This revenue is perfect for helping to pay back the costs of purchasing and installing the chargers, as well as ongoing costs related to maintenance, software fees, etc. Once you’ve paid off your existing installation, you might want to put revenue from charging sessions towards expanding the number of charging stations you have installed, or even towards generating profits for your business.

Of course, to do any of this, you need to set—and hit—the right goals for generating revenue from your chargers. Here’s the playbook to help you do just that by using SWTCH Portal.

Aligning your charger revenue goals with larger business goals

It’s typical to generate revenue with EV charging—very few locations offer completely free charging anymore. But it’s important to define why it is that you’re generating this revenue and how this ties back to your larger business goals.

We touched on a few reasons for generating revenue in the intro, but here’s a more complete list of why generating revenue is worthwhile:

• To cover electricity costs related to operating your chargers
• To pay back some of the costs of purchasing and installing chargers
• To pay back costs related to electrical upgrades necessary for the chargers
• To help pay for other amenities for the property
• To generate a profit

By setting a goal for your charger revenue (rather than passively earning money as your chargers see use), you gain both better insight into the value being delivered by your chargers and a stronger basis for making adjustments to your pricing to optimize that same value.

Here are some common goals and how they can help guide your charger revenue strategy.

Goal: Using revenue to cover electricity costs

For some properties, there’s little interest in generating additional revenue from charging—they just want to make sure they’re not on the hook for the electricity that is consumed.

To hit this goal: Compare the remittance total with your connected energy bill for the corresponding period. Does the remittance hit your target for that period? If not, you’ll likely need to increase the charging fees for your chargers.

Goal: Using revenue to help fund additional EV chargers

Your remittance covers your electricity costs and maintenance costs, but you think you might want to expand the number of chargers you have.

To hit this goal: Consider increasing your hourly fee to generate the additional revenue needed to expand your amenity.

Goal: Developing EV charging as a steady revenue stream

After the chargers and installation have been paid off, for some properties, the goal is to turn EV charging into a new source of revenue that boosts the bottom line.

To hit this goal: Monitor your utilization rates and ensure your chargers are priced competitively within your local market; public chargers are less convenient, but if the rates are better, drivers may seek them out. And consider implementing a tiered pricing structure whereby tenants receive preferential rates but visitors are charged slightly more.

Review your revenue quarterly against your operating costs to ensure you’re maintaining healthy profit margins, and be prepared to adjust your strategy as the EV market in your area evolves.

What to do when you’re not covering costs or meeting your financial targets

If you discover your revenue isn’t covering costs, you may need to evaluate your pricing and update your fee structures to begin generating the necessary additional revenue.

To address this challenge

Review your charger usage rates to understand when drivers are making use of the charging stations, as well as the frequency with which repeat chargers plug in.

You may want to do some research to ensure your chargers are priced competitively with other charging in the are. A modest price reduction might actually lead to increased usage and an overall boost to revenue.

It might also be worthwhile to reach out to tenants who you know own EVs to understand what might encourage them to plug in more often.

If you’re an existing SWTCH customer, please know that you can always reach out to the customer success team for assistance with optimizing your pricing structure and otherwise trying to get your charging stations’ revenue on track.

Accessing the SWTCH financial summary report to track progress toward your financial goals

In order to make measurable and meaningful progress toward your goals, it’s important to follow the data. With your SWTCH financial summary report, you can easily monitor the amount of money your chargers have generated, along with any other metrics you’re focused on.

Making a regular habit of checking in with the financial summary report is a great way to ensure you and your business are on track.

If you are not operating SWTCH chargers, you may still be able to access similar data and reports, depending on your EV charging solution, though we can’t make any promises nor offer any assistance in navigating other platforms.

Accessing the SWTCH financial summary report

When setting up your SWTCH account, you will be able to designate any number of users to receive quarterly financial summary reports via email. If, however, you want to access your data at any time, you can produce a report by going to the “Reports” section in SWTCH Portal.

You can access a great deal of information in these reports, but here are some of the most important ones for setting and meeting financial goals:

• Property total: Amount to be remitted to you after accounting for taxes and fees
• Property tax: Taxes collected by SWTCH and remitted to you quarterly (only applicable if you have provided tax registration data to SWTCH)
• Driver fee: The total amount paid by a driver for a charging session
• SWTCH transaction fee: The per-session fee charged by SWTCH
• SWTCH payment processing fee: The per-session fee charged by SWTCH to cover the costs of processing payments

How to proceed with making strategic pricing and revenue adjustments to minimize disruption

Once you’ve settled on changes you want to make to your pricing, it’s important to implement them in a way that minimizes disruption to your tenants and also gives you enough time to properly determine what impact they had.

Here are the most important steps to follow.

1: Inform drivers of upcoming changes

Price changes are rarely a happy surprise. Taking a moment to inform your drivers of upcoming adjustments can go a long way toward improving how they’re received.

This doesn’t have to be anything extensive—just share a quick note through your typical communication channel to inform drivers that a price change is being implemented and when that change will go into effect.

If you’re open to doing so, being transparent about the reason behind the change will likely be appreciated by your drivers as well.

2: Give your changes some time to produce the desired results

Even the best plan may not produce the results you’re looking for right away. Still, it’s important to give your changes a little time to breathe before backtracking or making additional changes.

Your initial change might slightly change driver behaviour, which would impact the results you see. Or there might be external factors at play that also influence driver behaviour and make it seem as though your changes are not working.

Give it time. Our recommendation is to wait at least one electrical billing cycle before revisiting your changes to determine whether they’ve had the desired effect. This should allow enough time for you to get a real sense of what impact your changes have had and what to do next.

3: Create a process for soliciting feedback on charger pricing and changes

The best way to understand how your drivers are getting on with your charging stations, how they feel about pricing changes, etc., is to ask them directly. That’s why we recommend creating some sort of way to solicit feedback directly from your drivers.

There are many options for doing this. You might regularly issue surveys to drivers who make use of your chargers, for example, or conduct periodic roundtable discussions to facilitate a more detailed discussion.

The goal is simply to find a means for your drivers to provide feedback that works for your team, gives you a chance to receive truly meaningful feedback, and helps your drivers feel as though their needs and concerns are heard.

