For EV drivers living in apartments or condos, accessing an EV charging station can be difficult. The only option for many is finding a public charging station. Therefore, installing one or several EV chargers in a Multi-Unit Residential Building (MURB) provides numerous benefits for EV drivers and for building managers or condo boards as well.
In this article, we’ll look at how EV chargers are installed in MURBs, including the associated costs, the top brands to choose from, electrical requirements, and more.
*Note: This article provides general information on installing EV chargers in apartments or condos. The installation process for installing EV chargers in your apartment or condo may look different, depending on the building size, age, parking layout, electrical infrastructure, and the regulatory requirements for EV charging infrastructure set by the local jurisdiction.
Before you begin
Before starting the actual installation process, here are some points to consider.
There are three charging types to choose from: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also called DC fast charging). For apartments and condos, Level 2 chargers would be the best option. Level 1 chargers, while user-friendly, have slower charge times. Level 3 chargers are typically only found at public charging stations due to their power requirements. With a Level 2 charging station, residents get fast charging times (about 4-10 hours for a full charge) and good driving range (16-50 km per hour of charging).
Next, the electrical capacity of the building should be assessed to ensure the charger (or chargers) can be supported. EV chargers can draw a large amount of power; for example, a standard Level 2 charger can use around 7 kw of power, while other models can use 19 kw. Older buildings will likely need to be retrofitted with new electrical infrastructure, while newer buildings may have been designed with EV charging in mind. An EV charger installation company can help in assessing your building’s electrical capacity and providing tailored solutions.
Some items to budget for are:
- The EV charger itself: The average price can range from $300 up to $1,500. Some higher-end models can have a $2,000 or higher price tag. Multiple chargers are likely to be installed, increasing the costs as a result
- Upgrades to the building’s electrical infrastructure: If additional upgrades are required (e.g., new circuit breakers), the installation cost will be on the higher end.
- Upgrades to the parking space. This usually involves adding a power source for the charger.
- The cost from the installation company: This will vary by company. Most EV charger installers provide free estimates
There are various upgrades that can be added to the EV charging stations. An EV energy management system (EVEMS) is a recommended technology to add to an EV charging station. Essentially, an EVEMS enables electronic communication between multiple chargers to monitor and control power consumption. For example, an EVEMS can control how quickly or slowly a vehicle is charged by determining the activity of the other charges on the circuit and the available electrical capacity. This helps prevent overloads and can lower charging costs. Another key benefit of an EVEMS is that it allows multiple chargers to be connected to a single source without major electrical overhauls.
An important point to consider is that there are multiple stakeholders in installing EV chargers in a Multi-Unit Residential Building. This includes building residents, the property manager, the condo board, and the management company. Cooperation and communication between each group is key and ensures that the installation is done efficiently and correctly, and that the interests of the building’s EV drivers are met.
Installation process
The installation process for apartments and condos is similar to installing an EV charger in a residential home, with a few differences. In all likelihood, there will be multiple chargers installed instead of only one. And as we mentioned earlier, there will be more than one party involved in the installation process, each with its own roles, responsibilities, and considerations. The process can get more complex as the number of stakeholders involved grows.
The first step is for an EV owner or owners to contact their condo board, strata council, or property manager about their interest in having an EV charger installed. The request can come via a formal written application that outlines potential charging locations, identifies required equipment, and outlines the estimated costs. In some cases, condo boards or strata councils may already be intending to install EV chargers. As we mentioned earlier, communication between both parties is key to the process running smoothly, and the interests of everyone are met.
The next step is for the involved stakeholders to begin planning the installation. Some important questions to consider in this step include:
- How many EV chargers can/should be installed?
- What types of EV charging stations should be installed?
- How much will the installation cost?
- Will the building require electrical upgrades?
- Will the installation require electrical permits?
The answers to these questions will shape how the installation plan is developed. An electrician can help in this part of the process.
The actual installation should be done by the electrician or EV charger installer, as most jurisdictions require a licensed electrician to install a Level 2 charger. Plus, improper installation of an EV charger can be hazardous and costly. While the installation is unique to each building, the general setup is each charging station placed in designated parking spaces and connected to the building’s electrical panel.
Before the installation takes place, rebates can be applied if available. The electrician can assist in this.
Once the installation is completed, the chargers should be tested before they’re first used. An inspection will also be required by the local jurisdiction to confirm that the EV chargers were installed correctly and comply with the local electrical safety code. For example, in Edmonton, any addition to an electrical system requires a permit. This includes EV charger installation. Permit application in Edmonton must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid business license with the City of Edmonton
- Be a master electrician with the City of Edmonton
- Be registered and in good standing with the Safety Codes Council
Check with your local jurisdiction to learn about the permit application process and criteria.
Lastly, the EV chargers will likely require ongoing maintenance once installed. For example, a common maintenance issue for EV chargers is damage to the cord or connectors. Periodic inspection is also recommended to ensure the chargers are in good condition. These tasks can be performed by the electrician.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install an EV charger in an apartment or condo?
As we noted earlier in this article, there are several parts that make up the overall cost of installing an EV charger.
As a general estimate, the cost for installing a single charging station in a parking spot ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This can vary by the number of chargers being installed, any required electrical upgrades, and the fee from the installation company.
Some provinces offer charging rebates that help cover some of the installation costs. For example, in British Columbia, the EV Ready program provides up to $137,000 in funding for apartments, condos, or townhomes for EV chargers and for any electrical upgrades needed to make the building EV-ready.
To learn more about EV incentives in Canada, click here.
Can the chargers be installed outdoors?
If your apartment or condo has an outdoor parking area, it is safe to install EV chargers there. Many charging stations are built for outdoor conditions. For example, the Flo Home X8 charger has an outdoor temperature rating of -40°C to 50°C, and its enclosure is waterproof and made of corrosion-resistant material.
Who are the best EV charger installers in Canada?
Several electrical companies in Canada specialize in EV charger installation. Some examples are:
- AC/DC Electricians in Toronto
- BLDG Electric in Edmonton
- Sun Solar Electrical in Calgary
We’ve also created guides for Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto that list some of the best EV Charger Installers.
