Homeowners can simply buy and install an EV charger but it’s different for people living in an apartment or condo. You can take advantage of Right to Charge laws if you live in a state or city like California, Oregon, Colorado, Florida, or Ontario CA. This means the complex owner will have a hard time refusing your request for an EV charging station. However, it’s a little more difficult to get EV charging for MUDs in states without a Right to Charge law.

But all is not lost, there are some steps you can take to get EV charging at your multi-family complex.

How to Get EV Charging for My Apartment or Condo

Instead of plugging your EV into a 120V outlet, and upsetting the complex owner, you can take the following steps.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Talk to your neighbors to see who owns an EV or is thinking about getting one. Compile a list of these residents and take it to the complex owner, board, or HOA. Sometimes, all that’s needed for approval is knowing that more than one resident wants EV charging at the complex.

Determine the Project Scale

Most MUD owners and managers know if one resident has an EV charger in their parking spot, others are going to request the same amenity. MUD owners also know they can’t refuse other residents if they say yes to your request.

Instead of installing one EV charger in your dedicated parking spot, suggest placing the station in a general parking spot. This way, more than one resident will have access to the station. If your residential survey suggests a greater demand for charging stations, you may want to suggest the complex install two or more.

Don’t forget to include information about how EV chargers can increase property values, retain and attract tenants, and even provide an additional revenue stream the MUD can use to cover other projects.

Find Out If the Building Can Handle the Necessary Electrical Load

Older electrical grids may not be able to handle the additional load necessary to power EV chargers. You can look into EV charging operating systems, some help manage load capabilities so an upgrade may not be necessary.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for the EV Charger

The cost will be one of the primary concerns for any MUD. If you are the only one using the EV charger, it’s reasonable to expect to cover the purchasing or rental costs. Level 1 chargers are inexpensive, compatible with most 120V outlets, and a breeze to install. Your building can charge you for the electricity used to power your battery.

Please Note: It can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an electric vehicle with a Level 1 AC charger.

If the EV charger is for the use of all residents, you will probably go with a Level 2 EV AC Charger or a Level 3 DC Fast Charger. In this case, you will need to partner with a vendor. The vendor will supply, install, operate, and maintain the charging station. Residents using the charger can split the costs by having it added to their monthly rent total.

Who Pays for Electrical Usage

If the charger is in your parking space, you will pay electrical usage costs. However, it’s a little different with shared EV chargers. If more than one resident is using a charger, it’s a good idea to go with a networked unit. This way, the network tracks energy usage for each vehicle owner ensuring everyone only pays for the electricity they use.

You can also mention that the complex can open the EV chargers up to the public. The network will automatically charge a usage fee. This creates an additional revenue stream for the complex.

Talk to Us About EV Charging for MUDs

If you are creating a strategy to have EV chargers installed in your apartment or condo complex, contact Apogee Charging Solutions. To speak with an Apogee Charging Solutions expert about EV charging stations for your MUD, call 484-816-2076, email [email protected], or you can schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.