How to install EV charging at an apartment

11 steps to a successful installation at an apartment building

If you're a condo or apartment resident (or group of residents) looking to install EV charging stations in your building, it can be difficult to know where to start. We've laid out the steps involved in the process below, and provided some helpful resources and tips along the way.

Support to get started

Need help navigating the process? You can now get up to five hours of free advice and planning assistance from an expert in EV charging and equipment.

Contact an EV Advisor

Learn about rebates

There are two provincial rebate options available to help apartment and condo buildings support EV charging. There’s the EV Ready option, which is a set of three cohesive rebates for your project: creating an EV Ready plan for your building, installing the electrical infrastructure to implement your plan, and purchasing and installing the chargers to implement your plan. Or, there’s the option of the standalone EV charger rebate. 

Installation steps

Step 1: Get permission

Unless you have authority over the building, it’s likely that you’ll have to get permission in order to start the process of installing EV chargers. Follow our guide to learn how to make a successful request to your strata council or building manager to have charging stations installed.  It doesn't matter if you're a tenant or an owner, anyone can get started with a request.

To be eligible for rebates, you’ll also need to complete the proof of approval form to validate that you have obtained permission from the individual or group with authority over the property. 

Download form: Proof of approval to install electric vehicle (EV) charging [PDF, 95 KB]

Step 2: Hire an electrician

Hire a certified electrician, preferably one who has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training program. You can find a qualified electrician through our Alliance of Energy Professionals.

Step 3: Select location

Determine where the chargers will be installed.

Step 4: Check your electrical system

Determine whether the electrical infrastructure in your building can accommodate the EV charging stations and make upgrades as needed.

Check to make sure you have sufficient electricity flowing into your property to support EV chargers.  If you're not sure how to check your electrical capacity, you can learn by following these steps.  

Step 5: Contractor consultation

To be eligible for charger rebates, your electrician will need to complete a contractor consultation form. Be aware that this may not be completed during their preliminary visit. You'll need to include the completed form when you submit your pre-approval application.

Download form: EV contractor consultation form for condos/apartments and workplaces [PDF, 110 KB]

Step 6: Review building rules

Review any rules and bylaws in place at your building and plan to make any changes that may be required to meet them.

To meet our rebate eligibility criteria, you’ll need to wait until you’ve received pre-approval from BC Hydro before you purchase and install chargers.

Step 7: Draft user agreement

Establish a framework for user agreements with residents. You may need to consult with a lawyer.

Step 8: Rebate pre-approval

Submit a pre-approval application to get a rebate on the purchase and installation of the charging stations.

To meet our rebate eligibility criteria, you’ll need to wait until you’ve received pre-approval from BC Hydro before you purchase or install chargers.

Apply for pre-approval: EV charger rebates for apartment/condo buildings

Step 9: Select chargers

Choose and purchase EV chargers. See models eligible for charger rebates and choose a networked charger from our database of eligible chargers for apartments and workplaces.

Know your options: Choosing an EV charger

Step 10: Installation

Install the EV charging station. Your electrician will ensure that the necessary permits are obtained and that the work is inspected by your municipality (or Technical Safety BC) upon completion. Your electrician needs to complete the contractor installation form after the installation is complete. You'll need this form when you apply for a rebate.

There are a few versions of the form. Download and complete the version of the form that’s right for your project. 

Step 11: Rebate application

Gather your documentation and submit your application for a rebate online.

Complete your application: EV charger rebates for apartment/condo buildings

Electricity requirements

Does your building have enough electricity to charge EVs?

Part of determining your charging options is finding out if your building has sufficient electrical capacity to accommodate the additional load from EV charging. By using BC Hydro metering data, an engineer and/or electrical contractor can perform a load calculation to determine if your electrical system has sufficient capacity. 

To gather your metering data, use the process for your building type below.

If you need to upgrade your service, learn about new electrical connections and extensions and associated connection fees.