Unlocking EV Charging for Apartments: Pando Electric’s Scalable, Low-Cost Multifamily Solution with Joseph Nagle

04/22/25 • 60 min

Summary
If you're curious about the future of EV charging, grid resilience, and how we’ll power a more electrified world, this episode of the Grid Connections podcast is a must-listen. Joseph Nagle, Head of Corporate Strategy at Pando Electric, joins us to break down why simple, cost-effective outlet-based charging is the key to scaling EV adoption in multifamily housing. We explore how vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid tech can turn parked EVs into energy assets, how smart energy management systems are reshaping entire buildings, and why “tap and charge” could finally make EV fueling more convenient than gas. Whether you're a property owner, policymaker, clean tech investor, or just EV curious—this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
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Takeaways

Outlet-based charging slashes installation costs by up to 70% – Pando’s daisy-chained EV outlets eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, making it far easier and cheaper for multifamily properties to support EV drivers.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) will likely scale before vehicle-to-grid (V2G) – While V2G faces regulatory and infrastructure hurdles, V2H is already technically feasible and offers immediate value to homeowners and multifamily residents looking to reduce peak energy costs.
Multifamily buildings are emerging as next-gen microgrids – Property owners can install rooftop solar and garage-based batteries to arbitrage electricity pricing and improve energy resilience, turning buildings into revenue-generating assets.
Smart energy management can eliminate demand charges – By strategically charging vehicles during off-peak hours and integrating building-wide energy intelligence, property owners can avoid costly utility demand fees.
“Tap and charge” solves critical user experience failures – Pando’s new NFC-based system replaces unreliable QR code-based charging with a seamless tap-to-start experience, even in low-connectivity environments like underground garages.
Installing chargers increases EV ownership at a property – In one real-world example, Pando saw new EV purchases jump within just three months of completing a multifamily install, proving infrastructure drives adoption.
Scalability is key to future-proofing charging deployments – Pando’s approach makes it easy to start small and expand affordably, helping property managers prepare for growing EV adoption without major redesigns or reinvestment.

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Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
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NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Takeaways

Outlet-based charging slashes installation costs by up to 70% – Pando’s daisy-chained EV outlets eliminate the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades, making it far easier and cheaper for multifamily properties to support EV drivers.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) will likely scale before vehicle-to-grid (V2G) – While V2G faces regulatory and infrastructure hurdles, V2H is already technically feasible and offers immediate value to homeowners and multifamily residents looking to reduce peak energy costs.
Multifamily buildings are emerging as next-gen microgrids – Property owners can install rooftop solar and garage-based batteries to arbitrage electricity pricing and improve energy resilience, turning buildings into revenue-generating assets.
Smart energy management can eliminate demand charges – By strategically charging vehicles during off-peak hours and integrating building-wide energy intelligence, property owners can avoid costly utility demand fees.
“Tap and charge” solves critical user experience failures – Pando’s new NFC-based system replaces unreliable QR code-based charging with a seamless tap-to-start experience, even in low-connectivity environments like underground garages.
Installing chargers increases EV ownership at a property – In one real-world example, Pando saw new EV purchases jump within just three months of completing a multifamily install, proving infrastructure drives adoption.
Scalability is key to future-proofing charging deployments – Pando’s approach makes it easy to start small and expand affordably, helping property managers prepare for growing EV adoption without major redesigns or reinvestment.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Previous Episode

Solving EV Charging Deserts with Brian Boshes: How Ranger EV is Powering Vacation Rentals with Easy, Reliable Home Charging

Summary
We sit down with Brian Boshes, Head of Operations at Ranger EV, to explore how vacation rentals and hospitality providers can become part of the EV charging solution. Brian breaks down Ranger EV’s innovative approach to turning everyday outlets into trusted, bookable charging stations—starting with Oregon coast destinations like Manzanita. We dig into real-world challenges EV drivers face when traveling to remote areas, how Ranger EV’s “honor system” and plug-based models are lowering the barrier to entry for hosts, and why reliable home base charging is essential for stress-free road trips. Whether you own a vacation rental, manage a hotel, or are just tired of broken apps and unreliable public chargers, this conversation is packed with insight on how small changes can make a big impact for EV travelers.
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Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways

🔋 1. Ranger EV Makes Any Plug a Charging Station
From standard 120V outlets to full Level 2 EVSEs, Ranger EV’s flexible model empowers hosts to start offering EV charging with whatever infrastructure they already have.

