Charging Station Deployment in Upstate New York

 

Project is consistent with Van Patten’s focus on the future of their organization and the technology that will get them there.

Jonesville, NY –Van Patten Golf Club has been one of the top golf courses in the Capital Region of New York State since its founding in 1968. Much of their success over the years can be attributed to their dedication to their sport and their constant self-evolution as a destination. The club has taken a step toward the future of green energy in their latest investment; an installation of 50 charging stations for electric vehicles. Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, is a Schenectady, NY-based solution provider for EV charging stations. They have partnered with National Grid’s make-ready program to secure grant funding for Van Patten’s project. This installation is the largest single deployment of electric vehicle chargers in Upstate New York and is setting an example for others in the entertainment and tourism industry to make changes to accommodate the increase in electric vehicle drivers.

Located in Jonesville, NY just north of Clifton Park, Van Patten Golf Club is host to a recently renovated 27-hole course and 15,000 square-foot clubhouse that features a full restaurant and bar. Their venue space allows them to host and facilitate local events, making them a destination not just for their members but for the public as well. This is precisely why Van Patten has chosen to accommodate its ever-growing patronage by providing vehicle charging stations to all those who visit.

Since 2016, Livingston Energy Group has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies and is focused on cutting-edge solutions to support the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption.  Through their robust catalog of hardware and software solutions, they can design EV charging solutions for any size deployment. The 50 charging stations at the Van Patten Golf Club utilize the Livingston Charge Port EV charging network that allows their patrons to easily locate and activate the charging stations as well as enables the golf club to use real-time station monitoring.

The Van Patten Golf Club, Livingston Energy Group, National Grid, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new charging stations on Thursday, December 1st at 11:30 AM.

“It’s great to be in Clifton Park at the Van Patten Golf Club for the unveiling of a whopping 50 new electric vehicle charging stations for those with electric cars. Thanks to the Van Patten Golf Club, Livingston Energy Group, National Grid, the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for making this possible for patrons of the golf club,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“Congratulations to The Van Patten Golf Course and its partners, Executive Electric, Livingston Energy Group and National Grid, on today’s unveiling of the largest electric vehicle charging station in Upstate New York,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh.  “As more New Yorkers transition to electric vehicles, it is important to make these charging stations more centrally located and accessible for residents and visitors alike.”

“As New York continues its transition to clean energy, it’s important that we continue to support and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Thanks to Van Patten Golf Course & Executive Electric, Livingston Energy Group and National Grid, the largest electric vehicle charging station deployment in the state is now located here in the Capital Region”, said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a long-standing member of the NYS Assembly Committee on Energy. “This announcement marks another important step in achieving our goal of building more sustainable, vibrant communities. I commend the local organizations and community leaders that worked collaboratively on this important project.”

Joe Gunther, General Manager at Van Patten Golf Club, said “The Van Patten Golf Course has always been committed to providing our golfers with accommodations that make their day fun and worry-free. Now, with the help of Executive Electric, National Grid, and Livingston Energy, we are able to provide EV owners the opportunity to charge their vehicles while they enjoy a round of golf or a fabulous meal at The Cooley Kill Restaurant. Electric Vehicles are quickly becoming the future for New York State, and we are proud to be one of the largest charging stations currently available for EV owners.”

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs added, “As Saratoga County’s Tourism Promotion Agency, we’re getting more and more requests from visitors and prospective visitors about where they can access EV stations and the same is true of people relocating to our area, putting EV stations at local attractions, like the Van Patten Golf Club, is just a smart business strategy for both the golf course and Livingston Energy as well as a statement of their commitment to our environment.”

“As both an area business executive and town of Clifton Park resident, I am excited that the Van Patten Golf Club has taken the bold step of putting such a large number of EV stations at their facility,” says Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Membership and Community Advancement, Capital Region Chamber.  “With a looming deadline just 12 years away for all-EV new car sales in New York State, the infrastructure simply must be in place or we are going to face serious mobility challenges as a society.   Thanks to the visionary work of Livingston Energy and the foresightedness of the Van Patten management team, a solid step forward has been taken towards preparing us for the realities of 2035.”

Brian Sano, Regional Executive, National Grid commented that, “This installation at Van Patten Golf Course includes 50 plugs that National Grid contributed $270,000 to help fund as part of our statewide effort to increase chargers. Our program will fund up to 100% of the electric infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations like those here in Clifton Park. Working with local installers, like Livingston Energy, has made these projects possible.”

