E
lectric vehicle owners with a driveway can easily install a 50-amp outlet for around $10, or hire someone to do it for a few hundred dollars. However, for landlords and garage owners, installing EV charging stations is a more complex and expensive process. Upgrading a building's electrical system can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and each parking spot typically requires a charger, networking equipment, and permits that can add up to $7,000 or more per charger.

    Nicholas Johnson, founder of Orange Charger, notes that chargers often break due to damage or theft, making maintenance costs high. To address this issue, his company offers a "Goldilocks" solution: chargers that are not ultra-fast but still economical and sufficient for most drivers' needs.

    In New York City, the Department of Buildings has reported 324 parking structures with EV charging stations, serving over 1,800 chargers. However, many more garages have not filed reports yet. The city's Local Law 55 requires existing lots and garages to have 20% of parking spaces with Level 2 EV chargers by 2035, while new constructions must meet a higher standard.

    Installing EV chargers can be a major electrical infrastructure upgrade, requiring adequate power supply and potentially involving costly upgrades to the building's electrical service. Vinod Palal, a principal at Goldman Copeland, notes that determining whether the existing electrical service is sufficient is crucial before proceeding with installation.

    To make EV charging more accessible, companies like Orange Charger offer slower but still effective chargers that can be installed for less than traditional Level 2 chargers. This approach allows more cars to charge simultaneously without requiring expensive fast-charging infrastructure.

    For building owners looking to install EV chargers, contacting the local utility is a good starting point. In New York City, Con Edison offers an incentive program and dedicated team to support this process. The program can cover up to 90% of the infrastructure cost for public charging stations, capped at $13,500 per plug. With around $100 million in funding remaining, building owners are encouraged to take advantage of these incentives before they expire.