The Best EV Charging Solution for Apartments (What to Know Before You Install)
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As electric vehicle adoption surges, one of the most common questions from apartment owners, managers, and HOAs is: “What’s the best EV charging solution for multifamily housing?”
It’s a great question — and a tricky one. EV charging at apartments isn’t just a matter of plugging in. It involves infrastructure, permits, budgeting, and making sure the investment pays off long-term.
If you’re exploring EV charging for your multifamily property, here’s what you need to know before you install — and what makes some solutions far better than others.
Types of EV Charging (And What Works for Apartments)
There are three main types of EV charging, each with pros and cons depending on your use case:
Level 1 Charging
Uses a standard 120V wall outlet
Very slow: ~3–5 miles of range per hour
Not suitable for shared or multifamily environments
Low-Power Level 2 Charging
240V/20A power (3.1kW)
Adds ~5–15 miles of range per hour
Will cover many driving needs but not all
Cannot charge a vehicle fully overnight
High-Power Level 2 Charging
240V/40A power (9.6kW)
Adds ~25–60 miles of range per hour
Will cover all driving needs
Can charge a vehicle fully overnight
The most common charger for apartments
Level 3 / DC Fast Charging
Industrial-grade power
Charges a car in under an hour
Expensive, complex, and unnecessary for apartment settings
For apartments, High-power Level 2 is almost always the best choice — offering the right mix of speed, affordability, and compatibility with daily EV use.
What to Know Before You Install EV Charging at an Apartment
Installing EV chargers at a multifamily building is not the same as putting one in a single-family garage. Here are four key challenges to consider:
1. Electrical Load Capacity
Older buildings often don’t have the electrical capacity to support multiple EV chargers without costly panel upgrades or utility coordination. Look for solutions that offer adaptive load management or allow you to install multiple chargers on a single circuit.
2. Connectivity Issues
Many EV charging systems require Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity to operate or bill users. In underground garages or areas with spotty reception, these systems often fail or rack up maintenance issues. Choosing a system that works without network dependencies can save a lot of future headaches.
3. Ongoing Maintenance
Wall-mounted charging stations with screens, buttons, and integrated cables tend to fail more frequently — and each repair often requires a service call, replacement parts, and downtime. Think long-term: what happens in year 3, 5, or 10?
4. Tenant Access and Billing
You’ll need a way to ensure tenants can access charging without letting outsiders in — and that they’re billed fairly for what they use. Make sure the system supports automated access and usage-based billing.
So What’s the Best EV Charging Setup for Apartments?
The best setup is one that:
Works in any parking configuration (covered, uncovered, garage, etc.)
Keeps costs low — both upfront and over time
Requires little to no maintenance
Doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi or cell service
Is simple enough to scale across multiple properties
That’s where smart outlet-based charging stands out.
Rather than using bulky wall units with high failure rates, smart outlets deliver Level 2 charging through a durable, high-power outlet paired with smart billing and user authentication. It’s a cleaner, simpler, and longer-lasting solution — especially for multifamily use.
What Makes Pando Electric Different?
Pando Electric is one of the few EV charging companies built specifically for apartments. Instead of adapting commercial chargers to work in residential environments, we flipped the problem: we designed a system from the ground up for shared, residential use.
Here’s what makes Pando’s smart outlet system ideal for multifamily:
70% lower install costs than traditional chargers
Zero maintenance — no screens, cords, or moving parts
No connectivity required — works in underground garages
Supports multiple chargers per circuit to avoid panel upgrades
Tap-and-charge simplicity means no more fumbling around with an app, just tap your phone
We believe the future of EV charging isn’t more complexity — it’s less. And when you’re managing a multifamily property, simplicity means reliability, lower costs, and higher tenant satisfaction.
Final Thoughts: Think Long-Term
EVs are here to stay — and properties that support charging today will be more desirable tomorrow. But installing the wrong system can lead to costly rip-outs, frustrated tenants, and expensive maintenance cycles.
Do it once. Do it right. And keep it simple.
If you’re looking for a future-proof EV charging solution that’s built for the realities of apartment living, smart outlet-based charging may be the smartest move you’ll ever make.
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