Has ANYONE been happy with their EV providers for Apartments?

[Chris Blackburn]

We are finishing up a 112 unit project in Oregon.  (3 story walk ups). 

We get the opportunity to engage with PGE for our power company.

We have walked through a number of EV charging solutions but they seem to not understand the process.

I want something convenient, easy, and provides some revenue (this may be asking too much).   We have garages that we offer unlimited charging for the charger, garage and unlimited charging for $275 a month. 

Maybe it is just me and I need to look at it differently.  In the past people had "laundry rooms" and it was a revenue source, am I looking at this the same way?  I just need to pay for this, let the EV company handle the issues, (even though I have to buy the chargers) and just treat it like a normal washer and dryer in the unit that most people expect at this level?

I am very pro EV and electric vehicles, we want the tenants with these cars.  (New Tesla in Oregon is the same price as a Suburu wagon- with the tax discounts) 

Would love to hear your experience!

Here is what PGE offers for Mfgs.

Ready to get started?

Below you’ll find contact information for each EV charging vendor, so you can reach out to them to research their qualified chargers, ask technical questions, and get pricing.

I can help with that. Here's the list with emails and phone numbers removed:

• AmpUp - Ryan Berglas, Director of Business Development, West Region
• Atom Power - Tripp Burwell, Lead EVSE Sales Engineer
• Autel - Michelle Luo, Chief Revenue Officer
• Blink - Chris Rogers, Territory Sales Manager, Northwest
• BP Pulse - Erik Bakke, Sr. Sales Manager
• ChargePoint - Kevin Butcher, Account Executive, WA | OR | AK | HI
• Detroit - Diego Quevedo, Charging Infrastructure Sr. Engineer - Utilities Lead
• Eaton - Matthew Root, Business Development Manager - West
• Enel X Way - Luis Castro, Business Development Manager
• EV Connect - Sheryl Rosenbaum, Program Manager
• EverCharge - Kevin Kostiner, Director of Business Development
• EvGateway - Laura Pichardo, Director of Marketing
• EVPassport - Devin Ciriaco, Customer Success Manager
• Flo - Thomas Koetje, Business Development Manager - Pacific Northwest
• Flash - Sam Veraldi, Vice President, Mobility Sales
• Ford Pro Charging - Mike Troy, Sr. Account Executive
• Momentum Dynamics - Todd Daniel, Director, Customer Solutions & Integration
• Nuvve - Rawah Baker, Senior Sales Manager
• SemaConnect - Chris Rogers, Territory Sales Manager, Northwest
• OpConnect - Amy Hillman, Vice President of Sales
• Proterra - Mark Hollenbeck, Regional Sales Director, Northwest
• Shell Recharge Solutions - Dominick Sanchez, Regional Sales Manager- West
• InCharge Energy - Kent Ellis, Sr. Manager Program Sales
• Xeal Energy - Tyler Hansen, Senior Director

[Bryce Nesbitt]

In short, not really.
I set up a system with direct to tenant meter billing to avoid the overhead of a relationship with an EV service provider.  It means doing local maintenance in case a cord is damaged, but simplifies things for the tenants with reserved parking spots.

[Chris Blackburn]

Well, we went with Blink on our new 112 unit complex in Keizer Oregon. 

I am going to hold my current comments until after I meet with the rep.  So far, nobody has shown how it works or what billing is or cost of electricity.  

[Bill B.]

The easy answer is simply a 240volt plug on the wall. Cheapest and most versatile. That’s easier for your tenant than you installing a Tesla connector and they have a Chevy or a Ford. Or installing a j1772 and they have a Tesla. You could also buy the new Tesla universal charger that has both in one unit. That way you don’t have to coordinate with anyone. Just have your electrician wire it to power. No software. Only downside would be if you wanted to rent some garages without including charging. 

If you were going to charge then I’m sure Chargepoint has a system (they run the chargers at the local casinos and can be set to free or charge per kw or per minute.) I know Tesla has a pretty sweet setup, but they are usually set up in common areas not in each garage. 

[Chris Blackburn]

Quote from @Bill B.:

The easy answer is simply a 240volt plug on the wall. Cheapest and most versatile. That’s easier for your tenant than you installing a Tesla connector and they have a Chevy or a Ford. Or installing a j1772 and they have a Tesla. You could also buy the new Tesla universal charger that has both in one unit. That way you don’t have to coordinate with anyone. Just have your electrician wire it to power. No software. Only downside would be if you wanted to rent some garages without including charging. 

If you were going to charge then I’m sure Chargepoint has a system (they run the chargers at the local casinos and can be set to free or charge per kw or per minute.) I know Tesla has a pretty sweet setup, but they are usually set up in common areas not in each garage. 

 I believe @Bill B. is much smarter than I am. (I think he is right) Even if they made a simple outdoor charger with a simple code for your resident, (Bluetooth app on your phone). So far installing Blink has NO ROI or benefit. 5 units, no Rep showing us how it works or suppport. They told us to pay them more money and we can see how much electricity it uses? So, now to understand if there is a benefit and to determine a cost I get to give them more money after spending $35K. A company that actually offers some type of service will mop Blink up. I will reach out to Blink again and see if there is an issue on my side. Maybe they cater to the government and are used to just spending tax payers money with no responsibility. (Note, we did get a grant for these to cover some of the costs, but spending government money (even if it is free) with out benefits is irresponsible and against my code. So now I have spent my money and the Gov money. (which technically is still my money but a smaller slice). I asked for a slick opportunity to give my tenants free charging for a year, instead I have been offered the opportunity to improve Blinks business model to apartment owners. Challenge accepted, with or without Blinks help.