EV Efficiency Pulls Ahead—Building Property Brands with Smart Charging

The simple physics

Electric motors waste far less energy than gasoline engines. U.S. Department of Energy data show a typical EV delivers about 87–91% of the energy it stores to actually move the car, while a gasoline engine turns only ~20–30% of the fuel’s energy into motion and loses the rest as heat. That basic advantage means fewer kilowatt-hours per mile—and cleaner miles as the power grid adds more renewables.

What the newest studies say

A new PLOS Climate analysis finds that although building an EV creates more emissions upfront (mainly from the battery), an EV overtakes a comparable gas car in roughly two years of normal U.S. driving—and keeps widening the gap as the grid cleans up. The study also counts air-pollution damages and still finds the EV clearly ahead over a vehicle’s life.

Independent checks point the same direction: the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimates U.S. 2024 EVs emit about 66–74% less over their full life cycle than similar gasoline models, depending on vehicle type and local electricity mix. The International Energy Agency likewise reports large lifetime cuts (around 40–60%) when choosing a battery-electric car instead of a gasoline one. (For context, AP's write-up of the new research hits the same headline point about the two-year crossover.)

Why this matters to a building owner

Charging is a visible signal that your property is modern, convenient, and aligned with tenants’ sustainability goals. CBRE’s 2025 Occupier Sentiment Survey found 43% of office tenants say sustainable building features influence rent negotiations, and 40% specifically weigh EV charging when choosing space. JLL similarly warns that demand for lower-carbon space is reshaping leasing conversations. In short: onsite charging can help attract and retain premium tenants.

The Urban Land Institute adds that “grid-interactive” buildings—those that can shift or modulate big electric loads like EV charging—can lower utility costs and strengthen resilience. That’s a practical way to pair an amenity with operating savings.

Planning without the jargon (and without overcommitting)

• Power capacity (the size of your “pipe”): Today’s fast chargers often deliver 150–200 kW. As newer EVs accept faster charging, peak power per parking bay will rise—even if charging time drops. Leave room in your electrical room and trenching now (extra conduit, panel space) so upgrades later don’t require re-digging. (Think: pour the concrete once.) Evidence that faster charging is coming rests on the efficiency physics above and on mainstream studies showing EVs’ momentum.

  
  

• Cables and cooling (so equipment stays safe and usable): Higher-power charging uses liquid-cooled cables to stay comfortable to handle. You don’t have to buy the highest-amp models across the board; fitting a few premium bays with upgradable, liquid-cooled hardware is a future-proof hedge. (This simply follows from higher current = more heat.)

  
  

• A building battery (think: on-site “shock absorber”): A small battery system can charge when electricity is cheaper and then cover the short, steep spikes when several cars plug in at once. That helps avoid “demand charges,” the extra fees utilities apply based on your single highest 15-minute power draw each month. The ULI report explains how modulating EV charging—or briefly drawing from a battery instead of the grid—can lower those peaks.

  
  

• Metrics to watch: (1) Peak power at your site during busy windows, (2) Average charging time per session, and (3) Tenant usage (who’s charging and when). These three numbers tell you when to add more plugs or step up power.

  
  

Bottom line

Across multiple independent studies, the story is consistent: EVs are inherently more energy-efficient and already cleaner over their full life on most U.S. grids. For commercial real estate, adding well-placed charging now does double duty—tenant appeal and a path to lower operating costs when paired with smart load control or a modest onsite battery. That’s a practical, low-regret step while the vehicle market keeps scaling.

Conclusion: keep this on your radar the smart way

Treat these findings as a directional green light, not a reason to overspend. Start with the bones you won’t want to redo—spare conduit, panel capacity, a few liquid-cooled bays, and basic data logging—then recheck your plan every six to twelve months. Watch the three simple metrics above and tenant feedback. If adoption at your property climbs, you can scale confidently; if it’s slower, you’ve still improved the experience and positioned your building as an amenity-rich, future-ready address.