Currently deployed across approximately 1,000 public EV chargers on the SWTCH network in Maryland, the integration significantly reduces communication delays when issues arise, providing ChargerHelp with comprehensive diagnostic data to respond and resolve issues faster and more effectively.

Traditional EV charging maintenance requires manual communication between network operators and field service teams. This often involves phone calls, email chains, and diagnostic summaries which can delay technician response by days or weeks. 

SWTCH’s direct integration with ChargerHelp’s EMPWR platform delivers two key improvements:

• Instant Alerts: Communication delays are reduced and technicians can respond faster as ChargerHelp will receive an immediate automated message when SWTCH’s monitoring system detects problems with a charger.
• Complete Diagnostic Access: ChargerHelp’s Reliability Team is enabled to solve problems without sending a technician on-site as they will receive the same comprehensive diagnostic information used by SWTCH’s internal teams, including real-time data, performance patterns, and error logs. When on-site support is required, a technician will arrive fully prepared with the correct tools and parts.

“Before this integration, the process to dispatch field service support took extra steps. Phone calls, emails, and summarizing diagnostic information could delay technician response significantly,” said Jason Cruickshank, Director of Customer Experience at SWTCH. “With this integration, when our system detects an issue, ChargerHelp gets an immediate message along with all the same diagnostic data our internal teams use. It’s a straightforward improvement that drastically reduces down time.”

“Integrating with SWTCH streamlines our service delivery process,” said Walter Thorn, SVP of Product and Strategy at ChargerHelp. “We now receive the same real-time operational data as SWTCH’s teams, eliminating inefficient back and forth needed to diagnose a specific charger. This integration allows our team to review error details and performance patterns before heading to a site, helping us resolve issues more efficiently on the first visit.”

Developed in partnership with ChargerHelp, the integration harnesses the flexibility of SWTCH Connect’s open API platform to enable real-time data sharing and automated diagnostics at scale. The solution is now available to support SWTCH’s broader network of O&M providers—extending uptime-enhancing capabilities across North America. Building on its robust API infrastructure, SWTCH continues to advance charger reliability and service responsiveness, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence with every deployment.

About SWTCH

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in NYC and Boston, SWTCH is pioneering EV charging solutions for multifamily, commercial, and workplace properties across North America. SWTCH leverages the latest technology available to help building owners and operators deploy EV charging by tapping into their existing grid infrastructure. Through constant innovation and an extensive partnership network, SWTCH provides the most profitable and unique business model for multi-tenant buildings to stay competitive. For more information, visit www.swtchenergy.com.

About ChargerHelp

ChargerHelp, is a service technology company on a mission to improve the reliability and uptime of electric vehicle charging stations across the U.S. ChargerHelp’s groundbreaking Reliability as a Service (RaaS) model is fueled by EMPWR, its proprietary diagnostic and maintenance platform, that processes real-time data across tens of thousands of data points to proactively reduce downtime by addressing issues at their root. For more information visit www.chargerhelp.com.

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At SWTCH, we believe this is an exciting opportunity, not a burden. By proactively embracing EV charging, you can not only avoid higher fees but also attract a growing base of EV drivers, enhance your property’s value, and contribute to a greener city.

What You Need to Know: The Vancouver Mandate

The City of Vancouver’s updated business license requirements are designed to accelerate the build-out of public EV charging infrastructure. Here’s a quick overview of the key specifications:

• Gas Stations: Must provide at least 50 kW of charging capacity. This typically means installing one DC Fast Charging station. Gas stations have the flexibility to install this charging on-site or, with pre-approval from the City, at an off-site location.
• Commercial Parking Lots (60+ stalls): Need to offer a total of 26.6 kW of charging capacity. This is equivalent to approximately four Level 2 charging stations, which are ideal for longer stays.

The deadline to submit your verification package to the City of Vancouver is September 1, 2025, to qualify for the lower business license fee starting in 2026. If you don’t meet these requirements, your annual business license fee could jump to $10,000.

Why Act Now? Beyond Compliance

While avoiding a hefty fee is a clear motivator, the benefits of installing EV charging extend far beyond mere compliance:

1. Attract a Growing Customer Base: The number of EV drivers on the road is rapidly increasing. By offering convenient charging, you position your business as a destination for this growing demographic, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.
2. Boost Property Value & Future-Proof: EV charging infrastructure is becoming an essential amenity. For parking lot owners, it enhances the appeal and value of your property. For gas stations, it diversifies your service offering and prepares you for the evolving automotive landscape.
3. Demonstrate Environmental Leadership: Installing EV chargers showcases your commitment to sustainability and supports Vancouver’s climate action goals, enhancing your brand image within the community.
4. Avoid Delays and Headaches: Electrical upgrades and charger installations can take time. Starting the process now ensures you have ample time to plan, secure permits, and complete the installation before the September 1, 2025 deadline.

