Jeremy Nixon, P.Eng.,BSS
Brown & Beattie Ltd.
The EV Revolution is Here
Electric Vehicles are no Longer a Niche – Rather They Have Become Part of the Mainstream
Humankind continually seeks improvement, never satisfied with the status quo. Often, improvement is borne out of need to solve problems of the day. While at other times, as an expression of natural interests and creativity. Regardless of the motivating factors, our species has a constant need to evolve.
Present day problems are many, one of which includes “greening” our world. While there are innumerable factors driving this change that are well documented elsewhere, the focus of this piece is on the evolution of the Electric Vehicle (EV). A revolution perhaps.
More specifically, we explore the impact on Condominiums in light of increasing conversations surrounding EVs as they strive to adapt to this evolution, and to the ever-changing needs and wants of their communities. The Drive for Change Regardless of varied positions on what is driving the shift towards electric vehicles, they are here to stay. Governments around the world are increasingly incentivizing them. Consumers are demanding them. Automakers old and new are continually developing and improving upon battery technology, with some planning to discontinue manufacturing internal combustion models in the not too distant future. Infrastructures are adapting to the changing service needs. Electric vehicles are no longer a niche rather having become part of the mainstream.
Condominium Community Challenges In Condominiums, the challenges are numerous but typically stem from how to best adapt their existing infrastructures in a fair, equitable, and cost-effective manner to the changing needs and wants of their communities. Increasingly, installation of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCs) is a hot topic. There is no one approach. One-size definitely does not ft all.
In some communities, a small group or even individual owners are seeking permission to install EVCs for their personal use, while at others the approach is to provide availability to all (whether or not there is current demand). The latter approach is somewhat of a “future proofing”, and proactive one. While the former is more reactive, catering to individuals on an as-needed basis. There are of course innumerable iterations between these extremes. In all cases, early questions arise surrounding existing electrical capacity and whether it is sufficient to service EVCs. If not sufficient, what needs to be done to make it so.
Solutions are as varied as the Condominium Corporations themselves.