Section III — Building Systems
Can The Building Support More Chargers?
Before a charger can be installed, eight building systems need to be understood. Each one plays a role in what is possible, what it costs, and how long it takes.
01
Electrical Rooms
The main electrical room is the origin point for all power distribution in the building. Its location, condition, and available capacity set the outer boundaries of what EV charging can look like.
02
Transformers
The utility transformer steps voltage down to usable levels. Its rated capacity determines the maximum load your building can draw. EV charging may require a transformer upgrade — one of the longest lead-time items in any project.
03
Switchgear
Switchgear controls and protects the main electrical distribution system. Age, condition, and available capacity affect whether new circuits can be added without a full replacement.
04
Meters
How power is metered determines how EV charging is billed. Sub-metering individual chargers is technically straightforward but requires coordination with the utility and is affected by state regulations.
05
Load Management
Load management software dynamically distributes available electrical capacity across active charging sessions. It is the key technology that makes large-scale multifamily EV charging economically viable.
06
Service Capacity
Total service capacity — measured in amps or kilowatts — is the hard ceiling on everything. A load study maps existing consumption against capacity to determine how much headroom remains for EV charging.
07
Emergency Power
Generator systems, transfer switches, and life-safety circuits must remain unaffected by EV installations. Understanding which circuits are backed up — and which are not — is critical in the design phase.
08
Future Demand
EV adoption in most multifamily markets will reach 30–40% of residents within five to seven years. Infrastructure designed only for today's demand will require expensive retrofits tomorrow.