5 Steps to Get EV Chargers Approved and Installed at Your Condo

Jun 23, 2023 | Electric/EV Car Charger

ev chargers

Are you the proud owner of an electric vehicle (EV)? If so, congratulations! You are part of a growing group of people who have made the switch to EV transportation and embraced its energy-saving benefits. Owning an EV can save you money over time, but in order for that savings to become a reality, it’s important that your condo is equipped with the necessary charging infrastructure so that you can charge your vehicle while at home.

Living in California has its advantages on this topic, including the Civil Code 1947.6, which requires landowners to accept written requests by tenants if they met specific requirements.

We have put together this guide which outlines five steps for successfully getting EV chargers approved by your Homeowners Association (HOA) and then installed at your condo.

ev charging

1. Survey your neighbors and current tenants

80% of EV owners charge either at work or at work. Ask your neighbors and fellow unit owners questions related to EV chargers to help get a sense of need, demand, and interest. This helps you understand how many current tenants have or plan to purchase an electric vehicle in the near future. Additionally, surveying the tenants will provide insight into whether they would be willing to pay more for this convenient amenity. The data collected will be helpful not only in influencing decision-makers but also in planning for the future - specifically, determining the number of chargers needed.

Samples survey questions include:

  • Do you currently have an electric vehicle?
  • If not? Do you plan on buying one in the near future?
  • Would you pay more for HOA and condo fees if an EV-charging parking spot was made available for you to use?
  • How much more would you pay for this amenity?
  • What time frame would you like to see the amenity offered here?

2. Contact an electrical to review current electrical systems and help determine the best location for the charger

You’ve got the support of your neighbors now it’s time to contact a professional electrician to ensure that your electrical panel is up to the task. Older grids may struggle to handle the increased power demands of charging electric vehicles, so it’s a good idea to have a professional electrician survey your current setup. Reach out to Mario Castillo Electric to book a consultation and determine what charging level will best suit your needs. Level 2 chargers are the most commonly used for both home and commercial EV charging. You’ll also need to assess how many spots you have available for charging stations before moving forward. With the right support and planning, your condo community could be one step closer to a sustainable future.

3. Research incentives and tax rebates

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, the need for EV charger installations becomes increasingly important. Fortunately, there are many options available for those interested in tax rebates, grants, and incentive programs. These programs vary in size and requirements and are available from multiple sources including the U.S. Department of Energy, the state of California, utility companies, and more. This financial support can either offset the cost of EV charger installation or offer discounted rates for customers with electric vehicles. it is important to research which options are available in your specific area to help reduce both your carbon footprint and the strain on your wallet. Here are some rebate and incentive options available here in California via ChargePoint.

4. Formally submit your request

You’ve done a lot of heavy lifting - now it’s time to put it all together. This formal request for approval typically goes to your HOA or property manager Include all the information you’ve received from your fellow tenants, related incentive options, and recommendations from a trusted electrician. It's important to note that certain condo association policies may need to be adjusted or rewritten to accommodate the installation of EV chargers. Additionally, a permit may be required to complete the installation. Here’s an example request.

ev charger

5. Contact Mario Castillo Electric to complete the installation

Congratulations on receiving approval from your HOA and property manager for the installation of an EV charger at your condo! Now that you have the green light, it's time to choose the right service provider to complete the job. Look no further than Mario Castillo Electric. With years of experience under our belt and a partnership with ChargePoint, a leader in EV charger installation across North America and Europe, you can trust us to handle your project with the utmost professionalism and expertise. Contact us today to get started on your EV charger installation.

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