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Moon Five Technologies, a clean energy startup, has secured a $3.4 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for renters. The funding, awarded under the REACH 3.0 program, will facilitate the deployment of over 450 EV charging units across multifamily properties in Los Angeles and San Francisco. This initiative specifically targets disadvantaged communities that have been historically underserved by clean energy infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- Moon Five Technologies was awarded a $3.4 million grant by the California Energy Commission.
- The project will install over 450 EV charging units for renters in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- The initiative focuses on providing accessible EV charging in low-income and underserved communities.
- The company’s unique “plug-and-play” model connects chargers directly to a tenant’s existing electrical meter, avoiding costly building upgrades.
- Partnerships with nonprofit housing providers will help reach high-need areas.
A New Approach for Renters
Moon Five Technologies has developed a renter-first EV charging ecosystem, Horizon, which provides a direct-to-tenant solution. This model leverages California’s “Right to Charge” legislation, allowing tenants to install personal EV chargers. The company’s plug-and-play units are installed downstream of a resident’s existing meter, using available electrical capacity to charge the vehicle.
This innovative approach eliminates the need for direct utility involvement and avoids disruption or additional costs for property owners. While traditional, utility-driven upgrades can take months or even years, Moon Five’s process can be completed in as little as two weeks.
“EV charging has never really been built for renters until now,” said Stephan Ng, CEO of Moon Five Technologies. “Our unique model puts renters first, making it possible to install reliable, affordable charging without costly upgrades or utility delays.”
Prioritizing Equitable Access
The REACH 3.0 grant is specifically designed to support projects that bring clean transportation infrastructure to communities most affected by climate change and pollution. Moon Five’s strategy aligns with this mission by partnering with Los Angeles and Bay Area-based nonprofit housing providers to identify high-impact sites.
“Accessible EV charging is critical if we want families to be part of the clean transportation future, but too often renters are left without options,” stated Carleen Cullen, co-founder and executive director at Cool the Earth, a partner organization. “Moon Five’s renter-first approach changes that equation by bringing affordable, reliable charging directly to where people live.”
Innovative Technology and Future Growth
A core component of Moon Five’s infrastructure is its proprietary energy management system (EMS), which is paired with a bidirectional-ready charger. By wiring the system to the tenant’s meter, it creates a dedicated circuit that balances the electrical load at the apartment level to prevent overloads. This design also enables load shedding and bidirectional energy resiliency, giving tenants more control over their energy use and preparing for future grid integration.
“Moon Five’s renter-first model is exactly the kind of innovation we need to enhance access to EV charging and accelerate EV adoption, particularly in disadvantaged communities,” said Adrienne Lindgren, Senior Vice President at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI).
As the company prepares for deployments to begin in early 2026, it is actively hiring and seeking partnerships with property owners, cities, and community organizations. Interested renters and property owners can learn more and see if they qualify by visiting the company’s website at www.moonfive.tech.
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