A retrofit journey: Condo adds EV charging stations and avoids $24K in upgrades

A novel approach in smart energy management behind the meter is making EV charging stations more viable in condos and multi-unit residential buildings. Here’s a case study on how one property management company and condo board approached the solution and got their building EV Ready

Canada’s multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) often struggle to provide their residents access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure at home. A combination of aged infrastructure, unstable load demand and adoption lags have created roadblocks to getting chargers into MURBs. And with at least one third of Canadians living in MURBs, it’s an issue from coast to coast.

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But a new EV charging retrofit in one Toronto condo shows that with the right mindset and appropriate load-management tools for a smart charging system, it’s not only possible for building owners and property managers to get their MURBSs “EV-ready,” it’s prudent.

New Times Square is a 375-unit condominium in the heart of downtown Toronto. Like many 20-plus-year-old MURBs in high-density areas, its property managers, condo board and residents were challenged by the logistical and infrastructure constraints posed by the building when it came to accommodating EV charging.

All parties knew they needed a plan to move forward. But with questions about electrical upgrade requirements, cost sharing responsibilities, and long-term management, the headaches seemed endless. It’s this exact point of tension between old and new that SWTCH, a Toronto-based end-to-end EV charging and energy management solution provider, helps to bridge the divide.

Planning for the future

Like many MURBs across Canada, New Times Square realizes as EV adoption grows their residents need charging infrastructure at home. After talking through the options — which included allowing residents to install individual charging units or providing “public chargers” to building residents for shared use — the condo decided their building and residents’ needs were best met by a “private charging model.” This system allows residents to elect to opt in or not, and provides for flexible capacity growth for those who don’t have an electric car yet but anticipate owning one in the future.

One of the primary benefits to SWTCH’s private charging model is that it factors in all key stakeholders –– from owners and residents to the governing body (i.e., condo board or strata council) to the property management company — in the process. Involving all key stakeholders in the conversation about the needs of residents and the limitations of budget, space and existing infrastructure is a critical component of a successful MURB EV charging infrastructure roll out that is so often missed.

After extensive consultation at New Times Square to understand the limitations and needs of the building the first step of the process was identified: get the building’s electrical infrastructure upgraded. That required the installation of an additional two 200 Amp panels and 75 kVA transformers.

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I said so many cool things!

Rick Hardy-Cheam

Director of Strategy, Proptech @ SWTCH

At the same time, 14 private EV chargers were installed in resident parking spots and ready for immediate use. This is only a fraction of the total number of potential chargers that could be supported, however. As noted, the system also accommodates residents who are interested in an EV, but not yet owners. In total, New Times Square is now able to accommodate up to 40 chargers.

Making MURBs smart

The key to being able to carry the charging load of 40 MURB EV chargers is a smart network management system that dynamically adjusts based on real-time usage. For instance, in the most extreme scenario, if 40 chargers are in use at once, the maximum output will be 8 Amps. If only 20 chargers are in use the output goes up to 16 Amps. Additionally, as demand grows, the network supports priority load management, ensuring each resident has equal access and sufficient charge for their needs.

SWTCH is New Times Square’s EV charging service provider. Using a private local network and cloud-based system, the company estimates the total cost savings of the project are over $24,000. SWTCH often works in collaboration with other partners and in this case the electrical contractor, Signature Electric, upgraded the electrical panels, installed the charging stations and associated networking hardware. Signature will also be responsible for managing any future upgrades to the system as technology advances.

New Times Square’s EV charging infrastructure is now operational after the upgrades and installation. The chargers are in regular use by the MURB’s residents who are now able to enjoy the benefits of using at-home charging.

Written by Rick Hardy-Cheam
Director of Strategy @ SWTCH

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