In major metropolitan areas across the country, a large number of residents live in multi-unit dwellings like apartment complexes and condominiums. As more people switch to electric vehicles (EV), condominiums need to invest in charging stations.

Enabling electric vehicle charging in condominiums is necessary for residents that drive EVs. It helps retain tenants and there are tax incentives for complexes that install electric vehicle charging stations.

Key Takeaways

• Multi-unit complexes like condominiums, townhomes, and apartments need charging solutions for residents driving electric vehicles.
• Leadership from homeowner associations (HOA), property managers, and building owners is essential for getting charging infrastructure installed for tenants’ use.

Planning for Electric Charging Stations in Condos

Not all condominium complexes are laid out the same, and this includes parking. Some complexes have plenty of parking, while others do not have a lot or assigned spaces for residents’ vehicles. There are solutions for any complex configuration that will also pay for themselves.

Equipment

• Install Level 2 or 3 charging. Level 2 charging stations are slower but are more cost-effective.
• Upgrade to charging stations that can service more than one vehicle at a time.
• Use charging stations in the complex that are designed to track the energy usage of more than one vehicle. You also want the stations to have the technology to bill the individual users for electricity usage.
• Also, consider the ease of use of the EV charger. – Our video below shares just how easy it is to operate our Noodoe EV chargers. 

Location

• Install the charging stations where labor is cheapest. Residents may have to trade parking spaces to ensure EV drivers can park next to the station.
• Take advantage of guest parking and use the empty spaces to install multiple charging stations.
• Have an arrangement with a next-door business or shopping center to use a few of their spaces for resident vehicle charging.
• Work with city leadership to install charging stations at street parking spots.

If none of these solutions are viable, EV drivers can still charge their vehicles at work or another public station. Look for DC stations, that have a faster charging time.

Cost

• Adopt other energy-efficient measures to free up electricity and reduce overhead.
• Drivers that have to park off the lot for charging can bundle the cost for both.

Considerations for EV Chargers in Condos

California is one of the first states to pass a bill protecting the rights of condo residents to install home charging systems for their electric vehicles. If the building owner or property manager does not or cannot install the system, the tenant can legally do so.

The bill makes it illegal for property owners to deny drivers of electric vehicles the right to install a charging system. If the charging system is installed by the property owner, they are included on the homeowner insurance liability policy. It covers any damages or injuries to persons using the device.

EV Chargers for Condos – Installation Steps

Planning and permission are the first steps, along with planning for electric usage. From there, the next steps are as follows,

1. Get the necessary permits
2. Have electric service routed to the charging stations
3. Install and wire the stations
4. Inspect the installation
5. Have an electric meter attached
6. Allow residents to start charging their vehicles

Most condo associations agree it’s easier than they thought to install a charging system, as long as you have a professional company do the install.

Checklist for EV Chargers in Condominiums

Building managers and property owners need to establish policies that cover how residents install electric vehicle charging systems. Answering the following questions will help you create effective policies that benefit everyone.

• Estimate the number of tenants likely to drive electric vehicles. – We suggest looking at the potential number of vehicles estimated for the next 5 years.
• Do you want individual charging stations or ones designed for multiple vehicles? – Single vehicle chargers are often the driver’s responsibility, while multi-car ones are the responsibility of the complex.
• Are there restrictions in or around the parking lot that will limit where the charging stations are?
• Will you have a problem reassigning tenant parking spaces after the charging stations are installed?
• Do you need to move/create handicap parking spaces by charging stations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
• Do individual condos have the electricity capacity to support a charging station?
• Can you utilize the electricity in common areas to power the charging systems, instead, of adding more electrical lines?
• Does the charging station come with advanced technology that tracks energy usage and bills the appropriate customer?
• What type of charging station do most EV drivers need, level 2 or level 3?
• Who retains the charging equipment after the tenant moves?

You also want to check all regulatory requirements, whether it’s a public charging station for all residents or a single one for a specific tenant.

Condos with Electric Charging Stations

It’s not required in all states, but there are reasons condominium owners want to look into installing EV charging stations.

The U.S. EV market is growing, and states like California are recognizing it. New laws are being passed requiring property managers of multi-dwelling complexes to allow tenants to install charging systems for their electric vehicles.

There are also incentives for property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations for their residents.

It does take some planning, but it’s worth the time and effort when tenants stay longer, and you start seeing some of the tax incentives. To speak with an Apogee Charging Solutions EV charging expert, call 484-816-2076 or email [email protected]. Or you can schedule a call by clicking the button below.