Optimizing the revenue of your EV chargers is an ongoing process of refinement, though arriving at a solid baseline should be possible within a short time after installation. Aligning your revenue goals with larger business goals, monitoring performance using your financial reports, and taking care to communicate changes with your drivers will all contribute to achieving optimization faster—whatever that looks like for you and your business.

Ready to Maximize Your EV Charging Revenue?

Optimizing your charging station revenue is just one aspect of a successful EV charging strategy. Put these insights into action and discover more ways to enhance your EV charging offering.

Take your next step today:

• Explore our comprehensive guide to multifamily EV charging
• Learn best practices for commercial EV charging
• Contact us to learn how SWTCH can help you build an affordable and reliable EV charging amenity

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Upgrading your property with EV charging stations is a smart choice, but the key to seeing the full advantages they bring lies in their effective management. EV charging management software can help you streamline operations, save on energy costs, and keep your tenants and visitors happy.
Read on to learn more about this crucial element of EV charging infrastructure. This article covers the following topics:

1. What is EV charging management software?
2. Who benefits from using EV charging software?
3. Important EV charging industry protocols and standards
4. Use case spotlight: EV charging software for multifamily properties
5. Examples of EV charging software in action

1. What is EV charging management software?

EV charging management software refers to specialized applications or platforms designed to monitor, control, and optimize electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These software solutions are crucial for both EV drivers and site owners/operators, as they ensure a seamless, reliable, and efficient charging experience while optimizing operational management. Additionally, they can help reduce total ownership costs with smart energy management and process automation tools.

Depending on their particular features and service offerings, similar solutions might also be referred to (alt: advertised) as:

• EV charging station management systems (CSMS)
• Charge point management systems (CPMS)
• Charge point operator (CPO) platforms
• EV charging management solutions

Essentially, EV charging software solutions serve as the digital backbone of efficient, reliable, and sustainable EV charging infrastructure. They integrate with the physical chargers themselves and connect back to a centralized cloud-based management platform, streamlining everything from controlling access to adjusting fees to viewing real-time energy usage and much more.

Key components of an EV charging management platform

A comprehensive EV charging management software platform encompasses everything from user interfaces to back-office management, ensuring that charging stations operate efficiently and effectively. In essence, cloud-based charge point management systems can provide an end-to-end solution that includes:

• Charging station management software
• Billing & payment software
• Fleet management software
• User management & authentication software
• Smart charging & load management software
• EV driver software (such as mobile apps)
• Integration & API software

Having a single solution helps to unify all of the many factors that contribute to safe, effective, and reliable EV infrastructure. Those factors can vary depending on the use case, but often include things like distributing energy load, tracking charging activity, processing payments, etc.

Table: Types of EV charging management software

Minimizes grid impact, lowers electricity costs, and improves overall efficiency of charging infrastructure.

These software solutions collectively contribute to the efficient operation, management, and user experience of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across different scales and applications.

READ: Learn about some of the most important features to look for when selecting your software.

2. Who benefits from using EV charging software?

The short answer is: everyone. As the popularity of EVs continues to grow, most people in the U.S. and Canada will likely need to engage with some aspect of EV charging software. In the near term, however, certain groups stand to benefit the most from it. These include:

• Residential property managers: Apartment complexes and condo developments with shared parking facilities will need charging software to manage and allocate charging spots among residents, handle billing, and ensure fair access.
• Commercial property owners & real estate developers: Shopping malls, office buildings, and other commercial properties will benefit from offering EV charging as an amenity. Charging software helps manage these stations, handle payments, and provide a seamless user experience for customers or tenants.
• Utility companies: EV charging software helps utility companies by optimizing grid load through demand management, implementing tailored pricing models, improving customer engagement with user-friendly apps, analyzing data for grid planning, and supporting environmental goals and regulatory compliance.
• Transportation hubs: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals may offer charging stations for travelers and staff. EV charging software enhances user experience by offering convenient access to charging stations through mobile apps. It can also assist EV charger owners and operators by providing real-time monitoring of charging stations, optimizing availability for EV users, and potentially generating revenue through usage fees or partnerships with EV service providers.
• Government/public sector: EV charging software aids the government and public sector by facilitating the deployment and management of public charging infrastructure. It allows for efficient monitoring and utilization of charging stations, enables integration with smart grid technologies for grid stability, and helps in implementing policies that incentivize EV adoption through accessible and reliable charging infrastructure.
• Fleet operators: Companies that manage fleets of electric vehicles, such as delivery services of corporate fleets, will rely heavily on EV charging software to optimize charging schedules, monitor vehicle status, and ensure efficient energy use.
• EV owners: As the primary users, EV drivers will need access to a user-friendly interface that’s intuitive enough for them to understand and use without any specialized knowledge. Most charge point management software offers a mobile application for EV drivers to easily find and use charging stations and process payments on the go.

3. Important EV charging industry protocols and standards

As the electric vehicle industry grows, so too does the need for global regulations and standards for EV chargers and network interoperability.

Standardized charging protocols are essential for ensuring efficient and safe communication within the EV charging ecosystem. These protocols facilitate simplified access control and load management processes — making life easier for charge point operators (CPOs), EV regulators, e-mobility service providers (EMSPs), and EV drivers alike.

EV charging protocols are important because they help enable:

• Interoperability
• Efficient communication & data-exchange
• Seamless transactions
• Real-time monitoring
• Smart charging capabilities
• Safety

Achieving a steeper growth curve for electric vehicles hinges on ongoing technological advancements, increased commercialization, and effective regulatory policies. Standards and interoperability are fundamental to these trends, spanning vehicles, charging systems, and communication networks, thereby serving as pivotal drivers for electric vehicle adoption.

In the following section, we’ve compiled a list of crucial EV charging industry standards and protocols that provide the flexibility needed to support the entire electric vehicle market. 

OCPP: Open-source, vendor-independent standard

Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open communication standard between EV charging stations and a central management system. 

Established by Open Charge Alliance (OCA) for the EV infrastructure market, it has emerged as a must-have standard for ensuring interoperability among EV charging manufacturers, charging network operators, and EV charging software providers.

