In 2024, EV and hybrid sales in the U.S. totaled nearly 2.85 million, capturing 22% of the market, and more than 17 million EVs are now on the road globally. As more drivers switch to EVs, charging access for multifamily residents is no longer a luxury amenity—it’s a deciding factor of where to live. According to Greystar’s 2024 Design Survey, 32% of multifamily residents are interested in or won’t rent without access to EV charging. The demand is clear, but for property owners, delivering a reliable charging network across a portfolio can be challenging.

The Level 2 (L2) EV charging industry is growing rapidly. New hardware manufacturers and software providers continue to enter the market, while others exit just as quickly, leaving property owners with unsupported or obsolete equipment. While software platforms now manage hundreds of thousands of charging ports and hardware is becoming increasingly commoditized, there remains a wide variation in features, reliability, and long-term viability. With charging assets typically lasting less than 10 years, property owners need to find solutions that work for their properties now and will remain stable in the future.

The cost of choosing the wrong solution can be steep. Many early adopters have faced a “rip and replace” scenario, where hardware needs to be removed entirely due to outdated technology, broken hardware, or vendor insolvency. Beyond the financial burden, this creates operational headaches and a negative experience for residents. To avoid this, property owners need to think beyond just installing chargers—they need the right solutions and partner that will ensure their assets remain valuable over time.

The first step is working with charging providers who will ensure long-term reliability and adaptability as the industry evolves. One way to do this is by focusing on the software provider. Not all software is created equally and range widely by maturity of the offering. Interoperability with different types of hardware, stringent cyber security protocols, advanced testing of connectivity, along with compliance of open standards like the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) are key considerations in selecting a software vendor. A software provider will need to evolve with flexibility and innovation without needing a full system overhaul.

Another way is working with a true partner who is more than a vendor. A strategic advisor who is invested in the success of your project can help you navigate an evolving landscape to ensure your charging infrastructure remains an asset rather than a liability.

At 3V Infrastructure, our team has a deep understanding of the industry, having constructed and operated over 10,000 EV chargers in the U.S. throughout our careers. We’ve analyzed hardware and software options across the industry to identify partners with staying power and we only work with a carefully vetted network of trusted charging providers. We also fully fund and operate the charging infrastructure—designing, installing, operating, maintaining, and adding new charging as demand increases. We don’t just install charging and walk away. We’re financially invested in ensuring that the infrastructure remains reliable and attractive to residents because our success is tied to its long-term performance. Our model eliminates all costs—CapEx and OpEx—and operational burden for property owners, while helping you attract and retain residents with an in-demand amenity.

As EV adoption accelerates, providing residents with reliable, scalable charging infrastructure is critical. And in a market defined by complexity and rapid change, working with the right partner is the best way to do that.