Epic Charging drives one of the largest multifamily EV charger retrofits in the US with Chicago condo partnership

Epic Charging, a leading U.S. EV charging software provider, has completed one of the largest multifamily electric vehicle (EV) charger retrofits in the country. The company migrated 148 Enel X Way smart charging stations to its proprietary Charge Point Management System (CPMS) at the upscale 600 N Lake Shore Drive condominium complex in downtown Chicago, Illinois. This large-scale deployment highlights the rapid digitization of EV infrastructure and the growing demand for reliable, scalable solutions in high-density residential environments.

Located along Chicago’s lakefront near Navy Pier, the 401-unit high-rise is a prime address for residents who prioritize modern amenities and convenience. More than a quarter of its residents have opted for dedicated EV chargers in their parking spaces, reflecting strong urban demand for at-home charging. Epic Charging’s retrofit ensured uninterrupted service following Enel X Way’s exit from the U.S. market, while also positioning the property as a leader in the multifamily EV adoption movement.

Filling the gap after Enel X Way’s exit

The retrofit followed the abrupt withdrawal of Enel X Way from the U.S. market, an event that left many multifamily properties without a dependable charging partner. For property managers and homeowners’ associations, the disruption underscored the operational risks of relying on a single supplier in a still-developing sector.

Sunil Mehra, Board President of the 600 N Lake Shore Drive Condominium Association, said Epic Charging’s fully integrated smart platform was the only viable choice after evaluating multiple providers. The company’s turnkey solution enabled the building to reconfigure and operate 148 chargers in a multi-level garage with minimal downtime. Mehra added that Epic’s ability to expand capacity in the future gives the property a competitive edge as EV adoption accelerates across Illinois.

Complex technical execution with hands-on expertise

Epic Charging’s Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, Michael Fridshtand, personally led the on-site migration effort, working closely with the building’s IT team to reconfigure the system to the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). This involved custom engineering to adapt RFID authentication for discontinued Enel X hardware, ensuring residents could continue using their chargers without needing to replace equipment. The process required balancing compatibility, cybersecurity, and scalability — a combination that highlighted Epic’s technical depth.

Leveraging ComEd’s Voluntary Load Reduction program

In addition to the retrofit, Epic partnered with regional utility ComEd to enroll the building in its Voluntary Load Reduction (VLR) Program. Under this initiative, the property receives at least $0.25 per kilowatt-hour curtailed during peak demand periods, helping to reduce grid strain while maintaining charging availability. The integration demonstrates how EV charging stations can serve both as a resident amenity and a grid asset, aligning with broader utility modernization efforts.

Multifamily EV infrastructure: A sector gaining momentum

Multifamily properties represent about 31% of U.S. households, and with the majority of EV charging occurring at home, this segment is becoming increasingly important for infrastructure providers. Yet, only a small fraction of multifamily buildings currently offer charging capabilities. According to research by the Urban Land Institute, properties with EV charging can see valuation increases of up to 15%, giving owners a strong financial incentive to invest in the technology.

Illinois’ goal of registering one million EVs by 2030 further strengthens the case for early adoption. High-rise buildings in urban centers, such as 600 N Lake Shore Drive, are likely to be among the first movers, setting the standard for how multifamily EV readiness can be achieved at scale.

Recent trends in multifamily EV investment

Investor sentiment toward multifamily EV charging is increasingly positive. Several companies are committing substantial resources to this market, anticipating long-term gains as EV adoption reaches critical mass. Analysts project that EVs could make up nearly half of all new U.S. vehicle sales by 2030, driving property owners to view charging infrastructure not as an optional perk, but as a core amenity.

On the funding side, federal and state governments continue to support charging infrastructure development. Nationally, the Department of Energy has approved large-scale loans for charging providers, while billions in infrastructure funding are earmarked for deploying thousands of charging ports across the country. In various metropolitan regions, targeted grants are encouraging the installation of chargers in multifamily housing and underserved communities, further accelerating adoption.

Enhancing the resident experience

For residents of 600 N Lake Shore Drive, the transition to Epic’s platform has delivered noticeable convenience. Through Epic’s mobile app and RFID cards, they can access both the existing Enel X Way units and new Autel chargers. The software enables real-time monitoring, scheduling, and payment processing, giving users control over when and how they charge their vehicles.

Load-limiting features allow the building to optimize electricity distribution, avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades while ensuring chargers are available when needed. Residents benefit from the ability to schedule charging during off-peak hours, lowering their costs and reducing pressure on the grid.

Competitive positioning through retrofit expertise

Epic Charging’s successful execution at 600 N Lake Shore Drive demonstrates a core competitive strength: the ability to manage complex retrofits involving legacy hardware and mixed charger brands. While many industry players focus on new installations, Epic’s retrofit capabilities open up a significant segment of the market — existing multifamily properties that need to modernize without full-scale equipment replacement.

The company’s integration with demand response programs also strengthens its position, as utilities increasingly look for partners who can deliver grid-friendly charging solutions. This ability to bridge resident convenience and grid management is becoming a critical differentiator in the Level 2 charging space.

Market outlook and analyst expectations

The U.S. EV charging market is forecast to grow at an annual rate exceeding 25% through 2030, driven by consumer adoption, automaker commitments, and public-sector investment. Analysts believe companies that can offer software-driven, hardware-agnostic solutions — like Epic Charging’s CPMS — will be well-positioned to capture market share.

Additionally, integration with utility programs offers recurring revenue potential beyond standard charging fees. For property owners, this means the prospect of both higher valuations and enhanced operational returns, particularly as energy costs remain volatile.

The road ahead for Epic Charging and multifamily EV adoption

The success of the 600 N Lake Shore Drive project may serve as a template for similar deployments nationwide. As states implement EV-ready building codes and right-to-charge laws, the demand for scalable, interoperable charging systems will intensify. Epic Charging’s combination of technical expertise, software integration, and utility partnerships positions it as a strong contender in this evolving market.

In the coming years, multifamily EV charging is expected to transition from a premium differentiator to a standard amenity. For properties that move early, the benefits could include higher occupancy rates, stronger tenant loyalty, and better long-term asset performance. For Epic Charging, projects like this one strengthen its reputation and demonstrate its readiness to lead in a competitive, rapidly expanding industry.