How Charney Companies Implemented EV Charging at Union Channel

Charney Companies, a leading real estate development firm in New York City, recognized the growing importance of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in modern residential developments. As part of their commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking amenities, they decided to implement extensive EV charging capabilities at their Union Channel property located at 585 Union St, Brooklyn, NY.

The Union Channel development, situated in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood, represents a significant investment in Brooklyn’s future. By incorporating EV charging stations into this project, Charney Companies aimed to attract environmentally conscious residents while contributing to New York City’s clean energy goals.

The Challenge

Implementing a large-scale EV charging infrastructure at the Union Channel development presented several significant challenges:

1. Scale and Complexity: Installing 25 Level 2 charging stations required extensive electrical infrastructure planning, especially in a new development where multiple systems needed to be coordinated.

2. Cost Management: The initial investment for such a comprehensive EV charging network represented a substantial financial commitment, potentially impacting the project’s overall budget.

3. Technical Integration: Ensuring that the charging stations would integrate seamlessly with the building’s electrical systems while maintaining sufficient capacity for all residents.

4. Future-Proofing: Designing an EV charging solution that would not only meet current demands but also accommodate growing adoption of electric vehicles in the coming years.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating New York City’s building codes and electrical regulations, which include specific requirements for EV charging installations in new developments.

Facing these challenges, Charney Companies sought a partner with proven expertise in large-scale EV charging implementations. They turned to Source Forward and DVM Industries to develop and execute a comprehensive solution.

The Solution

Our team at Source Forward worked closely with Charney Companies to develop a tailored approach that would address all aspects of the EV charging implementation at Union Channel. The solution encompassed several key components:

1. Comprehensive Project Management

We provided end-to-end project management for the EV charging installation, allowing Charney Companies to focus on other aspects of their development project:

• Site Assessment and Design: Our team conducted a thorough evaluation of the Union Channel property to determine optimal placement for the charging stations, considering factors such as accessibility, electrical infrastructure requirements, and user convenience.

• Electrical Infrastructure Planning: We designed a robust electrical system to support the 25 Level 2 charging stations, ensuring sufficient capacity and load management capabilities to prevent circuit overloads.

• Vendor Selection and Equipment Procurement: After evaluating multiple charging station manufacturers, we selected equipment that offered the best combination of reliability, user experience, and value.

2. Permitting and Compliance

Navigating New York City’s complex regulatory environment requires specialized knowledge and experience:

• Permit Applications: Our team handled all necessary permit applications with the NYC Department of Buildings and other relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

• Code Compliance: The installation was designed and executed in accordance with all applicable electrical codes and building regulations, including NYC’s Local Law 97 requirements for building emissions.

• Inspection Coordination: We managed the inspection process, working with city officials to ensure all aspects of the installation met regulatory standards.

3. Maximizing Incentive Savings

One of the most significant advantages of partnering with Source Forward was our expertise in securing financial incentives:

• Incentive Program Navigation: We identified all available incentive programs at the federal, state, and local levels that could apply to the Union Channel project.

• Application Management: Our team handled the complex application processes for each incentive program, ensuring all documentation was complete and submitted on time.

• Total Savings Secured: Through our efforts, Charney Companies received $318,500 in incentives, effectively covering the entire cost of the EV charging installation.

4. Implementation and Quality Control

The physical installation of the charging infrastructure was executed with precision and attention to detail:

• Phased Installation: The charging stations were installed in a carefully planned sequence to minimize disruption to other construction activities at Union Channel.

• Quality Assurance: Each charging station underwent rigorous testing to ensure proper functionality before being certified for use.

• Documentation and Training: We provided comprehensive documentation of the installation and conducted training sessions for building management staff.

5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

To ensure long-term success of the EV charging network, we established a support and maintenance plan:

• Preventative Maintenance Schedule: Regular inspections and maintenance protocols were established to keep all charging stations in optimal working condition.

• 24/7 Technical Support: A dedicated support line was set up to address any issues that might arise with the charging stations.

• Usage Monitoring and Reporting: We implemented a system to track charging station usage, providing valuable data to Charney Companies about utilization patterns.

The Result

The collaboration between Charney Companies and Source Forward yielded impressive results:

• 25 Level 2 Charging Stations: Successfully installed throughout the Union Channel property, providing convenient access for residents and visitors.

• $318,500 in Incentive Savings: The entire cost of the project was offset by incentives secured through our expertise in navigating available programs.

• Enhanced Property Value: The extensive EV charging infrastructure has become a significant selling point for the Union Channel development, attracting environmentally conscious residents and potentially increasing property values.

• Sustainability Leadership: The project has positioned Charney Companies as a leader in sustainable development in Brooklyn, aligning with New York City’s climate goals.

• Future-Ready Infrastructure: The charging network was designed with scalability in mind, allowing for potential expansion as EV adoption continues to grow.

The Union Channel project demonstrates how forward-thinking real estate developers can incorporate sustainable technologies into their properties while managing costs effectively through available incentive programs.

Next Steps for Charney Companies

Building on the success of the EV charging implementation at Union Channel, Charney Companies is exploring additional sustainability initiatives across their portfolio:

• Expanding EV Infrastructure: Plans are being developed to implement similar EV charging solutions at other Charney properties throughout New York City.

• Additional Green Technologies: The company is investigating other sustainable technologies, including solar power integration and energy-efficient building systems.

• Community Engagement: Charney Companies is developing programs to educate residents about the benefits of electric vehicles and other sustainable lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

The partnership between Charney Companies and Source Forward demonstrates the value of expert guidance when implementing advanced EV charging infrastructure. By leveraging our experience in project management, regulatory compliance, and incentive program navigation, Charney Companies was able to provide a significant amenity to their residents while effectively managing project costs.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, forward-thinking real estate developers like Charney Companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable urban development. The Union Channel project serves as an excellent example of how EV charging infrastructure can be successfully integrated into new residential developments, creating value for both property owners and residents.

If your company is considering implementing EV charging stations or other sustainable technologies in your properties, contact Source Forward today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals while maximizing available incentives.