Can you believe that 25% of all vehicles sold by 2025 will be electric! Supporters of electric vehicles will cite that it benefits everyone because it would reduce emissions and improve the air and water quality. Will your community be ready?
Let’s look at some things that you need to take into consideration when weighing the option to install a charging station. Would it be beneficial to survey the community to see who is interested in getting an electric car? Would they use the EV charging station?
The first item you need to check are your governing documents. The documents may prohibit or restrict the installation of a car charging station. The documents may also restrict or prohibit the ability to designate a parking space for a particular owner.
If the documents prohibit designating parking spaces, the community may have the option to install a shared EV charging station or chose to install the station in a common area for the use of all owners. As a common amenity, the association would be responsible for the equipment and installation costs. Some other considerations that need to be reviewed:
- Does the EV charging station comply with the association’s architectural guidelines?
- Who will install the charging station? A licensed contractor or do you contract with an EV charging station firm?
- What are the costs associated with the installation, maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of the charging station?
- How will the electricity usage costs associated with the use of the charging station be paid?
- Does the charging station comply with all applicable health and safety standards and requirements by state and local authorities? And any other zoning, land use or ordinances.
- What changes in your insurance program need to be made? You will need to cover both property and liability insurance for the EV charging station.
Sooner or later your community will have to deal with electric cars. With the projected increase of EV vehicles, your board may want to consider proactively looking into a legally compliant, and hassle-free way to support EV charging in your community.
There are many federal and state tax incentives, as well as state grants, vouchers and rebates for the purchase of plug-in vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment. Maryland EV site offers Rebate Programs for the purchase of and installation price for residential installations and also commercial installations. More information can be found at Maryland Energy Administration’s EVSE Rebate Program webpage at https://marylandev.org/incentives/
By Connie Phillips
Connie Phillips Insurance
888-439-0479