MURB and Workplace Charging
Together, home and workplace charging stations will account for almost all EV charging time. There are resources and incentives specifically for multi-unit residential buildings (condos, apartments, some townhomes) and for workplaces. These situations use similar technology, but are more complicated than single family homes.
Installing Electric Vehicle Charging In Your Building: A guide to the selection, installation and maintenance of electric vehicle chargers in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings.
Charging in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Living in a strata can sometimes present challenges to charging your EV at home. Townhouses and condominium buildings are all unique in the way they operate and allocate space to residents making it difficult to figure out how to have a charger installed and more importantly, who pays?
Do I own my parking stall?
Most residents wouldn’t think too much about who owns their parking stall, they park their car there so it must be theirs right? On strata properties there are three designations that break up the land/building between the owners:
Strata Lot:
Although you technically own the area, charging your vehicle when your parking is part of your strata lot depends on your strata’s bylaws. The strata by-laws may dictate a need for approval from the strata board for major changes or equipment that will be visible on the exterior of your residence. Always check with your strata board if you are uncertain!
Who pays for charging on Limited Common Property or Common Property?
With the high cost of retrofitting an existing structure there always comes a point when someone will ask who is paying for this work. If a resident has met resistance in their request for EV charging it can be helpful to approach the issue as with any other area of the property, shared amenities are paid for by the strata while private use items are purchased by owners.
Limited Common Property
In the case of limited common property the strata could undertake the installation and the cost of extending the electrical conduit throughout the parking structure while owners can choose to hook up an EVSE/outlet at their designated parking space. This sets up a structure so future residents pay approximately the same amount to access charging in their stalls as current residents.
Common Property
Installing EV charging in visitor parking is another option residents may want to explore. Having the chargers on common property means any resident can access and use the stations. In this case the charging stations would be a shared amenity and the installation/cost would be the responsibility of the strata. The cost and ongoing maintenance could be recouped by charging a fee to access the stations.
When going through the process of determining the best way to charge your EV be sure to keep your strata board engaged with the process. Many residents are concerned with issues of cost and freeloading while EV owners are usually willing to pay for the use of an outlet or charging station. Keeping all parties involved and informed can give you a good foundation!
Your strata may be eligible for the CleanBC – Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program and assistance from an EV Advisor.
Strata Resources
The following user agreement and bylaw templates provide a starting point to becoming EV ready. Of course these are not meant to be substitutes for seeking legal counsel.
Charging at Work
Other than charging at home, the workplace is the next likely option. Don’t worry about needing a fast charging station at work; since employees will be parked for hours at a time, level 2 charging stations or even regular wall outlets are sufficient.
Networked charging stations allow employers to set up charging permissions, rates, hours of availability, and public access.
Your workplace may be eligible for the CleanBC – Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program and assistance from an EV Advisor.