The call also highlights the economic benefits of preparing entire buildings for EV charging rather than installing individual charging stations on a piecemeal basis. Research by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors estimates that an energy-managed, whole-building approach can reduce the net present cost per parking space to approximately $4,240, compared with $6,290 for piecemeal installation, a reduction of roughly 30%.

British Columbia and Québec have already introduced programmes that support EV-ready planning, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and the installation of charging equipment in multi-unit buildings. CCIC and EMC are calling for a coordinated national approach that builds on these programmes and extends similar opportunities to Canadians elsewhere in the country.

The open letter calls on the federal government to take three actions:

1. Set a national target to triple EV-ready and EV-charging-equipped parking spaces in multi-unit residential buildings across Canada.
2. Establish a coordinated funding programme to support feasibility studies, EV-ready plans, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and charging incentives for existing buildings, building on programmes in British Columbia and Québec.
3. Include EV-ready requirements in national model building codes, enabling provinces and territories to adopt consistent standards that make new residential buildings easier and less expensive to equip with EV charging.

The initiative supports Canada’s objective of achieving 75% EV sales by 2035 by addressing one of the remaining barriers to EV adoption: access to affordable and convenient charging at home.

CCIC and EMC are inviting industry stakeholders and organizations to join the national call to help advance policies that make EV charging accessible to more Canadians.

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Quotes

“As Canada works to double electrification across the economy, we have an opportunity to power more of our daily lives with affordable, Canadian electricity, including the cars we drive. For many people living in apartments and condos, however, access to charging remains a barrier to choosing an electric vehicle. Making more parking spaces EV-ready is a practical step that will give more Canadians access to lower driving costs while supporting Canada’s broader electrification ambitions.” – Chris Severson-Baker, Executive Director, Pembina Institute

“Canada’s clean electricity advantage can power economic growth as more households and businesses make the switch to electricity. Our economic research shows that doubling electricity supply and its use across the economy could add $3 trillion to Canada’s economy by 2050. Making EV charging accessible where people live — including in condos and apartments — is one practical step the federal government can take to help unlock that potential.” – Ian Bruce, President, New Economy Canada

“Driving an EV is one of the best ways Canadian families can save money on fuel, particularly as gas prices remain stubbornly high. But access to home charging is unequal in Canada, with many apartment dwellers not having the option to plug in at home. Measures that get more charging stations into condos and apartment buildings will unlock the cost-savings and convenience EVs provide for more Canadians, including those who would benefit the most.” – Rachel Doran, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada

“Your ability to charge at home shouldn’t depend on what kind of building you live in. A national approach making multi-family buildings EV-ready would make the transition to electric vehicles more possible and affordable for millions of Canadians and strengthen the growth and competitiveness of our clean economy.” – Julia Langer, CEO, The Atmospheric Fund (TAF)

“Pollution Probe supports CCIC’s call for a national approach for installing charging stations in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs). The Government of Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program’s key priority is building infrastructure in MURBs, and therefore it is critical that this program continue to be funded. The continued funding of ZEVIP is essential if Canada is going to be successful in transitioning to a zero emission vehicle on road vehicle fleet across Canada.” – Steve McCauley, Senior Director, Pollution Probe

“The Electricity Distributors Association supports the goal of helping more Canadians access the benefits of home charging, by expanding EV-ready infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings. As these initiatives move forward, it will be important to align funding and planning with the distribution infrastructure needed to serve new charging demand safely and reliably. Local electricity utilities look forward to supporting and enabling EV readiness in a way that benefits their customers and the electricity distribution system.” – Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO, Electricity Distributors Association (EDA)

“Your ability to charge at home shouldn’t depend on what kind of building you live in. A national approach making multi-family buildings EV-ready would make the transition to electric vehicles more possible and affordable for millions of Canadians and strengthen the growth and competitiveness of our clean economy.” – Julia Langer, CEO, The Atmospheric Fund

“Canadians need affordable energy. Charging an EV at home costs 80-90% less than filling up an equivalent gas or diesel vehicle. However, condominium and apartment residents face significant barriers to accessing home charging. Thankfully, best practice programs from BC and Quebec have proven how we can comprehensively retrofit multifamily buildings to provide all residents with access to EV charging – Our work has demonstrated these approaches realize much lower life-cycle cost than the conventional practice of adding a few EV chargers in an unplanned piecemeal way.  Now is the time to scale these best practices Canada-wide.” – Philippe Dunsky, Founder & President, Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors

“For many Canadians living in single-family homes and multi-residential buildings, access to convenient home charging remains a major barrier to EV adoption. While most EV charging already happens at home, many drivers rely on standard 120V outlets because installing Level 2 chargers often requires costly electrical upgrades. Schneider Electric is focused on solutions that enable Level 2 charging without extensive upgrades whenever possible. Where upgrades are needed, a national rebate program for residential and building electrical infrastructure could accelerate adoption. Supporting EV-ready buildings, electrical modernization, and updated building codes will lower future costs, improve energy efficiency, and expand access to electric mobility for all Canadians.” – David O’Reilly VP, Home and Commercial Solutions, Schneider Electric Canada Inc.

« Faciliter la recharge à domicile dans les immeubles résidentiels collectifs stimule l’adoption des véhicules électriques, ce qui, en retour, renforce la rentabilité commerciale des réseaux de recharge publics. » – Myriam Charconnet, Directrice exécutive, Papillons

“People who live in multi-unit buildings should have a fair opportunity to choose an electric vehicle. Tripling the number of EV-ready and EV-installed charging spaces would help make charging more accessible, while encouraging buildings to plan ahead as demand grows. The Electric Vehicle Society supports this call to make EV charging a practical option for more Canadians, wherever they live.” – EV Society

“Access to EV charging in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) is essential to ensuring all Canadians can participate in the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The lack of charging infrastructure in apartments and condominiums remains a significant barrier to EV adoption, particularly for residents who rely on their vehicles for daily commuting and errands. Government of Canada support for EV-ready infrastructure and retrofits is critical to expanding access to home charging and making ZEV ownership more practical and accessible for all Canadians.” – Sukhdeep Gill, Director, Cielo EV Charging Systems

“The shift to electric transportation depends on making charging accessible, reliable, and scalable. Ensuring that Canadians living in condos and apartments can charge at home is a critical step toward broader EV adoption. A stronger charging network will not only benefit residents, but will also accelerate the electrification of other segments like commercial and medium- and heavy-duty fleets, helping organizations reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and maximize the value of clean transportation investments.” – Guillaume Brossard, Vice-President Commercial, Polera Energy

“In multi-unit buildings, the hardest step is rarely the wiring. It is helping a condo board or property owner make a decision that works for every resident, today and ten years from now. In Quebec, clear incentives and whole-building planning have made that decision easier, and Canadian companies have built technology that shares each building’s existing capacity, easing pressure on the grid. A national program would let that homegrown know-how serve buildings across the country, bringing Canada closer to its zero-emission goals while keeping the savings and the jobs here.” – David Corbeil, Co-Founder and CEO, RVE

“This initiative will make EV ownership simpler for the over 30% of Canadians that live in MURBs, allowing more Canadians to reap the economic and environmental benefits EVs can provide.” – Cara Clairman, President and CEO, Plug’n Drive