From Amenity to ROI: How Real Estate Portfolios are Winning with Commercial EV Charging

If you own or manage a multi-property real estate portfolio, the conversation around electric vehicle (EV) charging has dramatically shifted over the last few years. What was once viewed as an expensive, niche amenity to attract early adopters is now a fundamental driver of Net Operating Income (NOI).

In a recent episode of the EV Charging Minute, host Tony sat down with Jeremy Cohen, Director of Real Estate Partnerships at Switch. They unpacked the challenges, strategies, and massive opportunities for commercial properties looking to deploy EV charging at scale.

Here is your guide to navigating the modern landscape of commercial EV charging.

The Paradigm Shift: Amenity vs. Revenue Generator

For years, many property owners hesitated to install EV chargers because they misunderstood the long-term financials. They worried about covering the cost of electricity and giving away "free" power. Today, smart charging technology has completely flipped that script.

“This conversation of EV charging has shifted from being an amenity conversation to a revenue generation conversation and a true NOI conversation.” – Jeremy Cohen, Switch

With advanced software, property owners can set specific pricing strategies—such as charging by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), setting hourly rates, and even enforcing loitering fees to ensure chargers are available for the next driver.

3 Steps to a Successful EV Deployment Strategy

Deploying chargers across a national or regional portfolio isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Every building has a different age, tenant demographic, and electrical capacity. Here is how experts approach the rollout:

1. Chase the "Free Money" (Incentives)

The lowest-hanging fruit in EV charging deployment is finding incentive-rich areas. Many utility companies, cities, and states offer generous rebates to offset capital expenditure (CapEx) costs.

• Pro Tip: Don't sleep on incentives! Funding pools close quickly. If you have the chance to cover a massive portion of your installation costs, grab it with both hands.

2. Leverage Local Data and Property Managers

In states like Texas and Florida, EV adoption is booming, but incentives are virtually nonexistent. In these cases, you must rely on data. Survey your residents, check EV registrations at your property, and talk to your local community managers. If the demand is there, the ROI of a paid smart-charger will justify the installation, even without a rebate.

3. Partner with Local Installation Experts

When it comes time to break out the jackhammers and run conduit, local knowledge is invaluable. Installing EV chargers involves navigating Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, local permitting, and unforeseen site issues—like hitting a high water table during a parking lot retrofit. Aligning with regional experts prevents massive project delays.

Overcoming the "We Don't Have the Power" Myth

One of the biggest hurdles real estate developers face is the fear that their older buildings lack the electrical capacity to support EV charging.

You don't necessarily need a massive infrastructure upgrade just to add chargers. Modern hardware and software companies, like Switch, offer solutions like Switch Control. This acts as an advanced load management system. The chargers "speak" to one another, intelligently distributing power overnight so that multiple vehicles can charge efficiently on a single, standard electrical panel.

This technology effectively shrinks the 800-pound gorilla of infrastructure costs, turning a skeptical "no" from an asset manager into an excited "let's do this."

Ready to Electrify Your Portfolio?

EVs aren't going anywhere; they are the new standard. Much like the early railroads, the real estate industry is currently laying the critical infrastructure for the future. By getting involved early, securing available incentives, and utilizing smart charging software, your property will not only attract the modern tenant but also generate a reliable, new stream of revenue.

Check out the podcast below:

Listen to the EV Charging Minute here