Project Summary: Budget-Conscious EV Charging for a Multifamily Community
Arcadia Run, a garden style multifamily complex, came to Blue Whale with the goal of offering EV charging without overextending the property’s budget constraints. Blue Whale EV led the project from start to finish, overcoming jurisdictional approval processes and on-site logistics.
In the end, we delivered four dual-port chargers, powering both tenant vehicles and property revenue.
The Challenge: Layout Complexity, Electrical Limitations, and Lengthy Permitting
⚖️ Making Charging Accessible to All Buildings
With nine separate detached buildings, Arcadia Run needed charging stations positioned so that they were not tied to a single building. The goal was to serve the most residents with the fewest chargers while preserving green space and avoiding expensive trenching.
💵 Budget-Conscious Planning
Management was firm on cost efficiency. They wanted to invest in a useful amenity but only if it fit the budget and didn’t require major electrical overhauls or infrastructure upgrades.
🏗️ Infrastructure Constraints
Many ideal charger locations lacked nearby electrical access. The few with power—like near trash compactors and the pool house—required creative designs to route power efficiently without disrupting site aesthetics or pedestrian pathways.
📝 County Permitting Gridlock
Prince William County had no established EV charging playbook. This meant that the approval process dragged on for nine months and included paperwork such as those listed below; all of which Blue Whale took care of as part of the project.
- Building and electrical permits
- Environmental impact study
- Signature from California Property Owner
- Multiple costly plan revisions
The Solution: Site Planning, Permitting Management, and Fast EV Charger Installation
🔍 Site Walks + Infrastructure Mapping
We conducted multiple site walks while referencing satellite imagery and original complex blueprints to identify locations with pre-existing underground conduit. By tapping into electrical panels near trash compactors and the clubhouse, we minimized trenching and installation time.
🧭 Permitting Leadership
We didn’t just file permits—we practically guided the county through the process. Our permitting lead worked directly with officials to navigate a system still under development, ensuring Arcadia Run was on the leading edge of local EV infrastructure.
🛠️ Installation in Days
Once permits cleared, our team installed and activated four dual-port ChargePoint stations in under a week. Each charger was paired with custom “EV Only” parking space markings and remote monitoring capabilities.
The Results: Improved Resident Access, New Revenue, and Increased Property Value
🚗 Everyday Convenience for Tenants
Residents now have EV chargers close to their buildings—no more long walks or off-site charging. EV charging is now a visible amenity that adds value to tenants, increasing resident retention.
💰 Fresh Revenue for Management
Chargers are public-facing and monetized. Arcadia Run earns additional revenue from residents and even passing travelers who need the stations in a pinch.
📈 Boosted Property Appeal
EV chargers make Arcadia Run more attractive to modern tenants. It’s a visible investment in sustainability and a differentiator in a competitive rental market.
Considering EV Charging At Your Multifamily Housing Complex?
As the saying goes:
“The best day to install EV chargers was yesterday. The second best day is today.”
Interested to learn about the ROI potential that EV chargers offer your multifamily property?
Reach out using the contact us page to request your zero-cost EV charging profitability study.”
