Multifamily EV Charging Assistance Program

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About the Program

The Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance Program is a rebate and technical assistance program for multifamily properties in the District of Columbia. The program offers financial assistance and no-cost technical assistance to assist with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of electric vehicle charging equipment at or near multifamily buildings.

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The program is administered by nonprofit Catalyst Mobility working together with the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). From project planning through reimbursement, Catalyst Mobility works alongside participants every step of the way.

Program staff can help with:

Site planning and feasibility
Equipment selection
Utility coordination with Pepco
Permitting guidance
Installer coordination
Rebate processing
Project completion and ongoing operations and maintenance

Projects must generally:

Install a minimum of four charging ports
Include a five-year warranty and maintenance plan
Be completed by September 20, 2027

Program Highlights

Funding available for Level 1 & Level 2 EV charging
Rebates covering up to 60% of eligible project costs for resident-only charging
Rebates covering up to 80% of eligible project costs for publicly accessible charging
Free technical assistance from application through installation
Priority given to projects located in EV charging deserts and underserved communities

Program Details

Administered by Catalyst Mobility on behalf of the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE).

Funding for the DC Multifamily Electric Vehicle Charging Assistance Program is provided through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. The Trust was established to fund eligible mitigation actions, such as electric vehicle charging, that replace diesel emission sources with cleaner technology. This program uses a portion of the District’s Trust allocation to expand Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging at multifamily properties.

Program Overview & Purpose

The goal of this program is to deploy Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging at multifamily buildings across Washington, DC, with priority for equity-priority areas and charging deserts. The program provides rebates (cash payments that reimburse a portion of project costs) and free technical assistance to make installing EV charging easier and more affordable for multifamily properties. Catalyst Mobility serves as both administrator and active partner in this program. We work directly with site hosts, installers, Pepco, and permitting authorities as a concierge to help projects succeed.

Links

For more program information on how/where to apply, project evaluation criteria for rebates, project timelines, and Catalyst Mobility:

Who Can Apply

Multifamily property owners, property managers, condominium or cooperative organizations
Qualified EV installers with signed authorization from the property owner. Most applications are expected to be submitted by the installer with signed owner authorization
Site hosts within a quarter-mile of a multifamily building (e.g., schools, faith-based organizations, libraries, retail locations, etc.)
EV charging companies authorized to install curbside charging

Funding Available

Approximately $700,000 is available for rebates under this program. Funding is provided through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and is administered by Catalyst Mobility on behalf of the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). All awards are subject to the requirements of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement, applicable DOEE grant terms, and all relevant federal, District, and local laws, codes, and standards.

Rebate Amounts

Standard rebate:
- Up to 60% of total eligible project costs for chargers accessible to residents only
- Up to 80% of total eligible project costs for chargers that are publicly accessible
Maximum rebate amount: $200,000 in rebate funds per site / property. Each property can receive up to $200,000 in total rebate funds. This ceiling applies per parcel, even if the property is built in phases or split across multiple work orders. Properties may build larger projects and fund remaining costs through their own funds, other incentives, or project financing.
Per-port guideline: As a general target, the program aims for an average rebate of approximately $8,000 per port or less. Higher average per port costs will be considered when justified by site conditions, electrical upgrades, or location in equity-priority areas.
Final rebate calculation: The final rebate is the lesser of:
- The applicable percentage (60% or 80%) of actual eligible costs, or
- The $200,000 per-site ceiling.

Scoring & Project Selection

Catalyst Mobility evaluates applications competitively to ensure the responsible and effective use of Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust funds. As stewards of these funds, Catalyst Mobility’s duty is to prioritize projects that directly advance the goals of reducing emissions in communities that have borne a disproportionate share of diesel pollution, expanding equitable access to charging, and deploying the greatest number of reliable ports possible within the available budget and timeline.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and scored in periodic batches (at least twice monthly through November 2026). Reservations are issued from each batch in score order, subject to portfolio balance (ward, equity, remaining budget). Once a reservation is issued, it is not displaced by a later application. Projects that miss a program milestone deadline may be de-reserved and replaced from the bench list.

Scoring Criteria

Each application will be reviewed and scored based on the scoring criteria below. Only complete, eligible applications will be scored.

