First Large-Scale Multi-Family Residential EV Charging Retrofit Completed in the U.S.
Peninsula Pines Apartments in South San Francisco has become the first apartment community in the U.S. to equip every resident with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. WestLight Energy announced on August 5, 2026, that it had completed the installation of charging equipment for over 200 households, providing each with a dedicated Level 1 EV charger.
As the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and the City of Los Baños, California, WestLight Energy executed the project with its technical partner, GoPower, which handled equipment development, installation, and ongoing operation and maintenance. Shawn Marshall, CEO of WestLight Energy, stated that the Peninsula Pines retrofit embodies the company’s “right charger, right place” strategy. The project deploys widespread Level 1 charging while incorporating Level 2 and DC fast chargers in areas where higher capacity is required to meet diverse resident needs.
Low-Cost Solution Lowers Barriers to EV Adoption for Renters
Marshall emphasized that the Peninsula Pines project demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale multi-family EV charging deployments at a fraction of the typical cost. Marty Medina, Chair of the WestLight Energy Board of Directors, added that renters and lower-income families are often excluded from the transition to electric vehicles due to a lack of affordable charging options. The widespread adoption of Level 1 chargers can reduce transportation costs by approximately 50%, making EV ownership a practical option for more households.
Level 1 chargers use standard 120-volt household outlets, delivering a charging power of 1.4 to 1.9 kilowatts, which adds roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Compared to Level 2 or DC fast chargers, Level 1 chargers have significantly lower installation costs, making them ideal for residential settings where vehicles are parked for extended periods. The success of the Peninsula Pines project highlights how such charging solutions can effectively address renters’ charging challenges, offering a replicable model for other apartment communities.
Public Utility Drives Expansion of EV Infrastructure
WestLight Energy stated that it will continue to promote the adoption of EV charging infrastructure in multi-family residences and has invited property owners in San Mateo County and Los Baños to explore collaboration opportunities. As California’s 2035 ban on new gasoline-powered vehicle sales approaches, the expansion of charging infrastructure in multi-family housing will be a critical component of the state’s EV transition. The Peninsula Pines project showcases the pivotal role public utilities can play in advancing EV infrastructure, providing a viable blueprint for future initiatives.
Marshall stressed that the Peninsula Pines retrofit is highly scalable and can be applied to other multi-family residential communities. Medina noted that the low-cost nature of Level 1 chargers makes them an effective solution for meeting renters’ charging needs, particularly in terms of cost control and coverage. While WestLight Energy has not disclosed specific details about the project’s cost or funding sources, the company has positioned the initiative as a standard model for future multi-family EV charging retrofits.
Although data on resident usage or adoption rates is not yet available, WestLight Energy stated that it will continue to monitor equipment performance and adjust charging infrastructure as needed based on actual demand. The completion of this project marks a significant step forward in expanding EV charging access for multi-family residences, offering a new solution to support California’s transition to electric vehicles.
