Request EV charging in your condo or strata building

• What kind of charging do you need? Is Level 1 sufficient or do you need Level 2?
• Find out more about choosing an EV charger
• What kind of access is required? Will the charging happen in a private or shared stall(s)? Will it be open to any EV driver?
• What is the distance between where you want to park your EV and an electrical outlet?
• Does your building already have EV charging? Talk to the people using the charging station to understand what the installation process was.
• Is there an existing EV policy in your building? If there is, get a copy and read it so that you know the process.
• Do other people in your building also want EV charging? The more people who are interested, the more convincing your request will be.

If you’re working on a larger project to make your building EV Ready – where every parking space has a junction box capable of providing Level 2 charging – you may want to look into the options for professional support at this stage. An EV advisor can give you advice, and if the program reopens, rebates could be available for the cost of getting an EV Ready plan made by an electrical contractor. 

With the information you've gathered, you're ready to submit a written request for EV charging to your building manager or strata council.

You should indicate what charging station is needed – Level 1 or Level 2 – and where the charger will be located. You'll need to indicate the construction and installation implications for your preferred options.

You can also explain the additional benefits that come with installing EV charging:

• Revenue options that could include fixed-fee EV charging, installing a separate account for EV charging, or selecting a networked charger that is able to track the amount of electricity used by an individual.
• EV charging stations can also add value to the building by retaining existing residents, attracting new ones and increasing real estate values.

Make sure your building manager or strata council know about the EV charging rebates that could be available for apartment/condo buildings, which provides funding for EV chargers and related infrastructure.

Approval of your request must come from the building owner or strata council. Depending on the specific bylaws and rules, stratas may need to get approval from homeowners. You should work with your strata council to inform homeowners about all the benefits of having EV charging stations.

Make sure the EV charger agreement is in writing, and consider including the following information:

• Who owns the charger?
• Who will arrange the purchase and installation of the equipment?
• Who will pay for it?
• Who will pay for charger maintenance?
• How will the cost of electricity be paid for?

Once the agreement is in place, the installation can begin to be arranged. A certified electrician who has completed the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training program should be hired to do any wiring and installation. They'll take care of getting any permits and will arrange for the required inspection. You can find a qualified electrician through our Alliance of Energy Professionals.

If you’re planning on applying for rebates, you’ll need to get pre-approval from BC Hydro before purchasing chargers or doing any electrical work.