During review Catalyst Mobility will look for evidence of readiness and a high likelihood of on-time completion:

Sufficient electrical capacity (utility letter, written electrician review, capacity study, or Pepco pre-approval preferred) to support proposed EV charging.
Detailed parking layout showing charging equipment locations and access
Early Pepco and AHJ (permitting) coordination already started or completed
Confirmed EV driver interest or strong demand indicators (letters of intent, surveys, etc.)
Realistic timeline and readiness to proceed

Scoring Category	Focus
Geographic Priority & Equity Impact	Project is located in Ward 5, 7, or 8, an equity-priority / historically underserved area, or a documented charging desert.
Project Scale & Impact	Number of charging ports and number of residents/households served. Preference for projects that efficiently advance the program’s approximate 100-port deployment goal while staying within the guideline per-site maximums.
Project Readiness & Low Risk of Delay	Sufficient electrical capacity (or realistic upgrade plan); early coordination with Pepco and permitting authorities (AHJ); detailed parking layout; confirmed demand indicators where available; realistic timeline and demonstrated ability to complete the project by the September 20, 2027 operational deadline.
Cost-Effectiveness & Budget Quality	Realistic, well-documented budget; efficient use of rebate dollars; strong cost-share or ability to leverage tax credits where available.
Technical Competence & Experience	Installer/applicant demonstrates successful experience with multifamily or similar EV charging projects and capacity to deliver, commission, and maintain the equipment.
Site Suitability & Accessibility	Viable parking configuration, compliance with applicable ADA and local codes, and a clear plan for resident or public access.

Program Funding Decisions

Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and is subject to the availability of program funds. In addition to application scores, Catalyst Mobility reserves the right to consider factors such as project readiness, geographic distribution, equitable access, cost effectiveness, and the efficient use of available funding when making award decisions. Catalyst Mobility may approve, partially fund, or decline applications to maximize the overall impact of the Program. To ensure a diversified portfolio and avoid fund concentration, Catalyst Mobility further reserves the right to cap the cumulative funding awarded to any single applicant, parent organization, developer, or property management firm across multiple properties per funding cycle.

What Rebate Funding Covers

Eligible Project Costs

Eligible costs are those necessary for and directly connected to the acquisition, installation, operation and maintenance of new charging equipment, including:

Charging equipment (Level 1 or Level 2 EVSE, or outlets and required hardware)
Installation labor and materials
Necessary electrical upgrades (conduit, wiring, panels, transformers, make-ready work from the property line or service point to the charging equipment)
Required permits and inspection fees
Upfront 5-year warranty, maintenance, and network/software package
Signage required by code or necessary for safe operation of the charging equipment
Cost-eligibility date: Costs incurred before issuance of a Conditional Rebate Reservation are not eligible unless DOEE has granted prior written approval. Costs incurred after September 20, 2027 are ineligible for reimbursement.

Ineligible or Potentially Eligible Project Costs

Ineligible costs include real estate, other capital costs such as construction of buildings or parking facilities, general maintenance, fire suppression equipment, and any costs not directly tied to the EVSE.

Necessary hardware and prepaid data plans required for network connectivity and remote monitoring of the charging equipment for the full 5-year term are eligible when they are required for the functionality of the equipment. Discuss any such costs with Catalyst Mobility during technical assistance to confirm eligibility.

Lighting that is required by code or demonstrably necessary for the safe use of the charging spaces may be eligible; optional or general site lighting is generally not eligible. Discuss lighting costs with Catalyst Mobility during technical assistance.

Project & Equipment Requirements

Applicants and installers are expected to share a duty of care by following industry best practices for site design, safety, accessibility, signage, operations, and maintenance, and engaging constructively with Catalyst Mobility’s technical assistance. Additional design considerations and project-specific guidance will be provided through the technical assistance process. The shared goal of this program is to deploy high-quality charging that remains operational and beneficial for years to come.

Project & Equipment Requirements

Project Size

Minimum 4 charging ports per funded project. Power sharing or load management is allowed.
Ports may be located on the multifamily property, in a nearby parking lot or on-street within a quarter mile of a multifamily property. Ports installed in a nearby lot or on-street must serve property residents. Ports that form one project should be reasonably arranged so they function as a coherent installation.

Charging Equipment

Level 1 and Level 2 non-networked outlets are allowed; networked Level 2 is recommended.
Minimum 5-year warranty and pre-purchased maintenance plan (for networked equipment).
Where accessible parking spaces are required by code, the corresponding ports and routes must meet those standards. Charging equipment and associated parking spaces must comply with all applicable ADA and local accessibility requirements. See U.S. Access Board guidance: https://www.access-board.gov/tad/ev/.
The project must result in operational charging ports.

