SWTCH Energy, in collaboration with shared e-mobility provider Kite Mobility and the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), has completed a pilot project demonstrating scalable electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for high-density, multi-tenant buildings.
Limited electrical capacity is preventing many multi-tenant buildings from deploying EV charging infrastructure. This pilot aimed to address that constraint through real-world testing of load-managed charging systems that minimize impact on local distribution networks.
Funded by a $500,000 contribution from the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund and $1 million in industry support, the $1.5 million initiative focused on how smart charging infrastructure can be deployed in environments with constrained electrical capacity, while minimizing impact on local distribution networks.
The project included the installation and testing of 15 public Level 2 chargers at a luxury resort community in Ontario. Each charger was equipped with SWTCH’s load-managed charging platform, enabling real-time energy allocation based on building demand and peak periods. The deployment demonstrated how dynamic charging controls can prevent electrical overload, reduce peak demand stress, and support grid stability, all without requiring major infrastructure upgrades.
The pilot also analyzed tenant EV charging behavior and usage patterns in a high-density environment. These findings will inform utility programs and building-level energy strategies aimed at expanding access to EV charging while preserving grid reliability.
To explore multi-modal mobility integration, the project incorporated shared EVs and micro-mobility assets managed through Kite Mobility’s reservation platform. Integration between the reservation system and SWTCH’s charging network allowed for coordinated use of shared transportation assets and EV charging stations, optimizing resource use and energy distribution.
The system architecture tested in this pilot demonstrates a scalable model for deploying EV charging in urban buildings, particularly where electrical upgrades are infeasible or cost-prohibitive. It also supports future applications in demand response, time-of-use energy optimization, and interoperable charging network design.
SWTCH’s charging platform, now managing over 15,000 chargers across North America, recently achieved certification from the Open Charging Alliance (OCA), meeting global standards for open and accessible EV charging networks. The software’s capabilities in load balancing, integration, and grid responsiveness continue to be evaluated in ongoing studies across Canada and the U.S.
The project contributes actionable insights for engineers, utilities, building owners, and municipalities aiming to expand EV infrastructure while addressing electrical limitations, interoperability, and grid resilience.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News