Your Step-by-Step Path to EV Charging Success

Navigating new regulations can feel complex, but with a structured approach, it’s entirely manageable. Here’s how SWTCH can help streamline the process for you:

1. Assess Your Needs: We’ll work with you to evaluate your property’s existing electrical capacity, determine the optimal number and type of chargers for your specific needs, and identify ideal installation locations.
2. Expert Design & Planning: Our team of EV charging specialists will design a solution that meets Vancouver’s requirements, optimizes energy usage, and integrates seamlessly with your operations. For gas stations considering off-site charging, we can guide you through the pre-approval process with the City.
3. Seamless Installation & Management: From coordinating with electricians and managing permits to ensuring proper connectivity and ongoing maintenance, SWTCH provides end-to-end support. Our intelligent load management solutions ensure your property never exceeds its electrical capacity, even with multiple chargers in use.
4. Verification & Beyond: We’ll assist you in compiling the necessary documentation for your verification package to the City of Vancouver, ensuring you meet the September 1, 2025, deadline. Beyond that, our robust software platform provides real-time data and insights, making it easy to manage your charging stations and monitor their performance.

The Time to Electrify is Now

Vancouver’s new EV charging requirements are a clear signal: the future of transportation is electric. By taking proactive steps to install charging infrastructure, gas stations and parking lots can not only avoid penalties but also unlock new revenue streams, attract a growing customer base, and solidify their position as forward-thinking businesses.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Contact SWTCH today for a complimentary consultation. Let us help you navigate these new requirements, design a tailored EV charging solution, and ensure your business is ready for Vancouver’s electric future.

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Prior to the new regulations drivers could only be billed for the amount of time they spent plugged in at a charger (ie: $10/hour). 

The downside of this was that people who drove EVs that could only take on a charge slowly were billed more than drivers whose EVs could accept faster charging speeds. They may have been plugged in for the same amount of time, but the driver in the slower-charging car would end up paying the same money for less electricity.

This is set to change with the regulations which were announced in late 2022. Overseen by Measurement Canada under the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act, eligible charging stations are allowed to provide customers with accurate measurement and billing based on the amount of charge their vehicles take on.

Measurement Canada will work with new and existing EV charging stations that meet its technical standards to begin billing based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed while monitoring the latest advancements in charging here in Canada and internationally.

SWTCH’s Customer Experience Manager, Jason Cruickshank, believes that the new regulations are a change that EV drivers have been wanting for a while, though in certain situations the old time-based model may remain preferable.

I want to bill by kWh at my EV charging stations – how do I get approved?

Customers who operate Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in Canada can offer kWh billing, subject to registering with Measurement Canada and meeting its specific terms and conditions.

Station owners can register by filling out this form and submitting it to Measurement Canada. There are no fees to register, and Measurement Canada’s service standards offer a response time of 30 business days for under 50 stations and 60 business days for over 50 stations.

I’m a SWTCH customer – how do I update the fee structure to bill by kWh at my EV chargers? 

The SWTCH platform is fully set-up to enable billing by kWh, but in order to do so, please ensure:

1. Review Measurement Canada’s specific terms and conditions..
2. If eligible, apply for dispensation directly with Measurement Canada through this form.
3. Once approved, share the approval along with preferred updated pricing preferences and charger address to golive@swtchenergy.com.

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For newly constructed large multifamily buildings or large multifamily buildings being renovated by a developer converting the property into an association, 100% of parking spaces need to be “EV-capable”. If you fear this will lead to added costs for you as a developer, you are spot on. Even though EV numbers are on the rise, there is no indication of when we will see charger demand in specific buildings reach anywhere close to 100%. Despite this, the law can be used to create a competitive advantage. Here is how.

What does “EV capable” mean?

The act requires at least one “electric vehicle capable parking space” for each residential unit. The good news is that you don’t have to install charging hardware on each parking spot. EV-capable means the electrical capacity has to be established in the building, and conduit runs must be completed for future installation of EV chargers. 

The law requires enough capacity for dedicated 40 amp circuits with a minimum of 208 V or 240 V unless you have load management in place. Detailed electrical planning is advisable, with load management becoming a tool to reduce cost.

How developers can effectively handle the changes

Preparing a building to accommodate EV chargers for every parking spot can be daunting. The electrical capacity needed can be enormous. Looking at a property with 200 units and one parking spot each, you would generally need about 8,000 amps. Apart from issues caused by regional grid restrictions, the construction cost has just made a significant jump.

What is Load Management? 

Load management is the ability to share electricity with multiple electric vehicles simultaneously. SWTCH Control is a sophisticated load management system that dynamically shares the available load between multiple chargers, ensuring that all connected vehicles are charged and ready to go by the morning. The impact of employing a load management solution like SWTCH Control is that you don’t need to accommodate full capacity for 100% of parking spaces, which will save a tremendous amount of money. 

