NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA — In a major move signaling a shift in commercial real estate priorities, leading property owner and operator KBS has announced a strategic partnership with EVPassport to massively expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across its nationwide portfolio of Class A office properties.
The agreement, announced December 9, 2025, positions KBS to meet the rapidly accelerating demand for sustainable, future-ready tenant amenities, solidifying EV charging as a new standard for premium office space. This is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for attracting and retaining top-tier corporate tenants.
The New Standard for Class A Amenities
The immediate focus of the partnership is to enhance the tenant experience by providing reliable, user-friendly EV charging stations directly on-site. KBS CEO and Eastern regional president Marc DeLuca emphasized the critical nature of this feature in the modern workplace.
On-site EV charging stations have become a must-have amenity,” DeLuca stated. “This partnership allows us to enhance the tenant experience with a high-performance solution that is environmentally responsible but also incredibly user-friendly.“
This is a direct response to changing tenant expectations. As more employees switch to electric vehicles, the ability to charge conveniently during the workday is quickly moving up the list of necessary workplace benefits, alongside high-speed internet and fitness centers.
Addressing the National Infrastructure Gap
The timing of this infrastructure investment highlights a necessary acceleration in commercial property development. While the U.S. saw public EV charging stations increase from about 30,000 in 2016 to nearly 200,000 by early 2025, industry projections indicate this growth is not nearly fast enough.
A recent analysis by PwC projects that EV infrastructure must grow nearly tenfold to satisfy the charging needs of an estimated 27 million EVs on the road by 2030. Partnerships like the one between KBS and EVPassport are essential to closing this looming infrastructure gap.
This aggressive deployment strategy directly impacts long-term asset value. Properties equipped with robust charging solutions are inherently more valuable and resistant to obsolescence in an increasingly electric economy.
Why Financial Stability is Key in EV Deployment
EVPassport, the chosen partner, brings a unique financial strength to the table. The company is backed by a $200 million capital commitment from Northleaf Capital Partners, a global private markets investment firm.
Robert René, CEO of EVPassport, noted that this financial backing provides reliability in a volatile sector. “Northleaf’s backing sets EVPassport apart, giving us the financial foundation and resources to deliver consistent, high-quality service regardless of shifting market conditions,” René said.
Key advantages of the EVPassport solution for property owners:
- 100% Capital Funding: EVPassport offers to fund 100% of the capital costs for deployment.
- In-House Management: Unlike competitors, EVPassport handles deployment, technology, maintenance, and connectivity upgrades internally, ensuring reliable performance.
- Best-in-Class Technology: Focus on delivering high-performance, enterprise-grade charging technology.
Driving Corporate ESG Commitments
This initiative is also deeply connected to KBS’ broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. Since launching its “Green Team” in 2022, KBS has been working toward measurable sustainability goals.
The company is currently on track to meet its first major target: achieving a 5% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the end of 2025.
By enabling tenants to reduce their reliance on carbon-intensive transportation and providing high-efficiency charging options, KBS is effectively leveraging its physical assets to drive its corporate sustainability targets. This move demonstrates how commercial real estate leaders are increasingly linking tenant services to ambitious climate goals.
DeLuca concluded, “By partnering with EVPassport, we’re deepening our commitment to reducing energy use and carbon emissions while delivering the kind of premium amenities that set our properties apart.” The partnership serves as a blueprint for how large-scale property owners can future-proof assets and meet the dual demands of corporate sustainability and tenant satisfaction.
For more information on KBS’ sustainability program please visit: https://kbs.com/impact/