“Livingston Energy Group is proud to partner with Van Patten Golf Club and National Grid on this record-breaking initiative,” said Nick DiSarro, Director of Project Design and Development at Livingston Energy Group.  “We are excited to take part in a project of this magnitude, that allows for patrons and guests to charge up while they are at Van Patten. This project has gone hand-in-hand with the recent restructuring and renovation of the entire course and will ensure that their location continues to draw activity to their clubhouse throughout the off-season.”

The installation of 50 EV charging ports at Van Patten Golf Club is an exciting new amenity for visitors as well as the general public. Guests attending their numerous golf outings, weddings, banquets and special events will have the opportunity to charge their vehicles while they are enjoying all that the location has to offer. The charging stations are accessible through the Charge Port EV Charging mobile app available on the Google Play & iOS app stores. Learn more about Van Patten’s current golfing options, events, and renovation plans on their website. https://www.vanpattengolf.com/

About Livingston Energy Group

A New York based energy technology company, providing a full suite of services and equipment for the installation and management of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the required infrastructure. Since 2016, the company has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies; and is now focused on cutting-edge solutions to support the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption. Livingston offers a robust catalog of hardware and software solutions that utilize the Livingston Charge Port EV charging network that easily integrates with new and existing installations.  Learn more about Livingston Energy Group’s offerings at https://www.solution.energy.

About Van Patten Golf Club

Located in beautiful Southern Saratoga County, in the hamlet of Jonesville, 20 minutes from Saratoga Springs, this 27-Hole Public Golf Course is a challenge to all levels of handicap. Built in 1968 the course features large, mature, spacious greens, sloping wide fairways and expansive views of the countryside. In 2004 the sequence of the golf holes was reconfigured when the building of the 15,000 sq. foot Grand Clubhouse, The Vista, was completed and opened to the public. The unique challenging setting makes this course well worth the trip from any location.

https://www.vanpattengolf.com/

About National Grid

At National Grid, we are committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve.

We are one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the US — serving more than 20 million people throughout New York and Massachusetts.

We are at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society — transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Every day we work with stakeholders to promote the development and implementation of more sustainable, innovative and affordable energy solutions.

We are proud of the contributions our work and our people make towards the prosperity and wellbeing of our customers, communities and investors.

https://www.nationalgridus.com/Default.aspx

 

EV HUB, IPMI & Member News, Mobility Resource Center, News, Resources, Sustainability, Technology

LEGOLAND® Installs New Livingston Charge Port Electric Vehicle Chargers

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LEGOLAND® New York Resort Installs New Livingston Charge Port Electric Vehicle Chargers for Guests’ Use

 

 

PEARL RIVER, NY – LEGOLAND® New York Resort is ensuring guests with electric vehicles can focus on having fun while their vehicles charge during their bricktastic day! The Goshen theme park has installed a new bank of EV charging stations in its parking lot for guest use.

Two of the charging stations are in the Park’s main parking lot and three more are in the parking lot of LEGOLAND® Hotel. Each station can charge two vehicles. The project was made possible in part by O&R’s PowerReady Program (PRP) which is designed to help develop hundreds of new public and customer-owned EV charging stations throughout its New York service area.

Getting a Charge Out of Legoland

LEGOLAND® New York Resort recently installed a new bank of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for guest use in the parking lot of its theme park in Goshen. The project was made possible in part by Orange & Rockland’s PowerReady Program (PRP) which is designed to help develop hundreds of new public and customer-owned EV charging stations throughout its New York service area. Trying out the new charger on one of O&R’s electric vehicles are, from left: Tom Mittler, Communications Manager for Livingston Energy Group; Stephanie Johnson, LEGOLAND New York Divisional Director; Andrew Farrell, Section Manager of Orange & Rockland’s Electric Vehicle Programs and Orville Cocking, Vice President – Operations at Orange & Rockland.

“At LEGOLAND New York Resort, we’re always looking for ways to build sustainability into every aspect of our park and hotel operations,” said LEGOLAND New York Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson. “From our benches made from 940 recycled milk containers to the paper straws we use at all our drink stations, we strive to take care of our environment in ways big and small. These EV chargers are a natural fit for us, allowing our guests with electric vehicles to focus on building unforgettable memories with their families.”

Livingston Energy Group installed and will be managing the EV chargers at Legoland NY Resort. Livingston is an approved installer for O&R’s PRP and is focused on maximizing the adoption of electric vehicle charging equipment.