Key versions:

• OCPP 1.6: Designed to establish basic interoperability and functionality.
• OCPP 2.0.1: Offers new and improved features for device management, transaction handling, security, smart charging functionalities, support for display and messaging, and the extensibility of OCPP. Also offers the option to support Plug-and-Charge (PnC) for electric vehicles supporting the ISO 15118 protocol.

Importance: Ensures interoperability between different manufacturers’ charging stations and central systems.

READ: Learn more about what exactly OCPP entails and why it matters.

ISO 15118: Bi-directional charging/discharging protocol 

ISO 15118 is an international standard for digital communications between EVs and charging stations. More specifically, this protocol promotes a two-way power flow between electric vehicles and the grid.

First published in 2013 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO 15118 defines communication protocols for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.

Key features:

• Plug-and charge (PnC) capability
• Bidirectional power transfer
• Secure communication

Importance: Enhances user convenience by allowing automated, secure authentication and billing, and supports advanced functionalities like vehicle-to-grid (V2G).

OpenADR: Energy management protocol

Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR) is a standard for automating demand response and distributed energy resource management.

Key Versions: 

• OpenADR 2.0: Enables standardization of demand response (DR) and distributed energy resource (DER) communications and automated processes.

Importance: Helps in balancing grid load by enabling utilities to manage the demand response of EV charging in real-time, improving grid reliability and efficiency.

OCPI: EV charging roaming protocol

The Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI) is a protocol for enabling communication between EV charging networks and service providers.

Key Versions: 

• OCPI 2.2: Facilitates roaming, real-time exchange of charging station status, pricing, and reservation capabilities.

Importance: Supports scalability and reliability of electric vehicle charging networks by establishing common standards for communication and data exchange. Promotes seamless user experiences by allowing EV drivers to access and pay for charging services across different networks without the need for multiple accounts or subscriptions.

SOC II: Security compliance 

SOC II is a framework for service providers to demonstrate secure data management and privacy protection practices.

Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC II (which stands for “System and Organization Controls” II) evaluates the internal systems and security controls a tech service business uses to protect customer data in the cloud. 

Key features:

Audited controls include:

• Security measures
• Availability assurances
• Processing integrity validations
• Confidentiality protections
• Privacy compliance

Importance: Ensures service organizations securely manage customer data and meet criteria for trustworthiness.

4. Use case spotlight: EV charging software for multifamily properties

Large-scale adoption of EVs hinges on the simultaneous roll-out of accessible and affordable charging. According to a PwC analysis, the EV charging market in the U.S. will need to grow nearly tenfold — from somewhere around 4 million to an estimated 35 million chargers — to satisfy the charging needs of the 27 million EVs expected to be on the road by 2030. 

Improving access to EV charging at home

Currently, the vast majority of electric vehicle charging occurs at home in the United States (83%) and Canada (80%) — where, due to the lower voltage 100-120V power grid in these regions, the ability to recharge in under ten hours requires installation of a dedicated charger. 

Although implementing EV charging in single-family homes with onsite parking is usually relatively straightforward, it’s more challenging for the millions of multifamily properties that haven’t been properly futureproofed for EV charging. 

In addition to space, parking structure, and logistical limitations, multifamily residential properties, also called multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), can face complications around power supply, load control, connectivity and billing management — especially in older buildings.

Table: Barriers to EV charging at multifamily homes

Based on Government of Canada resource, Zero-Emission Vehicle Charging in MURB and Garage-Orphans 

While no part of an end-to-end EV charging solution can make your building’s underground parking garage bigger or change the layout of your building’s electrical room, a quality EV charging software can handle billing, manage access, and balance the electrical load of multiple EV chargers. 

5. Examples of EV charging software in action at multifamily properties

Looking for inspiration? Here are two case studies that show how different multifamily property owners, managers, and residents have leveraged EV charging software. From future-proofing their building and business for rising EV adoption to saving big by avoiding unnecessary electrical upgrades, these success stories demonstrate the true impact of today’s EV charging software.

The Lofts at Beacon: Future-proofing their building and business to easily manage rising demand

Management at The Lofts at Beacon, a residential redevelopment on the site of a former carpet mill, began hearing from residents about EV charging when work began on a second building on the property in 2022, adding 89 rental units to the 84 that were already onsite. “We started to get a lot of questions from people asking if we were going to install EV chargers,”  said property manager Nicole Corneyea. “There were several people who were very excited about using them.”

To meet the demand for this increasingly essential amenity, The Lofts partnered with PowerUp EV Solutions to manage the project and oversee installation of 10 new electric vehicle chargers. In addition to being a great way to retain existing tenants and attract new ones, the chargers could also draw visitors looking to top up their batteries while they strolled through Beacon’s artist district or enjoyed nearby nature attractions. Once the necessary hardware was installed — and their chosen EV charging software system, from SWTCH, was fully operational — the chargers quickly became a popular addition to the property. 

Thanks to SWTCH’s easy-to-use app, residents were able to start making use of the new chargers right away — and its scalable, hardware-agnostic software platform will simplify future expansion when there’s an inevitable increase in demand. For example, the 10 chargers onsite today are all on individual circuits. But with SWTCH ControlTM, The Lofts could expand to as many as 40 units through smart load management, with no need for electrical upgrades. 

In the meantime, SWTCH’s software platform will provide management at The Lofts with essential visibility into metrics such as usage, demand, and kilowatts consumed by the chargers. This access to data will assist with ensuring service remains at the level of quality the building’s residents and visitors expect, and will also empower them to make more informed decisions about future expansions

Read the full The Lofts at Beacon case study to learn how the 173-unit apartment complex integrated connected EV chargers to meet resident demand and future-proof their building and business.

New Times Square: Getting their MURB EV-ready while avoiding cost-prohibitive electrical upgrades

When New Times Square — a 375-unit condominium complex located in Toronto, Ontario — decided to retrofit their 20-plus-year-old MURB for EV charging,  its property managers, condo board and residents were challenged by the logistical and infrastructure constraints this posed. 

All parties knew they needed a plan to move forward. But with questions about electrical upgrade requirements, cost sharing responsibilities, and long-term management, the headaches seemed endless. It’s this exact point of tension between old and new that end-to-end EV charging software solutions were created to alleviate.