Getting SWTCH involved in the design phase is critical as it’ll allow you to reduce the up-front electrical capacity significantly. It could mean cutting a required 8,000 amps down to 2,000 amps. In an example of a typical 4:1 load-sharing ratio, the cost reductions could look as follows:

• Total Capacity Required: Up to 75% less amperage needed
• Power Supply from Panel: Up to 67% savings on labor and material
• Distribution to Parking Spaces: Up to 75% savings in material and labor

Unit owners and tenants will have the right to install a charger

The new act also states that condominiums must allow residents to install chargers at their parking spots. They cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation of EV chargers for unit owners. Further regulations for condo associations include a 60-day approval/denial period for charger applications from unit owners and a subset of rules for installing chargers in common areas.

Similar rules apply for rental properties where tenants have the right to install chargers. More detailed rules provide for specific situations, such as affordable housing properties, where the act foresees a more moderate, staged process for installing chargers over time.

Stay in control with an OCPP-compliant networked charging solution

One approach could be to manage charger installation passively; let owners install their chargers and have them pay for it. This will, however, lead to a messy situation with various systems that are not connected and unable to communicate with each other. Load management not only becomes challenging but likely impossible, limiting your ability to scale up later and build out more chargers when needed. This will inadvertently lead to additional costs for the building owners.

In addition, the day-to-day management of a broad spectrum of different chargers will not be cost-effective. You will also have trouble charging individual units for their energy use or setting consistent charging rates, should you choose to go that route. Collecting data to analyze usage patterns and improve the system will be off-limits as well. 

As a developer, you can manage this by installing a standardized, networked charging system, ensuring that you can control the chargers, electrical load, and installation costs, while still allowing your owners and tenants to add their own charging hardware. Going with an OCPP-compliant solution like SWTCH, you can offer a choice of charging hardware but can rest easy knowing that the EV chargers won’t break your electrical infrastructure as more residents add charging. 

Harness construction cost savings and improve the building’s bottom line

There is a substantial advantage in facing the new law head-on. You have the opportunity to install a coherent building-wide EV charging system from the outset. With a solution like SWTCH Control, in addition to construction savings of up to 75%, you’ll set the unit owners and building managers up with a scalable charging solution that not only manages the system’s energy and allows new chargers to be incrementally added, but has the potential to realize a new revenue source as you can set and manage charging rates for owners, residents, and guests.

Make sure you are ahead of the regulation coming up in 2024. Get in touch today.

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How are changes to the voting and approval process connected to adding EV chargers?

Strata corporations let owners own their individual unit with the corporation owning the wider property and assets associated with the building or housing development. This means that areas like gardens, the lobby, stairwells and parking areas are governed by the corporation with spending on maintenance and upgrades voted on by all members. 

The installation of EV chargers is an area controlled by the corporation which requires a consensus vote. The Province’s new legislation makes it easier to pass motions to install chargers by lowering the number of “yes” votes needed to secure funding and installation from 75% down to 50%. Also included in the legislation is the requirement for strata corporations to “obtain an electrical planning report to help understand the building’s electrical capacity and plan for the expansion of EV charging stations” and “approve owners’ requests to install EV charging stations at the owners’ expense, when reasonable criteria are met.”

New Legislation Removes EV Adoption Barriers: Here’s How

B.C. is already one of Canada’s most EV-friendly provinces and the new legislation has been tabled to ensure that more drivers can make the switch to zero-emission vehicles by removing barriers that previously kept them from buying an electric car. 

The new legislation is the latest in a long line of mandates from the B.C. government aimed at fostering EV adoption. The Province introduced the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program in 2011 and in 2019 launched requirements that 30% of vehicle sales must be zero-emission by 2030 with that number rising to 100% by 2040. Used EVs are exempt from provincial sales tax until 2027.

What To Consider When Adding EV Chargers to Your Strata Corporation

There are a number of things to consider when adding EV chargers to your strata corporation and SWTCH can guide you through each issue and ensure you find the right charging solutions for your needs. One of the major considerations when installing EV chargers is limited electrical capacity, but with SWTCH’s intelligent load management solution, SWTCH Control, it can enable your property to meet the demand for EV chargers today, while allowing your system to scale while minimizing the costs associated with electrical infrastructure upgrades. 

Without smart load management the number of chargers you can install is limited by ensuring the grid isn’t overloaded. SWTCH’s Smart load management allows you to install up to ten times as many chargers by redistributing power during peak load times to low-demand periods through the night, ensuring the EVs using your system are charged and ready to go by morning.

SWTCH offers a cloud-based platform that allows building managers to monitor and control their chargers individually, and our OpenADR 2.0 certification allows us to participate in grid stabilization programs which can allow your chargers and property to generate additional revenue through active utility or energy market programs in your area.

If looking for help in navigating the upcoming legislation changes, or keen to get the process started at your strata, Contact SWTCH today so we can plan to make sure your property is ready to handle the growing demand for electric vehicle.

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