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Typical Costs & What Affects Pricing

A practical guide to EV charging project costs and the main factors that influence pricing for multifamily properties.

What costs are included in a project

An EV charging project is more than the charger hardware. Cost usually includes design, permits, electrical work, installation labor, and software setup.

Some projects also include ongoing network fees, service plans, and support for resident billing.

  • - Site design and engineering
  • - Permits and inspections
  • - Electrical upgrades
  • - Charger equipment and installation
  • - Software and support services

What most affects the budget

Electrical capacity is usually the biggest pricing factor. If the building needs panel, transformer, or service upgrades, costs increase.

Distance from electrical rooms to parking areas also matters. Longer runs often require more trenching, conduit, and labor.

  • - Existing electrical capacity
  • - Number of parking spaces and charger ports
  • - Garage layout and conduit distance
  • - Permitting complexity by municipality
  • - Whether the rollout is phased or all at once

How boards control costs

Boards can reduce risk by doing a readiness study first and requesting proposals with the same scope format from each vendor.

Phased deployment often lowers upfront costs while still creating a clear path for expansion as demand grows.

  • - Start with a technical assessment
  • - Compare multiple vendor bids apples-to-apples
  • - Use incentives to offset capex
  • - Prioritize infrastructure that supports future expansion

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