🏡 2. EV Charging as a Must-Have Vacation Amenity
As EV adoption grows, guests are beginning to expect charging at vacation rentals just like they expect Wi-Fi or a coffee maker—making it a key differentiator for short-term rental hosts.

📱 3. No App Required: Frictionless Guest Checkout
Ranger EV’s web-based interface and guest checkout options allow travelers to pay for charging without downloading an app or creating an account—removing a major barrier to use.

💸 4. Honor System Charging Builds Trust and Flexibility
Their guest-initiated "honor system" approach makes it easy for homeowners to offer charging even without smart chargers, while still being fairly reimbursed for the energy used.

🌲 5. Starting in Oregon's Charging Deserts
With high EV adoption and remote tourist destinations, Oregon’s coastlines are the ideal proving ground for Ranger EV’s model—starting with real-world pilots in Manzanita.

⚡ 6. Ranger EV is Hardware-Agnostic and Scalable
Unlike traditional charging networks, Ranger EV isn’t tied to a specific charger type, enabling quick deployment across diverse properties, including those with limited electrical capacity.

🏨 7. Hotels and RV Parks Could Be the Next Frontier
While currently focused on vacation rentals, Ranger EV is exploring partnerships with boutique hotels and campgrounds to expand EV access in underserved rural travel hubs.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Next Episode

Optimizing EV Charging for a Smarter Grid: How WeaveGrid Connects Drivers, Utilities, and Clean Energy with Kendall Cody

Summary
If you're curious about how electric vehicles can play a bigger role in stabilizing our power grid—and how drivers can actually get paid to charge smarter—this episode of Grid Connections is a must-listen. We sit down with Kendall Cody, Director of Marketing and Communications at WeaveGrid, to explore how their intelligent software is helping utilities and EV drivers work together to unlock cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable charging. From behind-the-scenes insights on utility partnerships to real-world examples of managed charging programs across California, Colorado, and Maryland, this episode offers a front-row seat to the future of grid-integrated EVs. Whether you're a utility professional, EV owner, policy advocate, or just passionate about clean energy innovation, you’ll leave this conversation with a clearer view of how software, data, and smart infrastructure are reshaping the electric mobility landscape.
⚡ Tune in now and don’t forget to Subscribe to our new newsletter!
Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways

1. Why utility-backed EV incentives are more than just rebates
Kendall explains how WeaveGrid’s programs go beyond one-time perks, offering ongoing savings and rewards for EV owners who charge at optimal times.

2. The growing role of telematics in managed EV charging
Discover how direct API partnerships with automakers allow WeaveGrid to deliver seamless charging optimization—without compromising user privacy or vehicle control.

3. How AI detects EV ownership using smart meter data
WeaveGrid’s machine learning models can identify EVs at residential addresses just by analyzing electricity usage spikes—enabling smarter outreach and program design.

4. The equity challenge: Making EV programs accessible to all
Utilities are focused on ensuring managed charging doesn’t just benefit luxury EV owners. Learn how WeaveGrid helps broaden access across income levels and housing types.

5. Why multifamily housing is the next frontier in EV charging
WeaveGrid is launching new utility pilots to address the unique constraints of shared charging infrastructure in apartments and condos—unlocking untapped adoption potential.

6. How vehicle-to-home (V2H) may outpace vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Kendall shares why using your EV to power your home during peak grid times may be more achievable (and practical) than sending energy back to the grid—at least for now.

7. What "invisible EV charging" could look like in the future
The future of managed charging may not involve apps or dashboards at all. WeaveGrid envisions fully integrated experiences directly inside automaker and utility apps—no extra logins, no new accounts, just clean charging in the background.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging