Right now, the electric vehicle ownership experience is optimized for the owner who lives in a single-family home. A level 2 home AC charger costs a few hundred dollars, and with a garage or carport, an EV that gets plugged in each night is an EV that starts each day with a 100 percent charged […]
Condo board considers installing EV chargers for unit owners (IL)
Q: I am on the board of directors of a homeowners association (HOA) in Evanston, Illinois. The board is gathering information about installing electrical vehicle (EV) chargers on our HOA property. The board is particularly interested in the concept that was described in your article from last year. You said there is an option for […]
HOAs are blocking solar panels and native lawns. Here’s how to fight back.
More Americans than ever are running afoul of their HOAs for updating their homes in ways that benefit the environment, adding solar panels, native lawns, EV chargers, clotheslines or gardens. Once a rarity, 84 percent of newly built, single-family homes sold in 2022 were part of HOAs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Read the […]
EV charging in FL condos – can an Association prohibit owners from installing EV charging outlets in their assigned parking spaces?
EV charging in Florida condo buildings and communities is much more involved than having a charging outlet installed in the garage of your Single-Family Home. Today we are doing an overview of Florida Condominium Owners Associations (COAs) allowing unit owners to install a dedicated charging outlet at their individual parking spaces, and/or the Association installing […]
Storing e-bikes, e-scooters in your condo? A handful of B.C. strata councils say no
Faced with growing concerns about e-bike and e-scooter battery fires, a small but growing number of strata councils in the province are banning them from buildings. “The number of strata corporations, … probably 15 or 20, have in the last year taken the position, ‘We’re not going to permit them at all,’” said Tony Gioventu, […]
Clarified Rights and Obligations Under the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act: What Do Illinois Community Associations Need to Know?
The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act (“Act”), which imposes certain requirements to foster widespread adoption of electric vehicles (“EVs”), took effect on January 1, 2024. Per its original terms, the Act applied only to “newly constructed single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings that have parking spaces and are constructed after the effective date of this […]
ADS-TEC Energy Unveils the Future of Ultra-Fast EV Charging for Residential Complexes with Deployment at Marina Palms in Miami
Condominium association and homeowner association boards, property managers and developers are all seeking the most cost-effective, least-disruptive ways to integrate EV charging into existing and future projects, and the Marina Palms deployment leads the way in Miami—and the country—in showing how this can be done. Read the article…………………………….
The Road Ahead: Embracing EV Charging in Homeowners Associations (CA)
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) represents a pivotal shift in our approach to transportation, marking a step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, for many living in communities managed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), the adoption of EVs brings forth the challenge of setting up convenient charging infrastructure. This blog delves into how HOAs can […]
EV charging in FL condos – can an Association prohibit owners from installing EV charging outlets in their assigned parking spaces?
EV charging in Florida condo buildings and communities is much more involved than having a charging outlet installed in the garage of your Single-Family Home. Today we are doing an overview of Florida Condominium Owners Associations (COAs) allowing unit owners to install a dedicated charging outlet at their individual parking spaces, and/or the Association installing […]
E-bike battery ignites flames in Bonita Springs condo (FL)
Fire crews say the call came it just after 7:30 p.m., after multiple neighbors reported they could see smoke coming from a unit on the second floor. The three-story building had to be evacuated as crews tried to put out the fire caused by an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery, according to Chief Greg DeWitt. Read the […]
Australia: Lithium-ion batteries in strata buildings
Owners and occupiers of strata buildings are increasingly asking about what to do to prevent fires caused by exploding lithium-ion battery powered household products, including eBikes, eScooters and eTools. These products are injuring people on a weekly basis globally and there has been fatalities and multiple injuries in Australia. They are often cheaper, lower quality, […]
Navigating the Complex Landscape of E-Bike Bans or Restrictions in Condos, Coops and HOAs (NY)
In recent times, the proliferation of E-Bikes, coupled with concerns about their combustible batteries, has thrust the issue into the spotlight. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the bustling streets of New York City, where E-Bikes seem ubiquitous. The potential dangers, including fire risks, property damage, and casualties, have prompted association boards to grapple […]
New strata development regulations streamline EV charging station installations in B.C.
British Columbia has introduced new regulations that will facilitate the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in strata developments. Effective Dec. 6, these changes are aimed at supporting the transition to a low-carbon future and adapting to climate change, according to a recent press release from the Ministry of Housing. Read the article……………………………..
Powering E-Devices Safely: There Are Fires … And There Are E-Device Fires
All over the news, from coast to coast, reports of fires and explosions caused by lithium-ion batteries describe blazes that are out of control, difficult to extinguish, and excessively smokey. Tragically, many have resulted in fatalities and serious injuries, and certainly all have caused extensive damage to properties and the environment. Read the article………………………..
New B.C. strata rules make it easier for owners to ask for EV charging stations
The B.C. government has introduced new rules that make it easier for homeowners to ask strata developments to provide electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations. Read the article…………………………..
