2,500 EV Chargers Coming to Apartments Starting 2026

Living in an apartment shouldn't mean missing out on driving an electric vehicle, but for millions of renters, charging access has been the biggest roadblock to going electric.

ChargePoint and OBE Power just announced a partnership that could change everything. The two companies plan to install around 2,500 EV charging ports at apartment and condo buildings beginning in 2026.

The timing couldn't be better. According to the US Department of Energy, 80% of EV charging happens at home, but apartment dwellers have been largely left out of America's electric vehicle revolution. While homeowners can install chargers in their garages, renters have relied on scarce public charging stations or given up on EVs entirely.

Here's what makes this partnership different: landlords won't pay a cent. OBE Power will own and operate the charging infrastructure using ChargePoint's technology. They'll handle installation, maintenance, repairs, insurance, driver support, and even energy cost reimbursement.

ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer says the partnership delivers a scalable solution that's been missing from apartment communities. The companies have already worked together for more than a decade installing chargers at hotels and other properties where people stay.

For renters weighing whether to buy an EV, reliable home charging removes one of the biggest question marks. For property owners, EV charging is quickly becoming an expected amenity, especially in newer developments where tech-savvy tenants demand modern conveniences.

The Ripple Effect

This announcement signals a shift in how the charging industry thinks about apartment residents. When 2,500 new charging ports come online, thousands of renting families will suddenly have the option to drive electric without the anxiety of finding public chargers after work or on weekends.

The partnership also shows that the owned-and-operated model can solve the financial puzzle that's kept many landlords from adding EV charging. When companies handle the upfront costs and ongoing operations, property owners get a desirable amenity without budget headaches.

Both companies say they've aligned their development pipelines and plan to start installations soon. As more apartment complexes add charging infrastructure, the transition to electric vehicles becomes accessible to renters, not just homeowners.

America's EV charging network is finally catching up to where people actually live.