Arizona Multifamily Property Goes All Out for EV Charging
It was only a matter of time before this starting happening.
In what seems to be a first, an apartment complex — Bella Victoria in Mesa, AZ — announced that the garage for each unit would have Level 2 fast charging for electric vehicles (EV).
GlobeSt.com has reported on the growing focus in CRE on EV charging, whether in offices, retail complexes, or multifamily. Much of the activity has been in adding increased public charging locations, initial funding rounds for companies providing equipment, and even an investment group that would focus on building out charging locations in multifamily parking spaces.
However, so far, multifamily property owners have seemed to be measured in adding charging locations, and understandably. The process can be expensive, not only involving the charging equipment itself, but laying in the needed power supply, involving both on-premises electrical work and likely interactions with the utility company. Level 2 chargers require higher amounts of power to enable fast charging.
A press release from Bella Victoria noted that the property owners were early adopters of EV charging. “One of the biggest problems when charging in multifamily properties is they typically have just 3-5 stations that are almost always occupied and are often located in the back of the property, away from where people live,” they said. “Also, residents are generally required to pay higher fees to access these services and sometimes have to wait hours before their cars are fully charged.”
“Our residents really like having their own, private charger,” said Hudd Hassell, one of the property owners of Bella Victoria. “With fuel prices likely to climb again, more and more people are opting for energy-efficient EV models.” According to the owners, the cost to fully charge a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y can be as little as $6.
Property manager MEB Management Services had instituted a sustainability committee to consider how properties could make properties more “energy and ecofriendly.” One way, it decided, was to make EV charging easier, because the lack of a convenient option for residents can reduce the chance of adopting an electric vehicle.
Bella Victoria is designed as a luxury residence, with has two and three-bedroom floor plans, community wide Wi-Fi, exercise facilities, two resort-style swimming pools, putting greens, USB ports throughout each unit, NEST thermostats, pre-wiring for 4K and HDTV, smart water heaters, and high-speed fiber optic wiring.
The property owners are building a second property next door with plans to offer similar amenities, including EV charging for each tenant.