Multifamily leads uptake of EV charger funds (Canada)
Multifamily landlords and condominium corporations have claimed more than a third of the funds the Canadian government has thus far allocated through its Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to subsidize EV chargers that are made available to multiple users. That’s largely because applicants from the multifamily sector were the most proactive among the four […]
Michigan Bill Could Stop HOAs from Blocking Home Chargers
Homeowners associations could be prohibited from blocking energy efficiency upgrades – from rooftop solar panels and home EV charging to rain barrels – under a new proposed bill in the Michigan House. Read the article………………………………
Herndon resident upset with HOA’s electric vehicle charging station restrictions (VA)
A Virginia who woman wants to buy an electric vehicle says her homeowners association won’t allow her to build a suitable charging station for the vehicle. “I would like to have an EV,” Herndon resident Michaela Hamiary Janotova said. “I would like to be able to charge it here at home.” Read the article………………………………
Creating electric vehicle charging station policies
When it comes to electric vehicle charging stations in community associations, one consistent theme is who pays for the costs connected with installation and use. The main exception to this issue is when installation will be in common areas and meant for the use of more than just one owner. If an association installs a […]
How one Toronto condo got an EV charging retrofit job done — and done right (ON)
In multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) making any sort of collective decision is notoriously difficult. And with one in eight Canadians living in condos, group action when it comes to installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a common problem. Read the article……………………………
Fairfax County to help more HOAs install electric vehicle chargers, expanding pilot (VA)
Fairfax County is ramping up its efforts to help homeowners’ associations and other resident groups bring electric vehicle chargers to their communities. The county’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is now accepting applications for the second phase of its Charge Up Fairfax pilot program, which provides technical and financial assistance to organizations looking to […]
Malaysia: Most condos and apartments in Malaysia still against allowing EV chargers – right-to-charge law soon?
Having access to an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home is certainly convenient, as it’s more cost-efficient as compared to relying on public chargers. If you live in a landed property, it’s pretty easy to get an EV charger installed, but if you reside in a high-rise building like a condominium or apartment, it’s far […]
EV Chargers In Fairfax County: The Pilot Program And More Details (VA)
There is a pilot program for EV chargers in Fairfax County that encourages the use of electric vehicles. The county is adopting this program to promote sustainability and economic prosperity in Fairfax while limiting greenhouse gas emissions. It’s working with condominium and homeowners associations and large, multi-family apartment buildings to realize its vision. Read the […]
Malaysian guidelines for EV charging bays installation in existing and new buildings
In a significant move towards promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions, Malaysia has taken a leap forward with the introduction of comprehensive guidelines for electric vehicle charging bays (GPP EVCB). Read the article……………………………………
Singapore: Surge in EV chargers installed in condos with support of govt grant
The number of electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed in condominiums with the support of a government grant has more than doubled in the space of five months. Read the article…………………………….
Many Colorado homes and power grids aren’t ready for more electric vehicle charging. Here’s what experts say needs to be done.
With hundreds of thousands more electric vehicles expected on Colorado highways in the next few years, CBS News Colorado has learned many power grids aren’t yet ready to handle the added power demands to charge those vehicles. Read the article…………………………….
New Illinois Law Sparks a Change to Condo Owners and Tenants: Impact of Electric Vehicle Charging on Community Associations
Illinois Governor Pritzker signed the Electric Vehicle Charging Act into law on June 9th, 2023. The legislation is applicable to both new and pre-existing residential properties, including houses, apartments, and condominiums. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2024. Read the article………………………..
Condo Smarts: Stratas can’t unreasonably refuse EV charging stations (BC)
Dear Tony: I purchased my condo in 2019, and with it came two parking spaces assigned to the previous owner by the developer. Those spaces were correctly disclosed to me on purchase, with no debate. Read the Q&A………………………………
Growing Demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Electric vehicles are here—sooner than many people thought. A recent article in Car and Driver noted electric vehicle registrations increased 60% in the first quarter of 2022, despite new car registrations dropping 18%. The article pointed out some estimates project electric vehicles to comprise 25–30% of all new car sales by 2030 and 40–45% by […]
HOAs can apply for funds to install EV charging stations (VA)
Fairfax County is launching a pilot program to help homeowner and condominium associations install electric vehicle charging stations. HOAs that are accepted into the Charge Up Fairfax program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. Read the article………………………..
Blazing Speed and Blazing Fires: E-bike Fires and Policy Considerations (CA)
If you have read or watched the news in the last few months, you know that Associations should consider adopting policies to address e-bike safety issues. Some associations may already have rules prohibiting wheeled recreational devices, like bikes, scooters, and skateboards, from being used in the common area where there are likely to be people […]
Charging e-bike battery sparks Waikiki condo fire (HI)
The cause of a fire at a condominium high-rise in Waikiki Tuesday was a lithium-ion battery being charged in a unit’s living room, according to the Honolulu Fire Department. Read the article………………………..
Can You Charge Electric Cars at Your Condo Building? (IL)
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing concern for sustainable transportation, condominium owners and property managers are faced with a crucial question: Can you charge electric cars at your condo building? Read the article………………………..
