If you live in an apartment or condo that doesn't have EV charging stations or needs additional parking spots for EV charging, you're probably wondering about the best way to approach your building manager or strata council to get EV charging installed. We're here to help you prepare your request.
Gather any useful or relevant information
- 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.
Make a formal request to your building manager or strata council
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 B.C. Home and Workplace EV Charging program, which provides rebates for the purchase and installation of EV charging stations.
Getting approval and arranging for installation of the EV charging station
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 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
Rebates are available for condos and apartments
Condo and apartment building owners, managers, strata councils, or other building representatives who are responsible for an eligible condo or apartment in B.C., may be eligible for rebates on the purchase and installation of EV charging stations. This incentive does not apply to new construction; pre-approval is required.
The amount of the rebate depends on when the building was constructed and how this relates to municipal bylaws requiring EV-ready parking stalls.
- Constructed prior to municipal bylaws: Up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of eligible, new, Level 2 (208 volt or 240 volt) charging stations or energized outlets to a maximum of $14,000 (no more than $2,000 per station). Dual-port stations count as two.
- Constructed after municipal bylaws: Up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of eligible, new, Level 2 (208 volt or 240 volt) charging stations to a maximum of $5,000 (no more than $350 per station). Dual-port stations count as two.
What if your request for a Level 2 EV charger is denied?
You don't need a Level 2 charging station to power your EV. You can use a Level 1 charger plugged into a standard three-pronged outlet. It just takes longer to charge.
Also, many people manage to own an EV without charging at home by taking advantage of charging stations at work or at one of the more than 1,000 publicly available chargers in B.C., including a growing network of fast charging stations.
Find a charging station near you and learn all about BC Hydro's fast charging network