From Request to Reality: 18 Months to EV Charging in a Chicago Condo Garage
Same video is also embedded at the end of this post.
After nearly 18 months from initial request to final activation, my EV charger installation is complete. What began as a single owner request ultimately evolved into a full make-ready infrastructure project serving all 92 parking spaces in the building. Every parking space owner now has a defined, consistent, and cost-aligned pathway to install a charger when needed.
This outcome reflects a structured approach to EV readiness. Rather than accommodating installations on a case-by-case basis, the Association implemented a shared electrical backbone with distribution points throughout the garage. The result is equitable access, controlled costs, and reduced disruption for future installations.
The video accompanying this post documents two key elements. First, it demonstrates the operation of the EverCharge EV02 Level 2 charger, including user authentication and charging functionality. Second, it provides a clear view of the electrical infrastructure behind the system, including the connection to the main EV distribution panel that supports the building-wide load management strategy.
For associations evaluating EV charging, this project illustrates a critical principle: early coordination and infrastructure planning materially reduce long-term cost and complexity. A comprehensive make-ready strategy positions the building to respond efficiently as adoption increases, rather than reacting to each request independently.
This installation is operational, scalable, and available to every owner in the garage.
Next Post Preview
The next post will present a revised, detailed case study of this project. It will document the full process from initial request through infrastructure design, permitting, construction sequencing, individual charger installation, and final system activation. The case study will also outline practical constraints encountered along the way, decision points that influenced cost and timeline, and specific considerations for other condominium associations evaluating a similar path.
My owned EV parking space in my downtown Chicago condominium garage with the very first installed EV charger on the property.
Demonstration of the EverCharge EV02 in a Chicago condominium garage. This video shows how to start a charging session, user authentication, and how the charger connects to a shared EV distribution panel supporting 92 parking spaces.
About Ready EV Now
Ready EV Now is a Chicago-based consulting service that helps condominium associations and multifamily property managers plan, evaluate, and implement EV charging infrastructure. The firm focuses on independent guidance, infrastructure strategy, and practical implementation planning tailored to the unique electrical and governance challenges of multi-unit residential buildings.
