Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in HOAs – What Boards Need to Know
Electric vehicle ownership is on the rise. Especially in densely populated states, owning an electronic vehicle has become more popular, as more of our population seeks cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives. In most states, homeowners are allowed to install an electric vehicle charging station in deeded or exclusive-use parking spaces. In single family communities, residents can install personal charging stations and many HOAs are considering the benefits and the steps it takes to offer EV charging stations in community parking areas.
Here are some points for the HOA Board to consider before installing a communal EV (electronic vehicle) charging station:
Compile Your Costs:
- What is the installation fee?
- Are you going to raise assessments or charge residents individually?
- If you charge residents individually, are you going to use a meter or allow them to use their credit card to charge, per use?
- Who is going to be responsible for the month-to-month electricity usage fees? At a few hundred dollars per car, per year, the usage costs need to be projected properly. Establish Ownership and Management Make certain you check the HOA CC&Rs for requirements of the Board and vote the decision to install a EV charging station through properly.
- Finally, make sure you delegate ownership and management responsibilities between your HOA and any second or third party management companies.
How Many Residents are Actually Going to Use It? Although the idea of having a communal charging station is tempting, it’s a good idea to take a survey of your community and make sure you have enough residents in need of an EV charging station in order to justify the cost of installation and maintenance.
Know Your Charging Station Tech: There are two types of charging stations: Level One and Level Two – a Level One charging station is a standard, low or no cost option which uses a 120-volt AC wall outlet. The charging process is slow, however can be implemented at almost zero cost to the HOA. A Level Two charging station is the preferred professionally installed EV charging unit. It can cost several thousand dollars to install; however charging a car will only take 3-6 hours, vs. a Level One unit which requires vehicles to charge overnight.
Ask a Pro: Encourage the Board to meet with an electrical contractor to help assess your community’s needs. Speaking with a professional and asking them to analyze your preliminary data will ensure your Board is making the right decision for the community at the right price for installation and equipment
Electronic vehicles are paving the way for a more environmentally, community conscious civilization. Addressing these questions now will help your HOA prepare for a brighter future as well as offer a more attractive, functional amenity to your community.
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