Humm Transforms Windrose Tower into a Smart Charging Hub with No Upfront Costs for the HOA

Project Overview

Windrose Tower, a luxury high-rise condominium community in Plano, TX, faced significant challenges in upgrading its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Humm Energy, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based EV charging provider, offered a cost-effective solution that eliminated the need for a substantial upfront investment and ongoing operational expenses. By transforming the parking garage into a smart charging hub, Humm provided faster, more accessible EV charging for residents, all without any cost to the Homeowners Association (HOA).

The Challenge

Windrose Tower is home to 98 residences, and prior to Humm’s involvement, the property had 13 EverCharge brand charging stations installed by the developer in common-area parking spaces. These existing stations, though functional, were limited to relatively slow 32-amp chargers. The HOA, alongside many residents, sought faster chargers, fewer common-area stations, and the ability to charge in individual parking spaces.

However, upgrading to the desired system presented multiple obstacles:

• A significant capital outlay for electrical infrastructure upgrades, new equipment, and installation.

• The need for Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the parking garage to enable a smart charging network.

• Ongoing operational costs related to maintenance, metering, and billing.

Our Innovative Solution

Humm Energy’s unique approach to EV charging eliminates two major barriers to adoption for multi-family communities like Windrose Tower: high initial costs and the ongoing expense of system management. Rather than selling equipment, Humm operates on a usage-based revenue model, charging EV drivers based on their utilization of the chargers.

In Windrose Tower’s case, Humm was able to seamlessly deliver the following improvements:

• Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades: Humm technicians installed 3 new transformers and panel boards to add significant electrical load to the system.

• 38 Charging Stations Installed: A total of 38 Level 2 (48-amp) charging stations were installed - 6 in common areas and 32 at individual parking spaces. This is the largest multi-family EV charging installation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

• Designed so Every Residence Can Get a Charging Station: The system was designed so that each residence can have its own dedicated charging station, ensuring convenience for all residents.

• Faster Charging: All newly installed stations operate at 50% faster charging speeds compared to the previous 32-amp chargers, significantly reducing wait times for residents.

• Smart Charging Network: Wi-Fi connectivity was installed throughout the parking garage, linking all stations to Humm’s proprietary operating software. This enables remote monitoring, load sharing, access control, usage metering, and customer billing.

No Cost to the HOA

The entire EV charging system was installed, monitored, and is maintained at NO COST to the Windrose Tower HOA. Instead, Humm financed the system’s deployment and generates revenue through modest subscription and usage fees, which are typically lower than the cost of a Tesla supercharger, and a one-time access fee for residents seeking an individual charging station.

As explained by Steven Bolos, the Windrose Tower Board President, “…the big issue was the financial ability to actually execute. Because most HOAs don’t have those kinds of funds in reserve.” Bolos went on to say, “it is pretty seamless and the technology is simple and the cars are charging pretty quick.…so, we’re pretty thrilled.”