Specifics of EV charging in condos / multi-units

Multi-residential buildings

If you live in a multi-unit building or own one, the scope of installing a charging station in the parking lot will depend on the context. Each situation is unique, depending on the building’s specifications.

To help you through the various steps, Hydro-Québec has prepared a complete guide on electric vehicle charging in a multi-unit building: Electric Vehicle Charging For Multi-Unit Residential Buildings [PDF 2 Mo]. You can also consult this article (only available in French) from Éco-habitation, which provides valuable information, in a very simple and straightforward manner, regarding charging stations in multi-unit residential buildings. Finally, RVE of Laval (a manufacturer of electrical equipment linked to charging) provides exceptional documentation and video on the subject.

Technical solutions are available for all situations and subsidies adapted to this type of investment are also available (see our section on subsidies).

New buildings

From their initial designs, more and more multi-unit buildings are ready to receive charging stations in their parking lots, to meet the needs of future tenants or co-owners.

In these cases, the installation is not only easier and more economical, but it also adds value to the housing units. With the growing popularity of electric cars, a "charging-ready" parking lot is becoming an increasingly coveted asset and conversely, an "unconnectable" parking lot will limit the interest of the EV clientele.

The installation of "ready to charge" electrical infrastructure will be estimated according to future needs. This includes charge controllers, piping and other electrical components. Condominium bylaws will then include details on the use of these components.

In this context, the cost of installing a charging station will be reduced.

Existing buildings

Several solutions have been developed for the installation of a charging station in an existing building. The total cost of such an installation generally varies from $2,500 to $5,000 per station.

The distance between the electrical chamber and the parking space is the main factor in the cost of the installation: the greater the distance, the higher the cost.

The cost of load control and power management devices can also increase total costs. A modification to the electrical installation may also be required and add further costs to the project. However, part of this investment may benefit all of the building's co-owners or tenants.

In the case of a rental property, the installation costs are usually the landlord’s responsibility. The acquisition of the charging station may be the responsibility of the owner or tenant.

In the specific case of a condominium building, several options exist for sharing the installation costs. The condominium association’s approval is always required, which in most cases leads to the adoption of a “charging policy”.

No matter the case, the installation of charging stations can be seen as an opportunity to upgrade a building. There are more and more electric vehicles on the road, and new buildings already include the necessary components to install charging stations. Existing multi-residential buildings should therefore plan to install charging stations if they want to remain an attractive housing option.

Accessibility

If your building is accessible to people with reduced mobility, it would be logical that your charging stations are as well. Refer to Section 4.8 of Hydro-Québec’s Technical Installation Guide for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations to learn more about what to take into consideration.

* For the basics on choosing a charging station and its installation, see this page

Videos for more information (French only)

• Recorded webinar on the charging in multi-residential buildings (for co-ownership managers and unions)
• Recorded webinar on the charging in multi-residential buildings (for co-owners)