In Part 1 of our series, we reviewed the importance of understanding your capacity, establishing an advisory committee, and creating an EV policy. Here we look at government funding, responsibility for initiating the installation, and details related to charges and charging station ownership. 

Investigate ZEVIP 

Look into the possibility of covering costs through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). It can cover as much as half the installation costs for up to 20 chargers. 

Determine Who Installs the Charging Station(s)

There are two ways to approach installation:

1. Installation by the corporation

Your corporation can give owners 60 days’ notice to initiate the project and proceed without an owners’ vote if you meet the following conditions: 

• The cost is not greater than 10% of the annual budgeted common expenses for the current fiscal year; AND,
• Owners would not feel installation would cause a material reduction or elimination of their units, common elements, or assets of the corporation.

If not, you’ll need to inform owners of your intention and remind them they have a right to requisition a meeting. If a meeting is not requisitioned, quorum is not met at the meeting or owners don’t vote against the installation at the meeting, you can proceed. 

2. Installation by owners

Owners can apply in writing to have an EV charging station installed for their use. In this case they are responsible for all costs, and you are required to cooperate and respond within 60 days. You then have 90 days to enter into a Section 98 agreement specifying who is responsible for installing, maintaining, insuring, and repairing the installation as well as who owns it and who can use it. This is generally the owner. Once signed, you must register the agreement on the title of the owner’s unit for the agreement to take effect. 

Decide How to Track Electricity Costs For EV Charging 

Your condo corporation is not responsible for the electricity used by the charging station(s). Therefore, you need to determine how users will pay for electricity consumption, such as:

• Smart meters
• Sign-out systems 
• Networked charging stations

Electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) manufacturers and network operators might be able to manage the payment system on your behalf. 

Decide What Happens If an EV Owner Sells Their Condo

In the case of an owner selling their condo, options might include:

• Owners can take the charger with them if they cover the costs
• Offering the EV charger spot to another owner who will take over the spot and related charges on a first come first served basis, or 
• Having the owner pay for the removal of the charger 

Discussing options with your lawyer and service provider will ensure your policy is legal and feasible.

While it might seem waiting for a request to install charging stations is the smarter decision from a financial standpoint, this tends to cost more in the end. By taking the first step, you can devise a scalable plan that accommodates growing demand of EVs in the long-term.

The condo experts at CPO Management Inc, a full-service property management company in Toronto and the GTA, has the experience you need to implement an EV strategy and scalable parking solutions for your condo corporation. Reach out to us today to learn more about our condo services.