“Livingston Energy Group is proud to partner with Legoland and Orange & Rockland on this wonderful initiative,” said Tom Mittler, Communications Manager for Livingston Energy Group.  “The tourism industry in NYS has been bouncing back in a huge way in the past two years. We hope more attractions and destinations follow Legoland’s example to increase the accessibility of EV charging at their locations.”

Orange & Rockland Vice President – Operations Orville Cocking said, “At O&R, we are moving away from purchasing vehicles powered by fossil fuels. We are committed to empowering our customers to do the same by helping them make the transition to electric vehicles. Every person who chooses to go electric is supporting cleaner air and a healthier environment.”

O&R’s PowerReady Program is providing incentives that can cover up to 100% of the EV charging stations’ installation costs (depending on eligibility criteria) for Level 2 or direct current fast charging stations at commercial facilities, multifamily buildings, or parking areas.

Chargers, which meet minimum program requirements, are eligible to recover up to 50% of the cost. Chargers, which are publicly accessible and have non-proprietary plugs, may receive up to 90% of the cost, and if located in a low- or moderate-income community are eligible for up to 100% of the cost. To get started, visit: oru.com/powerready.

About LEGOLAND® New York Resort

AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® New York Resort! Ride, splash, and build your way through seven themed lands at the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination! Get a Minifigure’s eye view of how LEGO is made on the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride, save the kingdom on the Dragon Coaster, get your official LEGOLAND Driver’s License in LEGO City, and explore cities built out of millions of bricks in Miniland. There’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay the night at LEGOLAND Hotel, with 250 fully themed rooms just steps away from the Park! Find us in the Hudson Valley 60 miles from New York City. Visit LEGOLAND.com/New-York to learn more.

About Livingston Energy Group

Livingston Energy Group is a New York based energy technology company, providing a full suite of turnkey deployment services and equipment for the installation and management of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The company has become one of the fastest growing electric vehicle charging station providers, with nearly 1200 stations under management in New York State alone, and products and services across all of North America. Since 2016, the company has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies. Livingston provides an array of charging equipment and custom software solutions to meet the needs of the growing electric transportation industry.

About Orange & Rockland (O&R)

Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies. O&R is a regulated utility that provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company), and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York.

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

Infrastructure Opportunities & Challenges: What is to Come & How to Prepare

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Infrastructure Opportunities & Challenges: What is to Come & How to Prepare

 

Blink Charging will be presenting a FREE Learning Lab on October 26 to discuss this topic in depth. Click here to register now!

While electric vehicle sales have risen an average of 40% each year since 2016, consumers still say that a lack of charging infrastructure is their primary concern. This opens the door for private enterprises to fill the gaps. Driven by their own goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, the US government has responded to consumer concerns by committing to install 500,000 EV charging stations across the country by 2030 with the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. The Inflation Reduction Act extended the tax credit until December 31st, 2022 before requirements change, which is a 30% tax credit of the total cost of the purchase and installation of EV charging equipment up to $30,000 per site. Equipment must be installed by December 31, 2022.

The gas station concept of only being able to fuel up at a specific location will be a thing of the past. Consumers will be able to fuel a vehicle wherever you can access electricity without disrupting their day-to-day routine. This means any business that has public parking spaces can now enter the vehicle refueling market.  Challenges with hosting EV charging stations include the space to host them, the upfront costs of installation, electricity, and a reliable Wi-Fi or data signal if you want to monetize them.

Working with a notable EV charging company will eliminate many of challenges. There are opportunities for businesses to host Level 2 chargers, where customers spend a significant amount of time and DC fast chargers for high traffic locations.

Hosting EV charging stations has many benefits that include:

  • Generating charging revenue.
  • Attracting new customers.
  • Receiving tax breaks and funding opportunities.
  • Getting LEED or other green energy certification.
  • Allowing your business to be at the forefront of green energy technology.

Blink Charging will be presenting a FREE Learning Lab on October 26 to discuss this topic in depth. Click here to register now!

 

 

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

EV Charging Stations Drive Business Loyalty

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Renters Want To Go Electric, But Where Will They Charge?

 

By Margaret-Ann Leavitt

I am often asked, “Why should I install EV charging stations?” There are many answers to that question: EVs are better for the environment, they reduce greenhouse gasses and they look good parked outside your business. But the top reason I cite is loyalty. EV drivers tend to be much more faithful to businesses with charging.

