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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

Installing an EV charger in an apartment garage

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.

    • Request 12 months of hourly consumption data for the entire building by submitting a Request for customer load data form [PDF, 65 KB]
      • Send the completed form to businessaccountservices@bchydro.com
      • If the request form is completed by a third party (e.g. an electrician), they must complete the indicated sections to verify that they have approval to do so  
    • Ask each resident to provide you with hourly consumption data for the last 12 months, which they can access via their MyHydro data export centre
    • Ask the individual or group that manages the property’s common area for hourly consumption data for the last 12 months

    Once you have the current electricity data, work with your electrician or engineer to determine if there is sufficient capacity remaining to support the EV charging infrastructure you’re planning to add, or if you need to modify your electrical service. 

Charging considerations

Before you start the installation process, consider these things:

  • You’ll need to create a plan for how to allocate and share costs related to the EV chargers. These costs include the purchase and installation of the chargers, charger maintenance as needed, as well as the ongoing electricity use for charging. 

    There are a lot of good resources available to help your strata or residents’ group get started. You can start by visiting PlugIn BC for information, including a guide for strata properties that outlines the technology, requirements, costs, and rules associated with EV charger installation, and recommendations for how to manage these considerations. 

    The prices for Level 2 EV chargers vary depending on several factors, including the number of vehicles they can charge at once. To be eligible for charger rebates, choose a networked charger from our database of rebate eligible chargers for apartments and workplaces. 

    Once your EV chargers are installed, there are a few different ways you can track and bill electricity costs for charging for your building. Learn about apartment metering and billing costs. 

  • EV chargers can make your building more appealing to EV drivers, and attracting these tenants or owners comes with big benefits. Installing EV charging stations for residents will:

    • Attract and retain engaged residents
    • Increase revenues
    • Help your building meet new and emerging standards introduced by municipalities and the province
    • Increase the value of the property
    • Meet sustainability goals

    Your building may also be interested in installing one or more Level 3 chargers for commercial use.

  • If your building is in the process of planning upgrades to support EV charging at its residential parking stalls, there are provincial rebates available to help. There’s the standalone EV charger rebate offer, as well as the EV Ready rebates, which help subsidize the cost of planning and installing the necessary electrical infrastructure to support your current or future EV charging needs.

    EV charging rebates for apartment/condo buildings

     

Related content

Request EV charging in your building

Get the guide

EV charging rebates for apartment and condo buildings

Apply for pre-approval

EV chargers eligible for rebates

View eligible chargers

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
  • Fast charger help centre

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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