A recent survey conducted by SWTCH Energy has revealed a strong correlation between electric vehicle (EV) ownership and access to charging infrastructure in multifamily residential properties across the United States (U.S.). 

According to the survey by SWTCH Energy, it spotlights that residents of apartments and condominiums are 2.5 times more likely to own an EV if they have access to home charging facilities. The survey included 1,567 intergenerational consumers renting or owning a non-standalone home in Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; and Miami or Tampa, FL.

In detail of the SWTCH Energy survey, the findings included:

Despite the increasing interest in EVs, significant challenges continue to hinder widespread adoption. While many residents express a desire to embrace them, two primary obstacles are preventing many from making the switch to EVs.

The first major barrier is cost. According to the survey, 47.5% of non-EV owners identified the high purchase or lease price of EVs as a key reason for not transitioning to an EV. This highlights the financial hurdles that many potential buyers face, making EVs less accessible despite their long-term environmental and economic benefits.

The second significant obstacle is the lack of charging infrastructure. Around 31% of non-EV owners reported that the absence of home charging stations is a critical factor deterring them from adopting an EV. This issue is particularly pronounced in multifamily housing, where 82% of non-EV owners do not have access to at-home charging facilities. Without convenient and reliable charging options, the appeal of EVs is greatly diminished for many potential adopters.

Sofia Berrada, Head of Strategy at SWTCH, emphasized the importance of these findings stating, “This data further shows that at-home EV charging for the over 44 million Americans living in multifamily properties is a critical component to achieving transportation electrification.”

In terms of addressing the charging infrastructure gap, SWTCH Energy is one of the many that have made efforts to increase EV charging infrastructure by deploying over 10,000 EV charging ports across North America, with a focus on multifamily buildings. Their solutions aim to overcome challenges such as upfront costs and limited electrical capacity.

As a result, the company’s motive led to these efforts due to the survey findings concluding that the percentage of residents planning to own or drive an EV in the next five years drops from 62% to 25% when charging is not available at multifamily properties.

As the cost of EVs is aimed at better affordability, the demand for charging infrastructure in multifamily residences is expected to increase. With this in mind, property owners and operators should aim to support their residents’ charging needs while potentially increasing the value and appeal of their properties.

Read More: Study Highlights U.S. EV Charging Gaps: Only Four States Meet Optimal Standards

As cities and states across the U.S. set goals for EV adoption, addressing the needs of multifamily residents in terms of their charging needs will be key to achieving widespread EV adoption.

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