If you like us, we’ll like you.

It makes sense, right? EVs need to be charged and drivers will frequent businesses that make fueling easy for them. In fact, several years ago, Kohl’s found electric car drivers spent about 20 more minutes in store than non-EV drivers. Similarly, another major retailer found EV drivers shopped more than three times longer than their gas car counterparts. With statistics like these, the ROI is much higher than most realize.

Testing the theory.

A few years ago, my team and I decided to put this theory to the test and conducted an online survey to learn more about fueling and loyalty among EV drivers. The results were overwhelmingly conclusive. Electric car owners were more likely to favor businesses with available charging. And the numbers were big!

When asked if charging makes them more loyal to a business, 81% of the 700+ EV owners blindly polled, said ‘Yes!’ And listen to what else they had to say:

  • “We’ve spent way more money eating at restaurants with charging stations than we ever would have spent on gas.”
  • “It’s the convenience. I’m there and I will explore at close by businesses.”[translation: ‘spend money’]
  • “Absolutely! The very first thing we did after taking delivery of our EV was to go support a business that had chargers installed.”
  • “One day our local supercharger even cost me new glasses” – alluding to her increased propensity to spend while waiting for her car to charge.

Tesla drivers proved to be even more loyal.

The loyalty among Tesla owners was even greater at 92%. Until recently, Tesla drivers could boast having the longest driving range available, often not needing to charge away from home unless they were traveling. So, Tesla loyalty is rooted less in need which is even more telling. They consciously want to support businesses who embrace the future. For them, it was less about requiring fuel and more about brand appreciation and EV recognition.

Loyalty is invaluable in our post-pandemic world.

While the pandemic is not fully over, it and the wide array of supply chain shortages has had a tremendous impact on how we shop. When the pandemic upended our lives, it also created space for shoppers to try new things. A McKinsey report found that “75% of consumers tried a new shopping behavior, from e-commerce to curbside pickup to shopping local.”

With our options growing daily and the exponential rise of online shopping, securing customer allegiance is priceless to retailers. And this isn’t just about high-end luxury car owners. The owners our team polled represented a wide cross-section of electric cars, new and used, ranging in price from $15K-$100K+. Regardless of their investment, all frequented businesses where they, and their cars, felt most appreciated.

Going Green.

Those polled also noted they like to frequent businesses with a lower carbon footprint and those who are looking out for our shared environment. One response said, “I like to see businesses supporting green initiatives.” – a trend that is becoming increasingly more important to consumers.

The Nielsen Global Corporate Sustainability Report found that 66% of survey respondents shared they were willing to pay more for sustainable goods. And, a further study conducted by Harris Interactive found that 82% of adults claim to be well informed about brands with a strong track record for sustainability. These findings align perfectly with the primary reason EV drivers buy electric in the first place. There are numerous motives to switch from the internal combustion engine (ICE) to an EV, but the primary stimulus is the lower environmental impact.

Another benefit of EVs for retailers is that they are cheaper to run and maintain, especially with increasing gas prices – allowing electric drivers to enjoy more disposable income. In other words, loyal customers have more money to spend at your business.

Retail and beyond.

Interestingly, the commitment to green businesses goes well beyond retail. It plays a role when EV drivers decide where to rent (if they’re not homeowners), where they ‘play’ and where they chose to vacation.

Hotels are a great example. My husband, for example, is willing to give up hotel points for a hotel with charging – in other words, future stays lose out to current fueling which is a huge change in behavior for him and most of us.

Our survey respondents agreed. One respondent shared “I travel to the same city at least once each month for business trips. I stayed at the same hotel for the last 5 years. They know me by name, leave little extras in the room periodically as a thank you and so forth. I switched because the hotel down the street has a charger in the parking garage.”

It’s time to get EV ready

Whether we’re ready or not, the EV revolution is here and electric driving in our future. Regardless of the EV brand drivers choose, our research found having easily-accessible charging available increased loyalty and, in turn, their spending. So, it begs the question – why haven’t you added EV charging to your parking lot yet?

Margaret-Ann Leavitt is senior vice president, marketing for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge. She can be reached at mleavitt@nationalcarcharging.com.

IPMI Blog, Resources

Quiet Quitting

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Quiet Quitting

 

By Shontel Zamora

After surviving the trend of ‘ghosting’ employees, an immobilizing pandemic, and the great resignation, who would have thought the next hurdle to jump would be ‘quiet-quitters‘?

