EV Charger in your townhouse
So you want to install an EV charger in your townhouse condo? Owners require written permission to install the EV charger at their townhouse unit, even if it does not encroach on the common elements. There are forms on the CAO for owners to submit a request to install one at their own unit, and another set of forms if they are proposing it to be installed on the common element areas: https://www.condoauthorityontario.ca/resource/electric-vehicle-charging-systems/.
Why do I need permission?
The reason being, that there are different levels of EV chargers, and the community has a limited amount of electrical power coming from the City of London power grid. Your Corporation’s electrical capacity is limited.
What are my next steps, if I want an EV Charger?
You’ve already checked out the Government of Canada’s Guide and made your decisions on what you’d like? The bare minimum would be to request permission from the Board in case there are any concerns, and to sign an Alteration Agreement, if approved. It will be your responsibility, as the unit owners, to have a licensed electrician out to make sure the unit can withstand the hydro requirements etc. and to advise the Board where it would be installed. Once the Board is satisfied with the information, the Agreement can be signed, registered and you can go ahead. Make sure you notify your own insurance company as this will now count as contents! The insurance company for the condo corporation may also want to be notified where there may be EV chargers – we have heard it mentioned but not required, so far.
As a Board, what can we do?
This process is relatively new to condominiums with many lawyers still weighing in. We are recommending that our Boards start considering adding guidelines and requirements for their Corporations, so owners know they need to take extra steps before simply proceeding. The next step would also be to establish a request form, at a Corporation level. One of our Corporations has gone so far as to set out some basic technical requirements for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. While we won’t share this information, as it is likely changing rapidly, they have set out some of the things to consider:
“Owners considering the purchase of a PHEV or EV must consider the following:
1. Check your main electrical panel to verify that you have the space available to add a 1-Pole/20 Amp breaker and/or a 2-Pole/50 Amp breaker. You may need the assistance of an electrician to do this.
2. Any PHEV hybrid electric owner may only need a Level 1 type charger (12 Amp charge at 1.4 KW).
3. All full BEV (EV) owners must limit their charger to the Level 2 type rated not more than 40 Amp charge or 9.6 KW on a 50 Amp circuit.”
Please discuss creating a formal request process with your manager, as it’s really part of the future.