After extensive consultation to understand the limitations and needs of the building, the first step of the process was identified: get the building’s electrical infrastructure updated. New Times Square recognized the importance of investing in a long-term solution. That’s why, in addition to installing 21 private EV chargers for immediate use, they worked with their chosen EV charging service provider, SWTCH, to design infrastructure capable of supporting up to 40 chargers. 

The key to being able to carry the charging load of 40 MURB EV chargers is due to SWTCH Control, our intelligent load management solution that dynamically adjusts the energy used for the chargers based on real-time usage. For instance, in the most extreme scenario, if 40 chargers are in use at once, the maximum output will be 8 Amps. If only 20 chargers are in use the output goes up to 16 Amps. Additionally, as demand grows, the network supports priority load management, ensuring each resident has equal access and sufficient charge for their needs.

The result? By using a private local network and cloud-based system, it was estimated that the total cost savings for the project was $24,000. Plus, as demand grows, the network supports priority load management, ensuring each resident has equal access and sufficient charge for their needs.

Read the full New Times Square case study to learn more on how the condo complex added 21 EV charging stations while avoiding $24K in unnecessary electrical upgrades.

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With this ability, electric vehicle chargers are no longer just used to fill up batteries and keep electric cars on the road. Instead, they’re turning into interfaces for an intelligent energy system that will help buildings moderate their electricity consumption, keep the lights on when the power’s out, and help the grid out when demand exceeds supply.

Here’s what you need to know about how V2X technology works, what it means for vehicles and drivers, and why it’s set to be such an important element of our clean energy future.

What is V2X Technology?

When an electric vehicle is connected to a V2X-compatible charger, V2X technology allows for electricity to flow from that vehicle, through the charger, and into the onsite electrical infrastructure. 

From there, the electricity can be delivered wherever it is needed. This could be to systems within the building itself, such as in cases of a power outage. It could also be to the grid in situations where renewable energy generation is lower than expected, such as on cloudy days or days without much wind. It could also be during periods of high demand, such as during heat waves or cold snaps, when cooling and heating systems are drawing more power.

There are many different types of arrangements underneath the umbrella of “V2X.” Here are some of the most important.

V2B –  Vehicle-to-building

Vehicle-to-building refers to technologies and processes that allow energy stored by a vehicle’s battery to be sent back to a building.

In the case of detached or semi-detached homes, this can be used to power appliances, lighting, WiFi, and other essentials when the power is out.

It could also be used even when the power is not out, allowing an EV owner to draw on stored energy in their car at times of day when electricity sold by the grid is most expensive and replenishing the battery overnight when the cost is lower.

And for individuals who elect to live off-grid, V2B could be an essential technology for making up for shortfalls in rooftop solar or other on-premises energy generation when required.

There is also an opportunity to make use of this technology in non-residential spaces, such as commercial properties, healthcare facilities, or small towns, though the demands of such places are generally much higher, and would likely require a large number of connected EVs to make a real dent in ongoing demand.

V2G – Vehicle–to-grid

Vehicle-to-grid is probably the most commonly discussed of the various applications under the V2X umbrella. With V2G, the energy stored in an EV’s battery is sent back to the grid in times of high demand. This can help the grid stabilize, keep overall costs low, and generally allow for energy to be used more intelligently and efficiently, somewhat reducing the need for more energy capacity overall.

This is the application we’ll discuss the most in this article, and is generally the most impactful (and we’d say exciting) opportunity presented by V2X.

Read: SWTCH LAUNCHES AN INNOVATIVE V2G & E-MOBILITY PILOT

V2L – Vehicle-to-load

Vehicle-to-load is a really interesting, albeit simpler, way to access the energy stored within an EV’s battery. With V2L, a vehicle is outfitted with outlets that allow devices or appliances to be plugged into the vehicle just like they would be plugged in at home, and powered or charged up accordingly.

This doesn’t really require the same level of smarts to pull off as something like V2G, where there’s a complex interaction between grids, buildings, chargers, and EVs to deliver energy where it needs to go when it is most needed, but it’s certainly useful!

Expect to see V2L offer some interesting new possibilities for activities like car camping, or for workers who want to bring particular tools with them for offsite projects or remote work.

How does V2X work?

The vehicle-to-everything process requires that a charger and a vehicle be able to switch between, essentially, three modes:

• Charging, where electricity is sent by the grid, through the charger, and to the vehicle’s battery
• Discharging, where electricity is sent by a vehicle’s battery back through to the building or grid
• Idle, where a car is connected to the charger but is neither drawing power to charge itself nor discharging power to participate in V2X programs

Here’s a look at some critical technologies required to make this kind of process work.

Bidirectional chargers & power inverters

The core technology for V2X, arguably, is the bidirectional charger. This is the specialized component that enables two-way flow of electricity (also known as bidirectional charging).

Another core component is the power inverter. With normal EV charging, the inverter is tasked with converting an AC current to DC, which is what is used by the EV battery. But with bidirectional charging, the DC power in the EV instead needs to be converted back to AC for delivery back to the building or the grid.

Communication networks

In order for a vehicle and a charger to participate in V2X energy transfers, there must be a communication network in place to allow them to communicate with the building, the utility, and the grid. This is how info about energy demand and availability, prices for energy sold back to the grid, and more would be communicated. When a building or a utility puts out a call for chargers and their connected EVs to participate in a V2X activation, the call would go out on this network.

Energy management systems

An energy management system (EMS) is the software that controls an EV chargers and allows its participation in V2X programs. It will monitor data from the building and/or the grid to understand when there is a need for energy to be sent back from the car, and it will also monitor data from the car to understand its current state of charge, the owner’s preferences for how their vehicle can participate in a V2X program, etc.

See how SWTCH enables smart EV charging in all sorts of environments

The benefits of V2X technology for the grid and other energy systems

There’s a lot that V2X can do to improve the way we use and manage our energy. Generally, the themes are around greater flexibility, greater resilience, and even saving on costs. This is both for day-to-day energy consumption and in a larger, broader context related to government investment in energy production.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest benefits V2X can offer.