The new buzzword around the water cooler has sprung up, but it may not be what you think. When I first learned about quiet-quitting I thought it was just another part of the great resignation. Instead, quiet-quitting describes employees who stayed during the great resignation (due to lack of viable of options or familial commitment) transforming into overworked, unmotivated, and disgruntled employees. These quiet-quitters are the folks who still come into the office every day. They show up physically to work but have mentally checked out. The hustle culture for these employees has all but died.

Some employers have suggested this new trend of unmotivated employees is an effect of the great resignation. When you have a vast number of employees transitioning out at the same time, it can be challenging to replace so many at once. Even if you can bring on new employees quickly, most new staff members need some time to acclimate to the new position. This has led managers and supervisors to reorganize work assignments to veteran employees to ensure the work is done. The results? A group of once resourceful employees transformed into burn outs who no longer put in the extra effort and skate by with the bare minimum required. If this is the case, what can we do to help these quiet-quitters?

Some employers have opted for traditional motivating methods such as financial incentives to keep work production up, while staving off potential departures. Others have tried more flexible approaches including:

  • Offering alternating schedules.
  • Telecommuting/hybrid options.
  • Conducting stay interviews.
  • Sending employees to training and conferences.
  • Offering child-care services.
  • Paying for gym memberships.
  • Giving stocks in the company, and more.

Some companies have even gone so far as to provide cash benefits to their employees to take time off and not check work emails. This gives employees the ability to fully detach from work and take the breaks they need to come back fully charged and more motivated than before. These are just some of the few suggestions some companies have tried with success to help with retention and boost up morale and motivation.

If your company or agency is struggling with quiet-quitters hopefully this blog with help inspire some ideas to get your team back on track!  

Shontel Zamora is a budget analyst for the California State University at San Bernardino, and a member of the IPMI Education Development Committee. She can be reached at SZamora@csusb.edu

 

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

Renters Want To Go Electric, But Where Will They Charge?

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Renters Want To Go Electric, But Where Will They Charge?

 

By Margaret-Ann Leavitt

With roughly 15% (or 6.5M) U.S. renters now considering an electric car, multifamily dwellings are quickly adding EV charging to their list of amenities – and taking advantage of free money.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated there were 43.6 million rent-based households in America – representing nearly 36% of the nation’s 122.8 million households. With the affordability of homeownership increasingly in question and more and more millennials opting out of buying a home altogether, the number of those renting is only anticipated to climb.

Now, layer over that these cost-conscious consumers, like so many struggling with high gas prices today, want to make the leap into driving electric. In 2018, University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute found the cost to fuel an electric car was 60% less than a gas-powered car (on average $485 for an EV vs. $1,117 for a gas vehicle), and a 2020 Consumer Reports study concurred – making driving an EV a very realistic and viable option for those either on a budget or wanting to do better by the planet, or both. While the Biden administration rolled out a plan earlier this year earmarking $5 billion to fund electric vehicle chargers over the next five years, the reality is that 80% of all EV charging happens at home – so what about those renters or even condo owners who don’t have a driveway?

Given these fast evolving trends, it’s easy to see why EV charging is an increasingly valuable amenity to multifamily dwellings. In fact, a 2016 study from Multifamily Executive predicted this trajectory, finding that 15% of renters planned to buy an EV by 2021 and of those renters, the majority (58%) stated they would be willing to pay more each month to have on-site charging stations – all making rental property owners take a second look at onsite EV charging.

Aside from making renters happier (and more loyal), adding EV charging brings numerous other benefits to property owners including:

  • Differentiating your property from the competition and opening the door to more potential renters.
  • Elevating your green reputation while also reducing your carbon footprint.
  • Adding to your property’s overall value.
  • Opening up new revenue streams by hosting rideshare vehicles or providing dedicated charging spots for Lyft and Uber (who are also quickly shifting their fleets to electric).

However, probably the most important reason to add EV charging to your property now is the incentive programs.

Whether we are ready for it or not, the EV revolution is here. Most of the automakers have ceased R&D on gas powered vehicles, states across the country have either invested in or are working on legislation to advance EV adoption, and many are passing bills requiring all new construction (including multifamily dwellings and new single family homes) to pre-wire for EV charging.