EV Chargers Are Coming to Your Community – Are you Ready? (FL)
An individual owner files an application to the association for an EV Charger in a designated parking space. Did you know by law, that if the Board does not respond in 60 days the application is deemed approved and owner can proceed with an installation for their exclusive use? Listen to the audio………………………..
This Toronto condo shows how to get EV chargers installed inexpensively for residents (ON)
Where once the soaring Dominion Coal silos stored dirty, carbon-intensive energy, now electric vehicles store clean, nearly carbon-free electricity in the underground parking of a midtown Toronto condo building. Read the article………………………..
Electric charge: Where will community homeowners plug in?
Community associations need to prepare for electric vehicles as more drivers bring them home and expect to plug in. Board members and managers can plan to either provide charging stations as an amenity or offer residents guidelines to install their own. Read the article………………………..
EV-ready bylaw tracker for condo, strata and MURB charging in Canada
There are no regulations in Canada’s national building code governing this topic. And MURB residents across Canada are struggling to understand if (and how) they may access EV charging at home. Provinces and territories are free to create their own building bylaws and codes. But, to date, they have largely left responsibility for drafting and […]
Car sparks fire at Seascape Condominium garages (WA)
A charging car battery ignited a fire that spread to several garages in the Seascape Condominiums, at 1300 Peace Portal Drive, on June 30. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) chief Jason Van der Veen said a resident of the Seascape Condominiums was charging the car battery when smoke began pouring out of the garage […]
Right-to-charge laws bring the promise of EVs to apartments, condos and rentals
More than 3.6 million electric cars are driving around the U.S., but if you live in an apartment, finding an available charger isn’t always easy. Grocery stores and shopping centers might have a few, but charging takes time and the spaces may be taken or inconvenient. Read the article………………………..
Right-to-charge laws bring the promise of EVs to apartments, condos and rentals (IL)
But having wiring in place for charging is only the first step to expanding EV use. Apartment building managers, condo associations and residents are now trying to figure out how to make charging efficient, affordable and available to everyone who needs it when they need it. Read the article………………………..
New Law: Mandate for Installation of Electric Vehicle Chargers in Common Area Parking Lots (IL)
On June 9, 2023, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 40 into law. This new law states that beginning on January 1, 2024, if a single-family home or multi-unit residential building constructs a new parking lot, every parking space must be equipped to install an electric vehicle charger. Read the article………………………..
New Law: Mandate for Installation of Electric Vehicle Chargers in Common Area Parking Lots (IL)
On June 9, 2023, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 40 into law. This new law states that beginning on January 1, 2024, if a single-family home or multi-unit residential building constructs a new parking lot, every parking space must be equipped to install an electric vehicle charger. Read the article………………………..
Provincial funding for EV charging stations runs out, leaving stratas in limbo (BC)
A provincial program that offered savings of up to $5,000 on the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in homes and condominium complexes is no longer accepting applications, leaving hundreds in the lurch. Read the article………………………..
Condo Adviser: State, city measures may require electric vehicle-charging capabilities at residential buildings (IL)
Q. I am a condominium owner considering purchasing an electric vehicle and just heard about the Illinois legislature’s recent adoption of the Electric Vehicle Charging Act. How does this Illinois statute differ from the City of Chicago Electric Vehicle Right to Charge Ordinance? Read the Q&A…………………………….
Condo Smarts: Who pays? Installing a charging station (BC)
Dear Tony: I submitted a request to my strata council to install a charging station for my electric vehicle. They have agreed that I could be granted permission subject to a long list of conditions including my agreement to pay all costs, pay the legal costs for the alteration agreement. Read the Q&A………………………………
Australia: Can you charge an EV in a strata complex? It’s complicated
Strata residences such as apartment buildings and unit dwellings, ill-equipped to deal with a mass uptake of electric vehicle charging, could slow the country’s progress in transitioning to green tech. Read the article………………………..
EV charging bylaws in condos, stratas and other MURBs: an overview of Canadian rules
Momentum is growing in municipalities across the country to change their bylaws to make EV charging mandatory in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), according to Electric Autonomy‘s annual EV-ready bylaw report. Read the article………………………..
New Legislation: California Paves the Way for Mandatory EV Charging Stations in Existing Buildings
For more than a decade, the California Legislature has passed laws making it easier for residents to install electric vehicle (“EV”) charging stations within HOAs. For example, in 2011, the Legislature enacted what is now Civil Code section 4745, which nullified any provision in an HOA’s governing documents which prohibited homeowners from installing EV charging […]
How this Guelph condo building is getting ready for an EV revolution (ON)
Susan Parks paid $2,500 for an electrical line that runs to her spot in the parking garage at her condo in Guelph. It’s a rough-in for an electric vehicle (EV) charger. But she doesn’t own an EV. Along with 85 other gasoline-powered car owners in her condo, Parks signed up for the rough-in to ensure […]
How to Address E-Bike Fire Risks in Community Associations (MI)
E-bikes have become a widely used means of transportation in the United States, especially in metropolitan areas. There are a number of advantages to e-bikes, including their ease of use, affordability, and the reduced amount of carbon emissions as an alternative to gas-powered vehicles. E-bikes can make large portions of a metropolitan area accessible in […]