T6.5Support electric vehicle charging retrofits in multi-unit residential buildings
Progress
- Not started
- Planning
- Implementation
- Continuous
Progress on this action is dependent on additional staff resources.
Official description
Description
The majority of electric vehicle (EV) charging occurs at home, which remains the most convenient and reliable option for most drivers. While installing EV charging infrastructure in ground-oriented housing (e.g., single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes) is relatively straightforward, residents of condominiums and rental apartments often face financial, legal, logistical, and technical barriers to the installation of EV charging at home. In Surrey, 25% of residents live in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), and this share continues to grow each year.
This action involves advocating to BC Hydro for continued and expanded funding of rebate and support programs that enable EV charging retrofits in MURBs. In addition, the City can review its permitting processes to identify and remove barriers, helping to streamline and encourage installations of EV charging infrastructure in MURBs across Surrey.

Figure: Relative importance of different EV charging categories by total energy dispensed. (Source: Dunsky Energy and Climate, Keeping it Current: Guidance for Collaborative Deployment of EV Charging in Metro Vancouver)