Homeowner Association (HOA)
EV charging can add value and benefits to a building and its residents. Some benefits include providing a competitive edge as an amenity and potentially increasing property values of the units or building.
This guide is for a Homeowner Association who may be considering installing EV chargers in your building or have been approached by residents or homeowners to do so.
This guide outlines how to plan, get support and implement EV charging project for your building or complex. There are multiple stakeholders that are involved in an EV charging project and we have presented a step- by- step guide on what you should consider and who to contact when planning your project. There are also helpful links to incentive programs to fund your project as well as templates to help you propose your project to the various stakeholders.
EV Charging Roadmap
Building and Electrical Considerations for EV Charging
Evaluate your property as HOA decision-maker
Conduct a building electrical evaluation
Find and meet with a qualified electrician to determine the desired load from the EV Charging and to evaluate the building’s existing electrical service and capacity.
Meet with the electric utility’s account representative
Evaluate parking
The MUD Building Self-Evaluation Survey will help you evaluate parking at your property.
Charging Programs and Incentives
Understand utility, local, state and federal programs, incentives and policies
There are federal tax credits and often local incentives for EV charger installations.
Many states have adopted “right-to-charge” laws to ensure renters and homeowners can install EV charging.
Stakeholder Engagement
Determine homeowner interest in EV charging
Conduct a charging HOA to Resident EV Charging Demand Survey for your building to understand unit-owner expectations and future demand for charging infrastructure.
Educate residents on benefits of EVs and EV charging infrastructure
Conduct a resident charging demand survey
Use the Resident EV Charging Demand Survey template.
Educate homeowners and residents
Provide an overview of EVs and EV charging, any potential changes to parking situation, cost considerations (operation, maintenance, insurance) and technologies.
Provide homeowners with detailed information about EVs and charging so they can be involved in the decision-making process.
Educate stakeholders on decision-making process and participation.
Keep stakeholders informed on how decisions will be made and how to participate.
Identify any HOA-specific issues
Charging Program Design
Identify any barriers to EV charging implementation
Take the MUD Self-Evaluation Survey to understand your building’s major barriers.
Select best technology for site
Use the Technology Selection Tool.
Develop best practices and operation models
Identify location for EV charging
Charger or EV-ready circuit installation costs increase dramatically the further the charger is from the electrical panel.
Develop strategy for maintenance management
Identify payment strategies and options
Project Approval
Follow up with residents and stakeholders
Obtain proposals/bids
Obtain quotes and proposals for suitable charging station configurations. Consider including a proposal process.
Receive board approval and refine project
Follow HOA approval process for improvements and structural changes and refine project specifications as necessary.
Installation
Follow the installation checklist
Use the installation checklist for guidance.
Follow up with residents and stakeholders
Obtain bids from installers
Obtain bids from contacting electricians. Inquire with the electrician if the site has enough power for charging and the extent and cost of any necessary electrical work.
Electrician obtains permit, if required
An electrical permit may be required for the installation of an EV charging station.
A building permit is required where new building construction or alterations to an existing structure are proposed.
Installation of technology
If networked, initiate EV charger commissioning process
Networked EV chargers must be commissioned. This includes confirming that all electrical components and connectors are working and that a secure connection to the network has been established.