Why pre-wire? While EV charging stations aren’t inexpensive, the station itself can often seem relatively cheap when compared to retrofitting properties during the installation process which can cost 8-12x more than pre-wiring during new construction. But this is where the incentive dollars come in. With President Biden committing more than $5B to building up our nation’s EV charging infrastructure, every state is developing incentive and rebate programs – essentially giving public and private property owners free money to install EV charging stations.

In Hawai’i, for example, Hawai’i Energy and the Ulupono Initiative are partnering to offer a $5,000 incentive for each station installed at multifamily dwellings. And they’re not alone. States and non-profits across the country are offering millions to increase the availability of public and private charging options to meet the growing demand.

There is no better time to act than now. Multifamily dwellings – whether they are apartments or condos – can now increase their audience appeal and their ‘greenness,’ and make both more affordable than ever. With millions of dollars in state incentives on the table, essentially giving multifamily building owners free money to install EV charging equipment, why would you wait?

Margaret-Ann Leavitt is senior vice president, marketing for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge. She can be reached at mleavitt@nationalcarcharging.com.

 

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

Future-Proofing EV Charging Deployment

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Future-Proofing EV Charging Deployment

 

By Paul Pirhofer, CAPP

When planning for EV charging stations whether one to two chargers or multiple chargers, don’t minimize – instead consider a plan to future-proof deployment. Let’s focus on Level 2 charging for this discussion.

Level 2 plugs into an EV’s on-board converter for storage to the battery. As today’s EVs have converter capacity to charge at 11kW up to 19.2kW, capable EVs charging at 19.2kW may add more than 25 miles travel range in one-hour versus charging at 7.68kW on a 40-amp charger.

Match public charging points to length of stay or dwell period, as well the capacity of EVs parked. High-turn commercial properties where visitors dwell 30 to 60 minutes have different customer needs versus locations with overnight guests.

Plan accordingly:

  • Start with a preliminary site power assessment – assess power availability, proximity to power source and utility pricing.
  • For high-turn locations, plan for up to a 100-amp breaker to output at up to 19.2kW for each charger plug; utilize local load management for multiple plugs.
  • For longer dwell locations, plan for a 50-amp breaker to output 9.6kW on 240V, charging most EVs within 12 hours or less.
  • For fleet locations, plan for a 60 to 70-amp breaker for up to 50-amp output and 12kW.

Use at least 1-1/4” conduit to each device location. Don’t make the mistake of planning 1/2″ conduit for a high-turn location, as charger will provide only 8-14 miles range within a 30-minute session. Consider future expansion now. Many new developments plan charging stations for 25%+ of parking capacity, though initial deployment may be less.

Remember that installing EV charging stations is not merely buying a charger and checking off a box, but instead treat a deployment as you would other aspects of your business – with customer needs as your focus.

Paul Pirhofer, CAPP, is executive sales manager at Blink Charging and serves on the IPMI Planning, Design, & Construction Committee.

 

 

 

 

IPMI Blog, Resources

How To Unlock Your EV Charging Station’s Revenue Potential

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By Paul Pirhofer, CAPP

This post serves as a summary and recap of the Learning Lab held on January 26, 2022. Click here to watch the full presentation.

With the data showing a growing increase in Electric Vehicles (EV), along with a robust political push towards electric mobility, we still get the question, “Is it too early to invest in EV charging stations?” The answer is no, the demand is here, and the time is now.

Automakers have committed to investing more than $300 billion in research, development, and manufacturing of electric vehicles. In fact, according to Reuters, U.S. auto executives believe that 52% of new vehicle sales will be all-electric by 2030. As an EVSE professional, I can say that creating EV charging revenue does not happen overnight but is possible. Here’s the brief answer on how.

Start by understanding the most cost-effective way to deploy chargers at your location. Installation can be the most expensive part; save money by engaging with an EV charging company to guide you through the process and share their knowledge about grant and rebate opportunities.

“Will people know that we have EV charging stations?” you may ask; luckily, once your station is connected to an EVSE network, EV drivers will find your chargers on various maps, such as Google Maps, the Blink Charging Map, and Plugshare. Issue a press release or send customer emails informing the community that your property is now an EV charging destination.

The shift in the automotive industry is bringing new opportunities for additional revenue in the parking industry. Properties that become an EV charging destination secure their position in customers’ minds as a great place to park and charge.

Paul Pirhofer, CAPP, is executive sales manager at Blink Charging and serves on the IPMI Planning, Design, & Construction Committee.