V2X improves grid stability

Daily electricity consumption and demand is not evenly distributed. Generally, consumption is relatively low during the day, rises in the evenings when people return home, cook their meals, cool or heat their homes, and then falls pretty dramatically overnight.

Being able to work to balance out these peaks and troughs is called “demand response,” and it’s one of the more powerful ways that EVs and EV chargers can use V2X tech to society’s benefit.

When demand is high and there’s potential for strain on the system, all the EVs that are plugged in and participating in V2X demand response programs can essentially act like a distributed power reserve to deliver energy where it is needed. And then, when demand falls off overnight, they can recharge their batteries so that drivers are all ready to go again the next morning.

V2X helps solve a key hurdle for renewable energy

Another big benefit of V2X technology is that it is a smart and affordable solution to help address a key challenge of renewable energy sources like solar and wind: inconsistency.

Just about everywhere on Earth has days where the clouds don’t let much sun shine through to solar installations or days where there isn’t sufficient wind to propel a wind turbine. For places that rely on these energy sources—and there are more of them every year—this can cause a significant challenge. People don’t just stop needing electricity when there’s less sun.

The solution, then, is energy storage, but it can be an expensive proposition for governments to install sufficient battery storage to make up for the shortfall on cloudy or windless days.

With V2X, however, it’s possible to tap into the batteries of the EVs a growing number of people use every day and offset dips in renewable generation that way. It’s a smart solution to an important problem, and something we’re sure to see take on huge importance in the future.

V2X can help a building operate key systems during a blackout

Sometimes, extreme weather can come with blackouts, and the longer a blackout continues, the bigger the potential for problems faced by tenants and property owners alike.

With V2X, there’s potential to draw on the energy storage of electric vehicles to keep some systems running while the grid is down. For single-family, detached homes, a sufficiently charged EV could keep the whole house running for multiple days. For multifamily properties, commercial properties, or other environments with greater energy demands, you likely won’t be able to power everything for multiple days, but there’s certainly potential for keeping some key systems online for the duration of a power outage.

Particularly in remote areas where energy security is more of a challenge, this type of opportunity can be hugely beneficial, with substantial impacts on everything from health to food security to basic comfort.

Regulations, incentives, and participation: Making V2X work for everyone

For V2X, and particularly V2G, to work well, several different stakeholders need to be involved in planning, coordinating, and participating in the process.

From the outset, there must be clear regulatory frameworks put in place by governments, as well as mechanisms put in place by utilities to define who can participate, how that participation will integrate with the overall grid, and whether and how much participants are to be compensated for their contributions to the grid.

There must also be technologies to support these types of programs. Smart chargers, EV charging software that allows for these chargers to participate in V2X programs, and vehicles themselves allowing for discharge back through charging stations are all essential. Standards like the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) are working to define how these connections should work to enable bidirectional charging to work properly, but we’re still in the early stages of actual deployment.

Why should EV owners participate in V2X programs?

There are clear benefits for governments and utilities in having V2G programs; it lets them keep power systems working well in situations where the grid is under stress, and without the same level of direct investment required on their part as compared with creating new utility-scale power generation or storage facilities. In fact, research has found that even low participation in such programs could handle short-term grid storage and stability demands by 2030.

But why should drivers participate, given that this technology is dependent on work being done by their vehicles to send power back when the grid comes calling?

First, it’s important to note that, as of today, research has shown there is likely no negative impact on the health of a vehicle or its battery as a result of participating in V2X programs. This is, however, a relatively common misconception that might need to be addressed if participation is to become widespread.

But beyond making clear the lack of negative impacts, it’s likely that creating positive incentives will be necessary to encourage EV drivers and their cars to participate. Generally, that will mean paying EV owners for their participation in V2X programs.

Here are some of the ways these payments can be conducted:

• Direct payments: EV owners are sent a direct payment where the amount of the payment is based on a price for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) they deliver back to the grid during periods of high demand. The amount of this payment and how frequently it is issued would likely depend on local regulations, utility policies, etc.

• Bill credits: A credit is issued to V2X program participants to be applied against their upcoming electricity bill or bills.

• Tax credits: Either in addition to or instead of the options above, some jurisdictions may offer participating EV owners tax credits or rebates. This would likely be especially rewarding if used in addition to the other measures listed above.

The Current Landscape of V2G, V2X, and V2B

We’re in the very early stages for rolling out V2G, V2X, and V2B technologies, but progress is being made each year, and we’re starting to see some great applications out in the market.

Vehicle support is limited but growing

On the vehicle side, there are still only a handful of vehicles that support bidirectional charging, and therefore participation in V2X programs. Generally, this is not a capability that can be implemented easily for vehicles that are already on the road, so increases in capable vehicles will come from new vehicles sold, not retrofits or updates to existing cars.

But more manufacturers are either starting to deliver, or indicating they will deliver, vehicles that support these processes. Over the coming years, the number of vehicles that are capable of participating in V2X programs is sure to increase—especially because some manufacturers have indicated that they would like to be compensated for their vehicles’ contributions to such programs.

EV charging solutions are deploying V2X-capable charging stations around the world

Somewhat ahead of the curve, some EV charging solutions providers, like SWTCH, are well-prepared for their chargers to participate in V2X programs. This is done through support for standards like OCPP 2.0.1, careful hardware selection and development, and investment in software enhancements that can deliver on what is required by V2X.

More V2G/V2X programs are rolling out to put the concept to the test

Demand for electricity is rising everywhere, and so many utilities and governments (at all levels) interested in exploring the possibilities presented by V2X. A prominent example of a program that is in operation today is the Vehicle-Grid Integration Program in California, but other similar programs are sprouting up across North America.

Early on, these programs are more or less testing the waters and seeing what kind of benefits might be gained through participation by EV owners.

Read: Leap and SWTCH Energy launch new virtual power plant solutions for multi-tenant EV charging infrastructure

The Future of V2G, V2B, and V2X

Over time, as the concept continues to be proved out, incentives are made clearer, and the number of capable EVs rises, it’s expected that V2X programs will make a significant difference to the functioning of our energy systems. Where there have been some concerns about the potential strain that EVs could place on the grid, their ability to intelligently send power back to the grid when needed will likely make them a net benefit instead.

For this to work out, however, a few things need to fall into place.

