CBRE and SemaConnect Complete Largest EV Charging Installation

CBRE managed planning, site selection, procurement, preparation, landlord approvals, permitting, installation, activation and closeout at 215 workplace and multifamily buildings across 11 states.

The stations are for a mix of public and private use, in either public lots or private garages.

SAN FRANCISCO—CBRE and SemaConnect, a North American commercial electric vehicle charging provider, have completed the installation of 1,100 electric vehicle charging stations, the largest in the nation. The installations were completed for Electrify America LLC.

Electrify America is investing $2 billion during a 10-year period in zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, education and access, including the purchase and installation of charging stations, and charging station maintenance for up to 10 years.

Working with SemaConnect, CBRE’s project management business managed program planning, site selection, procurement, preparation, landlord approvals, permitting, installation, activation and closeout at 215 workplace and multifamily buildings across 15 metros in 11 states and Washington, DC. The charging stations are for a mix of public and private use, GlobeSt.com learns. Depending on location, the stations are either in private secure garages or public surface lots.

“CBRE’s scale and expertise in project management, facility management and leasing proved invaluable for identifying viable properties and procuring electrical contractors within budget,” said Mark Pastrone, COO, SemaConnect.

Electrify America provided the level 2 charging solutions to workplace and multifamily buildings at no cost. The properties own the EV charging stations for the stations’ lifetimes.

Installations were completed in 15 US metros: Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, DC.

“CBRE’s corporate real estate network provided fast access to landlords and decision makers, resulting in a streamlined site approval process,” Sean Anderson, senior project manager at CBRE, tells GlobeSt.com. “Thanks to our streamlined process and strategic industry partners, we were able to install the charging stations faster and more efficiently with opportunities for cost savings.”

According to BloombergNEF’s 2019 Electric Vehicle Outlook, there was an 86% increase in US EV car sales during 2017 to 2018. By 2040, it’s expected that 57% of all passenger vehicle sales and more than 30% of the global passenger vehicle fleet will be electric.

“Collaboration between SemaConnect and CBRE is helping real estate owners, managers and tenants understand their role in growing EV adoption across the US by providing reliable and trusted charging infrastructure as a tenant amenity,” said Curt Grantham, CBRE Americas president of project management. “Our turnkey delivery approach kept the program on schedule with no risk to Electrify America.”

The SemaConnect Network allows property managers to recoup energy costs through a credit-card payment system and provides control over who can use a station. It allows EV drivers to view station status on a map, manage payment options and get mobile alerts when charging is complete. Finally, it allows SemaConnect customer service to monitor station health from its headquarters, send software updates to existing stations and quickly help drivers initiating a charge.