California Awarded Grant for Apartment EV Chargers
A state-funded initiative will bring 400 new EV charging units to multifamily properties in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Moon Five Technologies has been awarded the 2026 Scale Catalyst Award for an EV charging system designed specifically for apartment complexes. The company is using a US$3.4-million grant from the California Energy Commission to deploy 400 units, with over 90 percent focused on disadvantaged communities.
Why it matters
This initiative addresses a significant infrastructure gap for renters, as the charging system utilizes specialized software to distribute electricity without requiring costly electrical upgrades to older properties. This helps make electric vehicle ownership more accessible to residents who lack dedicated charging ports.
The California Energy Commission provided a US$3.4-million grant to support the rollout of 400 charging units across the state. This project currently serves a waitlist of more than 900 renters seeking reliable access to EV infrastructure.
The players
Moon Five Technologies
An EV infrastructure developer known for creating specialized, software-driven charging solutions for multifamily housing.
California Energy Commission
The state's primary energy policy and planning agency that funds and oversees large-scale infrastructure projects.
Electric Innovation Initiative
An industry organization that identifies and rewards advancements in electric mobility technology.
The details
The charging technology uses energy management software to monitor and balance electrical load, effectively allowing property managers to install multiple chargers on existing electrical grids. By optimizing power usage, the system avoids the need for structural electrical improvements to buildings. The company is also moving toward commercial production of a second-generation system, which is currently undergoing Underwriters Laboratories certification.
Timeline
March 2027 marks the target completion date for the grant-supported charging deployments.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the California Energy Commission's Zero-Emission Vehicle infrastructure goals to prioritize access in underserved communities. It represents a shift in state policy toward retrofitting existing multifamily housing rather than focusing exclusively on new-construction mandates.
If you rent an apartment, check with your property manager to see if your complex is part of this upcoming installation phase. Prospective EV owners should also monitor the company's waitlist portal if they live in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles to track regional charging availability.
The takeaway
Expanding charging access in multifamily buildings is essential for renters considering a switch to electric vehicles. Keep an eye on local property upgrades and check if your building has the electrical capacity to support modern charging hardware during your next lease renewal discussion.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local infrastructure at Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Auto Service World.
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Should local governments prioritize funding EV charging infrastructure specifically for low-income multifamily properties?