5-Year Warranty and Maintenance Package

Every funded project for networked charging equipment must include a minimum 5-year warranty and pre-paid maintenance package that covers, at a minimum:

Parts and labor for the charging equipment
Remote monitoring and network connectivity (for networked charging equipment)
Software and firmware updates
Response and repair for outages
Access to usage and uptime data needed for program reporting where applicable

The installer must submit the specific package details (provider, coverage terms, and proof of prepaid service) as a priced allowance in the application quote, with the final provider selected at Milestone 1 and proof of prepayment plus data access required at Milestone 3.

It is expected that pre-paid 5-year packages are significantly discounted when paid upfront. Costs are projected to be 10%-15% of project costs.

Non-networked Level 1 or Level 2 outlets do not require a warranty or maintenance package.

Parking and Charging Access

For charging equipment to be considered publicly accessible, EV charging must be open and available to the public 24/7.
Curbside charging projects may require additional planning, coordination, and implementation time due to site-specific considerations. Such projects will be evaluated by Catalyst Mobility on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to separate terms and conditions. Curbside and Pepco New Business projects will be reserved only if the application shows a dated path to the September 30, 2027 operational deadline. Projects that cannot show that path will be wait-listed.

Equipment Requirements

Applicants and installers are expected to meet equipment requirements and follow industry best practices for site design, safety, accessibility, signage, and operations. Additional design considerations may be discussed during technical assistance.

Hardware
- Level 1 or Level 2
- Networked EVSE, or networked or non-networked outlets
- J1772 and/or NACS connectors
- New equipment only
- NEMA 3R rated (or equivalent) for outdoor installations
Software
- OCPP compliance is encouraged for networked charging equipment
Warranty
- Minimum 5-year warranty and prepaid maintenance package (see full requirements under Project Requirements)
Signage
- Must comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations
- Networked equipment must display a phone number for maintenance support

How to Apply

Submit Application

Submit the online application and required supporting documents, including site details, parking layout, property photos, preliminary electrical information, installer quote (including the 5-year warranty/network allowance, scope, and price), signed owner authorization, and a schedule to the September 20, 2027 operational deadline. You may submit directly if the project is ready, or contact Catalyst Mobility first with questions or to request technical assistance, including help obtaining a quote or connecting with a qualified installer. Incomplete applications will not be scored until the missing items are provided.

Link to Application: https://forms.monday.com/forms/28578e3004aca7348b182ec5ea553e6d?r=use1

Application Review & Kickoff

Catalyst Mobility reviews the application and makes an initial determination of project eligibility and readiness. Catalyst Mobility may schedule a kickoff call with the applicant to discuss the proposed project, clarify application materials, and identify any additional information needed to proceed.

Review & Rebate Reservation

Catalyst Mobility scores the completed application and, if approved, issues a Conditional Rebate Reservation establishing the maximum rebate amount based on the approved project quote (including the warranty/network line), plus a limited contingency buffer. If final eligible costs rise more than 20% above the approved quote, the Variance Clause applies and remaining funding may be reduced or withdrawn. Before a reservation is issued, the Applicant must identify the source of the cost-share (owner cash, other incentive, financing, or installer deferral) in an amount that covers eligible costs above the reserved rebate.

Project Planning & Coordination

Catalyst Mobility coordinates with the site host and installer, and with Pepco as needed, to finalize the project design, permits, utility coordination, equipment, and installation schedule. Construction proceeds after the project is Authorized to Proceed. The 5-year warranty/maintenance package must be identified and priced in the approved quote and finalized at Milestone 1; proof it is fully prepaid is required at Milestone 3, not before construction.

Installation & Milestone Payments

The installer completes construction and commissioning of the charging equipment. The Payee invoices Catalyst Mobility at each milestone and submits the required documentation for that stage. After verification, Catalyst Mobility pays the approved rebate share for that milestone to the Catalyst Mobility-approved Payee (typically the installer). Documentation of the prepaid 5-year warranty, maintenance, and network/software package, if applicable, is required before the final (Milestone 3) payment.

Activation & Project Close-Out

Charging equipment must be fully operational and networked, where applicable. Before final payment is released, the installer or site host must provide Catalyst Mobility and DOEE with ongoing access to usage, uptime, and operational data for the 5-year maintenance period and ensure publicly accessible stations are listed on relevant platforms, such as the Alternative Fueling Station Locator and PlugShare. Catalyst Mobility completes the required program reporting to DOEE.