First, more new vehicles (ideally, as many as possible) must be capable of participating in V2X and demand response programs.

Second, property owners who wish to participate—and thereby reap the financial benefits of doing so—must ensure that the EV chargers they install are capable of V2X.

Third, programs must have their wrinkles ironed out, and rules and incentives related to participation must be made clear by governments and utilities.

If we get all the details right, we could soon live in a world where just about every EV on the road is also an intelligent energy storage device. With opportunities for this to benefit private homeowners, multifamily tenants, property owners, utilities, and governments all, there’s a lot to be excited about.

As we continue to electrify everything, having a distributed network of battery storage as part of the fleet of cars we drive everyday will likely do a great deal for energy security, flexibility, and resilience for everyone.

Want to deploy EV charging solutions that can earn money through V2X participation?

Contact us today for a consultation!

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Load management technology can balance the new electric load created by EV charging across a building’s existing power infrastructure. Essentially, that means load management allows property managers to install more EV chargers with less infrastructure cost.

What is EV charging load management?

In a multi-tenant building, load management — also known as “load balancing” and “demand-side management” — can optimize the available electrical capacity to help balance power consumption over time.

As energy usage has expanded rapidly in the 21st century, aging infrastructure — particularly in apartments and buildings built before 2000 — can struggle to accommodate the accompanying energy requirements. 

Electric vehicles and their charging needs present one such example of a challenge for buildings with older electrical systems. When you’re adding multiple EV chargers in one building, you must keep in mind your electrical panels’ overall capacity constraints.

Generally speaking, residential consumption of electricity fluctuates throughout the day. The biggest spike happens between the hours of roughly 5-10 p.m on weekdays. As people return home from work, they all simultaneously turn on energy-intensive appliances that tax electric capacity. If too many appliances demand power all at once, demand in the building will peak and cause an increase in demand charges for the electricity. In some cases, these massive surges can also cause local power outages.

Without some careful electrical planning, even just a few EVs can strain an older electrical system. Most EV drivers plug their car in at night and don’t think about it again until they get in to drive to work the next morning. As long as the car is fully charged for the commute, it doesn’t really matter when or how fast the charging took place. But a standard charger — or even a smart outlet that operates without a load management system — can’t respond to spikes or lulls in the grid’s electricity demands, so they pull the same amount of energy from the grid from the moment an EV is plugged in until the vehicle is full – adding one more large energy strain during the busy 5-10 p.m timeframe. 

Given that challenge, property managers may see only three undesirable options for their buildings: 

1. shell out for expensive electrical infrastructure upgrades like new transformers, electrical panels, or service, 
2. drastically limit the total number of EV chargers available, or 
3. give up on installing EV chargers completely.

But there’s a better way. With an intelligent load management solution like SWTCH Control, you can safely install and manage up to ten times more EV chargers, all while keeping your existing infrastructure in place.

Several options for EV charging load management setup

There are three main configurations where load management can be effective in managing power to EV chargers:

1. Circuit Sharing – several EV chargers connected to one circuit
2. Dedicated Panel Sharing– a panel that house only EV charging stations on them
3. Mixed-Load Panel Sharing- using panels that already have electrical loads connected, but have unused capacity that could be used for EV chargers

1. Circuit Sharing

The most basic form of load management for EV chargers is by sharing the power from an electrical circuit across several charging stations. In this configuration, the EV charging stations are each installed on a shared circuit.

For example, four 32-amp electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSEs, the technical term for charging stations or docks) could be installed on a single 40-amp breaker. These four units would share the power limitations of the circuit, with the added benefit of allowing more drivers to gain charging access. In this situation, the power would be distributed evenly between the chargers that are active at any moment in time. 

2. Dedicated Panel Sharing

The next form of load management is designed for electrical panels dedicated to EV chargers. Rather than the previous circuit sharing form, these chargers are all installed on their own individual breaker. The benefit here is that no power sharing is needed until the panel reaches its maximum threshold.

Let’s say you have four chargers that each dispense 32 amps at full capacity on their own breakers. That would imply that you need at least four 40-amp breakers in your panel. (Per NEC Code, Article 625.41. It mandates 125% of the maximum load of the equipment, hence a 32-amp charger on a 40-amp breaker)

But if you use load management, each EV charger can reduce its output to accommodate additional demand, which means more stations.

For example,  Let’s use a 100-amp electrical panel as a base case for this load (giving us 80 amps of usable capacity). When the first car plugs in, that car receives 32 amps and charges at full capacity. If two additional vehicles plug in, the 80 amps of usable capacity gets split three ways, with each car receiving 26.6 amps.

Using load management on dedicated EV panels is an excellent solution that prioritizes quality of charge, while still offering building owners the ability to increase the overall quantity of chargers.

But if you aren’t keen on shelling out for new panels and infrastructure dedicated to EV chargers, yet have some available space on your existing panels – have no fear, there is a solution. 

3. Mixed-Load Panel Sharing

An intelligent way to get started with EV charging at your multifamily or commercial property is to tap into the excess electrical capacity on your existing panels.

More often than not, existing panels — the ones already being used in your building to power things like HVAC, boilers, and lighting — have other loads that need to be monitored, and the panel that powers them may have additional capacity. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use that available space for EV charging? Read on. 

Mixed load panels are by far the most common configuration for retrofitting a multi-tenant building for EV chargers as it lowers the new infrastructure costs required, while being able to meet the short and medium term demand for charging. 

To do so, this is where an intelligent load management solution like SWTCH ControlTM is necessary, allowing you to use the energy capacity you already have, but aren’t currently using.

Mixed load panel energy management uses electrical monitoring devices to accurately measure the load on the existing panels at any given time. If your building experiences a spike in electrical demand at 5 p.m., the monitoring system will detect the change, and temporarily throttle back the EV chargers to ensure there is energy for the other building appliances connected to the panel. To ensure the EVs still get the charge they need by morning, SWTCH Control will shift the EV charging to periods of lower demand throughout the night. 

Manage Building Electricity with Load Management

In taking energy management to a whole new level, SWTCH Control can also provide comprehensive energy monitoring for the entire building. In this configuration, building managers can enroll in demand response programs through the utility (in markets where it’s available), offering additional revenue opportunities to offset the cost to install and maintain your chargers.

