From Contract to Charge: The 5 Stages of a Successful EV Charging Installation
Installing EV charging infrastructure in a condominium or multifamily community involves much more than placing chargers in a parking lot. Every successful project follows a structured process that combines engineering, permitting, construction, inspections, and user onboarding.
At CityVitae, we coordinate every stage of the project to ensure communities receive a safe, compliant, and fully operational charging solution.
1. Project Planning
Estimated time: 2–5 days
Every project begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the property.
Our team visits the site to assess the existing electrical infrastructure, parking layout, and installation requirements. During this phase we also perform the necessary due diligence to confirm that the proposed solution is technically viable and fits the community’s needs.
As part of the planning process, we initiate the project by filing the required Notice of Commencement, officially opening the project with the local municipality and preparing the permitting process.
This stage includes:
- Site assessment and validation
- Due diligence review
- Notice of Commencement
- Preliminary project planning
- EV charging solution design
2. Engineering & Permitting
Estimated time: 2–4 weeks
Once the project scope is confirmed, our engineering and permitting teams begin preparing all the documentation required for approval.
We design the electrical infrastructure, prepare engineering drawings, coordinate equipment procurement, and submit permit applications to the appropriate authorities.
One of the key advantages of working with CityVitae is that every project is assigned a dedicated Permit Specialist, who acts as the central point of communication between the client, engineers, electricians, utility companies, and local municipalities. This keeps the project organized and helps prevent unnecessary delays.
During this phase we also order any long-lead electrical components, such as large breakers or transformers, ensuring they arrive before installation begins.
This stage includes:
- Electrical engineering
- Permit applications
- Equipment procurement
- Long-lead component ordering
- Utility coordination
- Dedicated Permit Specialist
3. Installation
Estimated time: 2–7 days
Construction only begins once all required permits have been approved.
Our certified electricians install the electrical infrastructure, charging stations, conduits, panels, and all associated equipment according to the approved engineering plans.
Throughout the installation process, our team performs continuous quality checks to ensure the work meets both CityVitae’s standards and all local code requirements.
This stage includes:
- Electrical infrastructure installation
- Charger installation
- System integration
- Quality control
- Final installation verification
4. Commissioning
Estimated time: 3–7 days
After installation is complete, the project enters its final approval phase.
CityVitae coordinates inspections with all required municipal departments, including electrical, fire safety, zoning, and structural inspectors when applicable.
Once every inspection has been successfully completed, we finalize the project documentation, close the permitting process, configure the charging software, and perform extensive testing to verify that every charger is operating correctly before being released for public use.
This stage includes
- Municipal inspections
- Permit closure
- Software configuration
- System testing
- Final commissioning
5. Training & Support
Estimated time: 1–3 days
A successful installation doesn’t end when the chargers are energized.
Before the project is officially handed over, we provide onboarding and training for property managers, staff, and residents.
Our team configures RFID access, explains daily operation and management, and ensures that everyone involved understands how to use the charging network efficiently from day one.
Even after commissioning, CityVitae remains available to provide ongoing technical support and assistance whenever needed.
This stage includes
- Property manager training
- Resident onboarding
- RFID card setup
- Software introduction
- Ongoing support
Average Project Timeline
Most EV charging projects are completed in approximately 4–6 weeks, although timelines may vary depending on permitting requirements, equipment availability, utility coordination, and the overall complexity of the installation.
From initial planning through final commissioning and training, CityVitae manages every stage of the process, providing communities with a streamlined, turnkey EV charging solution.
