Forrestal Fast-Tracks Electrification With Charging as a Service

DOE evaluated EV charging options and opted to lease 24 new charging ports in the Forrestal parking garage.

Federal Energy Management Program

November 8, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) fast-tracked 24 new leased charging ports in the Forrestal building parking garage, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of fleet operations and advancing the agency's decarbonization goals.

Electric vehicles plugged into a charging station in a parking garage.

Project Background

In 2022, DOE upgraded its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Forrestal garage, leveraging a cost-effective leasing strategy that futureproofed its operations, supported fleet electrification, and aligned with decarbonization goals.

Built in 1969, the 1.7-million-ft2 building houses DOE staff in Washington, D.C. A natural target for decarbonizing the federal building portfolio, the sprawling office complex has undergone multiple energy efficiency retrofits over the past three decades. 

To support charging for the increasing number of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in its fleet and provide on-site charging for its employees, DOE wanted to expand the number of EV charging stations, including replacing two outdated, malfunctioning units. 

The big question at the outset was how to get the project across the finish line most efficiently and cost-effectively. The Forrestal garage was fortunate to have the electrical infrastructure capacity to support the increased load from the EV charging stations. That existing electrical infrastructure helped to keep costs manageable and the project feasible.

Evaluating Charging Options

To gain critical perspective and insight, DOE teamed up with a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Tiger Team to conduct a thorough assessment. Along with identifying the optimal number of EV charging stations and ports based on the fleet size and the layout of the garage, the assessment:

  • Identified potential installation locations and scalability options based on projected needs.
  • Considered electrical capacity, equipment, and future load analyses.
  • Incorporated multiple scenarios and cost analyses.

The crux was whether to lease the EV charging stations or purchase them outright. A five-year cost-comparison analysis revealed several disadvantages associated with owning the equipment outright, including: 

  • Larger up-front cost and use of capital expense funds.
  • Likelihood of near-term technological improvements in EV charging equipment within the decade.
  • Additional annual costs for cloud-based services and warranties.

On the other hand, the analysis found the potentially higher long-term costs associated with leasing were offset by multiple advantages, including:

  • Futureproofing (equipment upgrades every 3 to 5 years).
  • Paying lower up-front costs and using operating expense funds.
  • Wrapping installation and configuration costs into the lease agreement.
  • Receiving additional services, including warranty/repairs, monitoring, payment processing, and system upgrades.
  • Having flexibility to reassess after five years based on fleet size and policy changes.
A designated electric vehicle charging space in a parking garage.

Project Outcomes

Based on the analysis, DOE opted to proceed with leasing the charging stations. Forrestal's 24 new Level 2 charging ports are now online, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of fleet operations, providing a benefit to employees who drive EVs, and advancing the agency's decarbonization goals.

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