How to get started with Load Management using SWTCH Control

By using load management on a mixed load panel, building managers can save tens of thousands of dollars in unneeded electricity upgrades — and avoid or reduce demand charges.

That’s why property managers looking to update older buildings for EV chargers almost always need a load management system.

By utilizing SWTCH Control for your EV charging system, you can maximize the available power, to maximize the number of EV chargers you can safely install & manage.

Importantly, SWTCH Control is built on top of SWTCH’s network, one of only a few North American companies certified in Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), the common communication standard for EV charging. You should be careful not to get locked into a load management system that uses proprietary protocols that will handcuff you to one software in the future.

In addition to cost savings, SWTCH’s charging solution gives you peace of mind that your EV charging investment is in safe hands. No matter the configuration, SWTCH offers 24/7 support, 365 days a year. If an outage or anomaly is detected, the SWTCH team will proactively troubleshoot and help you resolve the issue virtually to prevent the need for a site visit from an electrician.

Adding EV chargers to your building doesn’t have to include a hefty price tag for infrastructure upgrades. With SWTCH Control in your toolkit, you can seamlessly transition into the EV-charging future while keeping your costs under control.

Looking to add EV charging? Drop us a line to discuss your EV charging needs.

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The Treviso at The Colony is a condominium with 76 units and each of them has two private parking spots. Jim Gardner has been an EV driver for many years but his FL condo building did not have any spots with chargers. Being the entrepreneurial type, he set out to spearhead a project to bring EV charging to the building.

Just putting a few chargers in a common service area was not an option. “We really need a great owner experience. There’s nothing better than starting off your day with a full charge and not having to worry about it. You come home; it takes two seconds to plug in your car, done!”

The main question was, how could they utilize the existing electrical infrastructure to allow as many EVs in the garage as possible? When he looked into the electrical capacity at the site, he found there was free capacity, which he felt confident they could leverage to install EV chargers. But from there, things quickly got complicated and time consuming.

How to solve load management?

With the main challenge being load management, an intelligent system was needed to distribute electricity on an extremely sophisticated level. Jim has a solid background in software, so he was excited to test out various EV charging solutions. He ran some tests and found SWTCH Control^TM could do exactly what they needed at the property:

“We got two chargers up and running with their latest cloud-based load management software and had some early success with it! So we ordered two more chargers.” After the initial tests, the planning started to develop a strategy for rolling out the chargers. Treviso condos structured the process into 4 phases, with the first one being the test phase. The idea was to test the SWTCH software with its functionalities to gain experience and feedback.

Developing an “EV-Ready” Strategy

In a second step, the condominium plans to install Wifi across the parking garage. Apart from supporting the chargers the Wifi also has the benefit of allowing internet calling, enhancing security within the garage. Providing for 6 access points allows full coverage. Cost of this phase is estimated to cost $14,000. 

Phase 3 includes the addition of 14 chargers. The condo has two existing trash compactor circuits that are not in use. Rewiring those to subpanels allows adding 8 chargers with a minimum of 12 Amps each. Converting two dedicated EV charger circuits allows for 6 more chargers, all using SWTCH’s load management technology, SWTCH Control. Cost for this phase is expected to be in the region of $18,000. This is for the wiring set up, and does not include the actual chargers.

Rolling out the Charging Infrastructure

In phase 4, EV readiness will be expanded to accommodate 81 chargers. Jim divided up the 70,000 square foot garage into nine sections. Those sections will all be supported by 100 Amp sub-panels. From there, circuits would go to each charger, with the load sharing happening at the sub-panel level. According to the plan, nine chargers would be hooked up to each of the sub-panels.

The plan to install that many chargers is ambitious and definitely not cheap from a hardware point of view. However, a premium experience for the EV driver is a must for the condo board, so it was decided that private chargers were the best path forward. The employed strategy guarantees a minimum amperage for each charger which will cover the residents’ needs in terms of driving. “These are not commuters; they use their cars predominantly for local drives.” He explains that most people at the condo are just going to the golf course or the grocery store with their car.

The condo board conundrum – who pays?

A frequent stumbling block is how to pay for the charger installation. So far, the condominium board is undecided. There are strong arguments though for distributing the cost for EV readiness across residents as infrastructure expenses. Jim estimates the total cost of the project at around $150,000. Spread over 76 units, that would come out to about $2,000 per unit. An amount that could be spread over a few years to make it easier to digest.

Jim has come up with payment models to take care of the cost of the different project phases. Those and other ideas will continue to be discussed at the next board meetings. With 47% of unit owners considering the purchase of an EV in the coming 4 years, it seems a solution may be near.

There is a clear value for a building to be EV ready. In contrast, for individually retrofitting the same parking spot at a later point in time, the cost would likely almost double. Add the headache of organizing it. From a resale perspective, the perceived value of having charging in place will likely be even higher.  

“I am glad to have SWTCH walking beside us on this project. I am confident that they can solve any issues we run into along the way.”

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TORONTO – April 3, 2023 8:00 a.m. ET – SWTCH Energy, a company pioneering electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for multi-tenant buildings across North America, today announced the unveiling of SWTCH Control, an energy management solution that dynamically adjusts the energy being used by EV chargers based on a building’s real-time energy consumption. Already in use at select buildings across North America, SWTCH is now expanding access to the proven solution, which allows property owners to safely and efficiently install and manage up to 10x more EV chargers without the need for a costly infrastructure investment. 

“More than one-third of all North Americans live in multi-tenant properties, and most still can’t charge at home. This bottleneck is only going to get tighter as more people choose to drive EVs,” said Carter Li, CEO of SWTCH. “We’re excited to demonstrate how  SWTCH Control tackles the main challenge to retrofitting existing multi-tenant properties for EV charging: electrical capacity. Our solution provides unmatched visibility into building electrical loads and available capacity, and early adopters have been able to instantly expand their charging options and/or make EV charging possible for the first time.”

