Planning for Comprehensive EV Ready Retrofits

The most cost-effective and equitable way to implement EV charging is to plan for every unit in a multifamily building to have access to an energized outlet capable of providing Level 2 EV charging. This is referred to as “EV Ready” and then enables the resident of the strata or apartment building to easily install a charger when they choose to buy an EV.

By planning and implementing EV Ready infrastructure from the outset, a building can generally design a system that fits within their building’s electrical capacity and avoids costly electrical upgrades. Technologies such as networked EV chargers and EV Energy Management Systems can help make efficient use of electrical capacity and also facilitate billing.

Watch the recorded webinar (Nov 17, 2021) below to learn more about the benefits of comprehensive EV ready retrofits and how to plan for them. This event was hosted in partnership with the Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association. The webinar slide deck is available here: Benefits and steps to planning EV Ready retrofits. 

To get started, contact a Plug In BC EV Advisor for free guidance and support: evadvisor@pluginbc.ca.

Funding for EV Ready Retrofits

Low Carbon Fuel Credits

Multi-family buildings with five or more units can earn and sell credits for the electricity that is powering EVs in your building as part of BC’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). The current value of LCFS credits is several times the cost of electricity and presents an opportunity for multi-family buildings to recover the cost of electrical upgrades and EV infrastructure. For more information:

• Visit the Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation webpage and Reporting Electricity webpage for the excel document to register your EV stations (final supply equipment)
• Check out the presentation from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation for more details on claiming credits for multi-family buildings

Rebates 

The Province’s CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program provides the following incentives for strata condominiums and other eligible multifamily buildings:

• Up to $3,000 (75% of costs) for an EV Ready Plan which outlines how your building will provide each residential unit with at least one EV Ready parking space.
• Up to $120,000 (50% of costs) to implement the EV Ready Plan and install the infrastructure needed to make the building EV Ready; and
• Up to $14,000 (50% of costs) to install and EV chargers.

The District of Saanich now provides top-up rebates, which are administered through the provincial CleanBC program:

• Up to $1,000 for an EV Ready Plan
• Up to $100/parking stall for EV Ready Infrastructure

Resources and Supports for EV Ready Retrofits

Multifamily builings in Saanich and beyond are getting EV Ready! These three case studies provide an overview of projects that have been completed, including costs, use of energy management systems, and more. Check out the videos at hte bottom of the page to hear residents talk about the projects and the benefits of the upgrade in their building.

• Largest strata complex in Saanich becomes EV Ready
• First 100% EV Ready building retrofit in Saanich
• Case study from a multi-unit building in West Vancouver

Contact a Plug In BC EV Advisor for free guidance and support during the process for eligible building types. They can provide presentations or one-on-one advice on charging incentives, charging installations processes, and the benefits of acquiring chargers.

Check out the Plug In BC website for resources geared towards MURBs (Multi-unit Residential Buildings), including:

• A Guide to Installing EV Charging in MURBs (digital, 3MB); (Print version; 90MB)
• MURB and Workplace FAQs
• A template survey – to explore level of support for EV infrastructure from fellow residents in your building
• A template Request for Proposals (RFP) – strata corporations can use to solicit quotes for EV Ready Plans
• EV Ready Plan Vetting Questions – to help strata corporations choose the right contractor for their EV Ready Plan

Recorded Webinars:

VISOA Webinar Series on EV Charging in Strata Buildings

The Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association (VISOA) is presenting a series of webinars to provide comprehensive information catered to strata owners and corporations about the Clean BC – Go Electric Charger Rebate Program, understanding how the Strata Property Act applies, as well as governance and management related to EV charging systems

Partner Links and Resources

• BC Hydro administers the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program, has step-by-step instructions for installing charging in all types of buildings, and also has useful information and tools including an EV vs. gas fuel savings calculator, an EV buying guide, and information on how to use their Fast Charger network.
• PlugIn BC administers the EV Advisor program for eligible building types and provides a hub of information and incentive programs for consumers and fleets to go electric.
• Charge Your Ride is a regional education and awareness initiative that provides local information on electric mobility and has information on rebates, events and more. 
• Emotive is a communications platform to share information, stories, FAQs, videos and events that help people discover the benefits of EVs.
• Clean BC’s Go Electric outlines the Province’s rebate information as well as highlights the benefits of electric vehicles.
• The Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association can provide guidance on the steps required by the Strata Property Act, and has recorded webinars that provides detailed information
• The Province’s Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation enables stratas over 5 units and other entities to earn and sell credits for the electricity supplied to EVs. 
• Check out the range of other rebates for climate-friendly transportation

Local Stories on becoming EV Ready!