Utility Coordination

It is advisable to contact the District’s local utility Pepco as early as possible in the project. Some EV charging installations will require coordination with Pepco, especially if they involve expanding the building’s electrical capacity or installing a separate meter. Multifamily property owners or residents may be eligible for Pepco’s special EV rates such as MDU-PIV (multi-dwelling unit plug-in-vehicle for separately metered charging) or R-PIV (residential plug-in-vehicle, whole house time of use rate for direct to meter installations) or other incentives. Projects that require capacity upgrades, new service, or make-ready work will follow Pepco’s full New Business process. Catalyst Mobility works with installers and Pepco to support timely coordination and early identification of capacity constraints. Installers or property owners remain responsible for the formal Pepco application and technical coordination.

Timeline & Key Dates

Date	Milestone
September 16, 2026	Applications open (rolling). Submit the Application Form when ready, or contact Catalyst Mobility first with questions or to request technical assistance.
Target: late November 2026	Applications scored and rebates reserved until funds are committed. Remaining eligible applications go to a bench list.
Spring – early Summer 2027	Primary construction window.
August 15, 2027	Closeout-readiness review for any project not yet closed (inspection, commissioning date, final invoice, warranty package, data access, remaining documentation).
August 31, 2027	Target: installation complete.
September 20, 2027	Deadline: equipment operational / commissioned.
September 30, 2027	Deadline: final installer invoice and complete closeout packet received by Catalyst Mobility. Last participant action date.

September 30, 2027 is the last participant deadline. No project may invoice Catalyst Mobility after September 30, 2027 except a Catalyst Mobility-approved cure item. Individual projects may finish earlier.

Individual project schedules will vary based on permitting, utility coordination, and site conditions. Catalyst Mobility will work with each approved project to maintain momentum toward the overall program deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can an installer apply on behalf of a multifamily property?

A: Yes. An installer or other authorized representative may apply with a signed authorization letter from the property owner (or authorized lessee).

Q: What if final costs are higher than the approved quote?

A: If final eligible costs exceed the approved quote by more than 20%, Catalyst Mobility may reduce or withdraw remaining funding under the Variance Clause. Reimbursement is always based on actual documented eligible costs and will not exceed the applicable 60% or 80% rate (or the per-site ceiling).

Q: When do I receive payment?

A: The installer invoices Catalyst Mobility at each milestone. After Catalyst Mobility verifies the packet, the approved rebate share is paid to the Catalyst Mobility-approved Payee within approximately 30 business days, subject to the lesser-of (anti-overpayment) rule. Complete closeout packets received after September 1, 2027 receive expedited review. See Who Gets Paid, the Payment Schedule, and Documents Required for Verification.

Q: Can I buy equipment before I receive a Conditional Rebate Reservation?

A: Generally no. Costs incurred before issuance of a Conditional Rebate Reservation are not eligible unless DOEE has granted prior written approval.

Q: Will Pepco help / what is Pepco’s role?

A: Most EV charging installations require coordination with Pepco. Projects that stay within existing building capacity may only need a lighter review. Projects that require capacity upgrades or new service follow Pepco’s New Business process. Catalyst Mobility works with installers and Pepco to support timely coordination and early identification of capacity constraints. Installers remain responsible for the formal Pepco application and technical coordination.

Q: What happens after the grant ends if charging equipment breaks or has issues?

A: If charging equipment breaks or has issues within five years after installation, the required 5-year warranty and prepaid maintenance package covers repairs, parts, labor, and ongoing service. Site hosts should contact the installer or maintenance provider listed in the package. If applicable, the package also maintains data access for Catalyst Mobility and DOEE during the five-year term. After five years, ongoing network and maintenance costs are the responsibility of the owner of the equipment. There are after market options to continue network, maintenance and operation of equipment.

Q: Are there post-installation reporting obligations?

A: Yes. Catalyst Mobility handles all quarterly and final reporting to DOEE. Networked sites and installers must provide ongoing access to usage, uptime, and operational data through the prepaid networked maintenance package and list public stations on platforms such as PlugShare. Non-networked projects must complete commissioning and remain subject to reasonable operational verification requests. No additional recurring reports are required from site hosts beyond maintaining the networked connection where applicable and responding to reasonable requests.

Q. How can I find an EV installer?

A. Please check DOEE’s Electric Vehicle Resources web page (https://doee.dc.gov/service/electric-vehicle-resources) for a list of licensed EV Charging Service Providers. The list is not all-inclusive. DOEE does not endorse any particular company.

Helpful Resources

DOEE’s EV Resources page
Pepco’s EV Programs DC
US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center
EV Charging 101
Charge at Home Multifamily Project Builder Tool

Links

For more program information on how/where to apply, project evaluation criteria for rebates, project timelines, and Catalyst Mobility:

Attachment(s):

DC Multifamily EV Charging Assistance One-Pager.pdf

DC Multifamily EV Charging Assistance Program Guide PDF.pdf