Apartment dwellers have five main options: use chargers the building already provides, ask the landlord or association to install them, use workplace charging, rely on nearby public Level 2 or DC fast chargers, or, where your parking space has a suitable outlet, use a portable charger. Several US states have right-to-charge laws that make it harder for landlords and associations to refuse reasonable requests.
Options Compared
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Building chargers | Convenient, overnight | Shared, may cost more than home rates |
| Request installation | Your own spot | Approval, cost sharing |
| Workplace charging | Charge while working | Depends on employer |
| Public Level 2 | Often near shops or parks | Moving the car, cost |
| DC fast once or twice a week | Quick | Higher cost per kWh |
How to Ask Your Building
- Find out whether your state or city has right-to-charge rules.
- Offer to pay for installation and metered electricity.
- Suggest shared networked chargers with RFID access; see RFID and user management.
- Point to load management, which avoids costly upgrades; see load balancing.
Property owners can read apartment and condo EV charging and our apartment and condo charging solutions page.
Portable Charging
If your assigned space has a dedicated outlet and the building allows it, a portable charger such as the EVDANCE EV-ACS3210T 32A NACS portable charger or EVDANCE EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger is the simplest solution. Never run cables across walkways or use extension cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge an EV if I live in an apartment?
Yes, through building, workplace or public charging, or an approved outlet at your space.
Can my landlord refuse an EV charger?
Depends on local law; some states limit refusals.
Is it expensive to rely on public charging?
Usually more than home charging, especially DC fast.
Related Reading
Key Takeaways
- Use building, workplace or public chargers, or request installation.
- Right-to-charge laws help in some states.
- Portable chargers work where an approved outlet exists.