SWTCH Control is an intelligent load management system that monitors energy use in multi-residential buildings and allocates charging to periods of lower demand. Offering real-time awareness, SWTCH Control provides peace of mind for multi-residential owners and operators by automatically adjusting on-site charger output based on tenant energy usage spikes to ensure:

• The electrical capacity of the building is never exceeded
• All electric vehicles are fully charged by the morning – utilizing periods of lower demand throughout the night
• Building owners and managers can maximize the number of chargers that can be installed in their buildings safely and efficiently

The software also continuously monitors the chargers, providing 24/7 technical support to ensure any hardware issues are promptly resolved. 

SWTCH Control meets the massive demand for multi-tenant EV charging as EV adoption continues to accelerate, and building owners and managers face increasing pressure to future-proof their properties while avoiding costly upgrades. EV charging at multi-residential buildings has gone from a nice-to-have amenity to a must-have necessity, a shift that’s only quickening as states including California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Oregon, and New York propose EV charging readiness mandates at new multi-residential buildings. Canadian provinces including British Columbia and Quebec have already enacted EV charging readiness regulations, and others like Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia are in the process of evaluating building regulations as Canada aims to reach its goal of all new vehicle sales being EVs by 2035.  

“Providing ample EV charging for our residents, tenants, and customers is only going to become more important in our fast-changing markets, and SWTCH Control has been key to supporting our efforts in this space at many of our latest projects, be it in Los Angeles, Chicago, or Vancouver,” said Duncan Wlodarczak at Onni Group, an international all asset class real estate developer with projects across North America.

SWTCH currently manages over 10,000 chargers on its network, and has served over 500 real estate customers to date, many of which utilize SWTCH Control to continuously manage the energy used by their EV chargers

To learn more about SWTCH Control and how it can benefit your building, visit our website, here.  

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About SWTCH Energy Inc.

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Brooklyn 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. 

Media Contact

Candace Krauss 

Antenna Group for SWTCH 

SWTCH@antennagroup.com

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OCPP-certified companies gain access to the OCA’s open charger standards and actively help to bring accessible EV charging to more people around the world. After undergoing rigorous testing, companies granted an OCPP certification are able to prove to customers and investors that they’re adhering to the highest level of standards for interoperability and reliability. The OCPP protocol is currently the standard in 50 countries.

More than 220 member companies and organisations contribute to the OCPP standard with representation from all corners of the electric vehicle charging industry; a supergroup of charger manufacturers, software providers, network operators and research firms with the common goal of making EV charging networks open and accessible.

SWTCH is proud to be one of just four North American charging networks to achieve OCPP certification.

SWTCH looks forward to continue to be an active contributor to the OCPP standard going forward to provide reliable EV charging to more drivers down the road.

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Toronto’s SWTCH Energy is exploring exactly this possibility with a new two-year pilot project at Tridel’s Bianca Condos in midtown Toronto. SWTCH, an end-to-end EV charging and energy management solution provider, is partnering with Tridel, Ontario’s Electrical System Operator (IESO) and Kite Mobility to determine the economic feasibility of V2G energy flow. 

The project uses one of Kite’s Nissan Leaf electric vehicles as the Leaf is the most common EV capable of bi-directional charging on North American roads. Condo residents can book the car for their own use, while SWTCH and Kite can control availability to ensure it’s plugged into its 30 kW charger during peak demand hours. SWTCH will then have the vehicle discharge power back into the building, lessening the amount it has to draw from the grid and reducing its energy consumption at the same time. This is where vehicle sharing programs are especially valuable, as they can guarantee where the cars will be when they’re needed for power.

Owner incentives are key to driving adoption

The icing on the proverbial cake comes with the inclusion of one of SWTCH’s previous projects in the V2G pilot program: paying vehicle owners for the energy drawn from their electric vehicles. This financial incentive tracks the energy that goes in and out of a car’s battery and “creates a history of credits and debits” through a blockchain-based wallet that owners can monitor on their phones.

Speaking with CleanTechnica, SWTCH CEO Carter Li had this to say: 

In this pilot project, SWTCH aims to reduce daily peak energy consumption by up to 25% and lower average EV charging costs by as much as 50% thanks to its blockchain-monitored wallet system. If the results at Bianca Condos are encouraging the sky is really the limit. SWTCH has already partnered with engineering and planning firm IBI Group as well as Slate Asset Management which would allow the Toronto energy solutions company to install its innovative V2G systems in high-density buildings all over North America. SWTCH is also part of the Smart City Sandbox Initiative which works towards the development of highly connected smart cities where V2G technology will be essential. 

Media coverage of SWTCH’s V2G projects:

•   https://electricautonomy.ca/2022/10/06/swtch-kite-tridel-v2g-toronto/
•   https://www.energy-storage.news/three-v2g-v2x-projects-getting-around-major-challenges-of-consumer-vehicle-space/
•   https://sustainablebiz.ca/pilot-uses-electric-vehicle-to-help-power-toronto-building

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The pilot program has received more than $260,000 in collaborative funding and is situated in a mixed-use office complex owned by Slate Asset Management in Toronto, Ontario. In collaboration with IBI Group, SWTCH has parked a Nissan Leaf connected to a bi-directional charger in the building’s garage. The Leaf takes on charge during off-peak hours when energy is relatively cheap and there’s less strain on the grid before sending power back to the building and other mono-directional EV chargers during peak hours.

The Leaf’s charging and discharging back to the building is governed by SWTCH’s vehicle-to-grid technology. Throughout the pilot program this technology will also be gathering data on the Leaf’s ability to discharge power and the system’s ability to slow down level 2 chargers during appropriate periods. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop “convenient, reliable, resilient charging infrastructure and energy load management.”

Benefits for All

On top of the energy demand benefits provided by the system are the financial incentives that it unlocks. Building owners may end up paying less for energy because they can use power stored at off-peak rates during peak times, while EV owners may be incentivized to participate in future V2X programs through participating property managers or utilities.

Specific revenue models are still being discussed, but drivers may be able to earn money for the energy discharged from their vehicle, which could permit building owners to install additional charging infrastructure thanks to the bi-directional chargers mitigating or even eliminating the need to make costly grid upgrades. 

If successful, SWTCH’s pilot program with Slate Asset Management and IBI Group could revolutionize the way owners of multi-unit residential and commercial buildings look at EV charging.

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