More and more people are making the shift towards electrical cars. It’s great for the environment and on your gas bill!

If you’re in a house or townhouse, adding in an electrical vehicle charging station (EVCS) is a whole lot easier than if you’re living in a condominium.

Basically, if there isn’t already an electrical vehicle charging station within a condo complex, there is no guarantee one can or will be installed.

Recent changes now allow owners and corporations to install EVCSs in condominium buildings.

Condo boards must give residents access to the information needed to feasibly assess whether a charging station can be installed.

Both corporations and individuals can initiate the process of installing charging stations.

Condo Initiated Process

• Requires owners to vote
• Planning falls on the corporation
• Costs are shared by all unit owners as tenants in common

Owner Initiated Process

• All condo unit owners are not required to vote
• Planning and costs fall on the individual owner(s) that initiated the process
• The agreement is registered on the title of owner’s unit

3 Step Process

1. Written Application
2. Decision
   The condo corporation must provide a written decision within 60 days unless a longer deadline is agreed.
3. Written Application/Agreement
   Must be completed within 90 days of a decision outlining the installation, maintenance, insurance, repairs and other costs associated with the project.

Application Denial

An application for an EVCS can only be denied for 1 of 3 reasons:

1. If the installation is in violation of the Condo Act.
2. If it would negatively affect any structural integrity.
3. If the installation poses negative health or safety risks to the property or residents.

The Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has created additional resources and templates to help you navigate through the process of potentially installing an electrical vehicle charging station in your condo building.

If you have an electric or hybrid car and are looking to buy a condo, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your Realtor about what option are available to you.

If you currently live in a condo and want to buy an electric or hybrid car, a conversation with your condo corporation is a good place to start!

There is no guarantee that an EVCS can be installed in any particular condo so it’s best to do as much research as possible to know your options.

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