Trend Setting

An Ev In Every Garage

By Paul Bergeron

Electric vehicles (EVs) and chargers are seeing a steady influx in apartment communities nationwide. The type and number of such stations can be a riddle as they gauge current and future demand for what has become a prime amenity in some locations.

MEB Development’s Bella Victoria community in Mesa, Ariz., has powered ahead with its ambitious installation of a versatile, personal EV charger in every resident garage.

The new development is hoping to attract new Tesla, Ford and Rivian owners with powerful, Level 2 electric vehicle charging.

The popularity of EVs is on the rise with Kelley Blue Book reporting more than 800,000 new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022 – a 65% increase from the previous year.

And with the new federal tax credits and incentives, sales are expected to nearly double in 2023. As more and more consumers choose these eco-friendly and fun-to-drive cars, the charging infrastructure, especially in rental communities, will have to keep pace with the growth.

Installation cost per charge port was approximately $4,600, which includes upgraded SRP (Salt River Project) transformers, 200-amp electric service panels in every unit and the actual 50-amp circuit for charging.

Hudd Hassell, President of Arizona homebuilder Bela Flor, said that other rental communities in the Valley might have a few