- October 4, 2023
- In the Media
Experts Discuss Incorporating EV Charging Infrastructure in Commercial Real Estate
In a recent NAIOP webinar, electric vehicle (EV) experts Jess Cain, P.E., and Bryce Christensen, P.E., discussed how commercial real estate owners can benefit from installing EV charging stations. NAIOP’s Development magazine covered the webinar in an article titled “The Future of Electric Vehicle Charging: A Guide for Commercial Real Estate Developers.”
The two EV experts explored charging levels, site characteristics, business models, grants and funding, and revenue streams. Bryce explained how EVs’ increasing affordability is leading to higher consumer demand. In 2023, EVs accounted for more than 20% of vehicles sold in the U.S. and reached a 5.6% market share in the second quarter of this year. Jess also discussed Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging and the power they require. Overall, our experts agreed that implementing EV charging infrastructure into commercial real estate properties is beneficial for sustainability, strategy, and enhancing the uniqueness and desirability of a site.
About the Experts
Jess Cain, P.E.
A professional civil and environmental engineer with more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy and telecommunications, Jess is an expert at developing creative design solutions for challenging sites. Jess has led a wide range of projects—from EV charging stations to 5MW-80MW ground-based solar projects to rooftop solar developments to battery storage systems—and she has extensive experience with EV chargers, microgrids, solar energy project development, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Bryce Christensen, P.E.
Bryce is a senior partner on nationwide EV programs and has worked on hundreds of EV charging station sites across the county—including parts of one of the first coast-to-coast EV charging routes. Bryce’s expertise includes EV charging station design, site planning and layout, grading and drainage design, erosion control, stormwater management system design, utility design, permitting, construction observation, pavement assessment and rehabilitation, parking assessments and planning, and site/stormwater inspections. Bryce has worked on several EV charging applications including public facing charging facilities as well as private fleet charging and battery electric bus facilities, including medium and heavy-duty truck charging applications.