Electric vehicles are no longer a niche choice in California — they’re quickly becoming the default. But while homeowners often have a clear path to installing an EV charger, condo and apartment residents are frequently left wondering whether home charging is even possible for them.

The short answer is yes — EV charging in condos and apartments is possible in California.The longer answer is that it requires a different approach, careful planning, and an installer who understands how multi-unit buildings actually work.

This is where many projects fail — not because charging isn’t allowed, but because it’s handled like a single-family home install when it shouldn’t be.

Why EV charging in condos is more complex than in houses

The main difference between a house and a condo or apartment building is shared infrastructure.Most multi-unit properties rely on shared electrical service, shared panels, or shared pathways that affect more than one unit at a time.

That means installing an EV charger isn’t just about the parking space — it’s about how the entire building uses and distributes power.

Common constraints include:

• Limited spare capacity in shared panels
• Older electrical systems not designed for EV loads
• HOA or property management approval
• Local permitting and inspection requirements
• Utility coordination (often overlooked)

In many Bay Area buildings, the electrical system was designed decades ago — long before EV charging was part of everyday life. Adding a charger without understanding the building’s limits can lead to tripped breakers, failed inspections, or denied permits.

What California law says about EV chargers in condos

California is actually one of the most EV-friendly states when it comes to legal protections for residents.

Under California Civil Code Section 4745, homeowners associations generally cannot prohibit EV charger installations outright. This law was designed to encourage EV adoption and prevent blanket bans by HOAs.

However, the law does allow HOAs to enforce reasonable restrictions. In practice, that usually means:

• Requiring a licensed contractor
• Requiring permits and inspections
• Ensuring the installation does not overload shared systems
• Maintaining safety and visual standards

This is why documentation, load calculations, and code-compliant design matter. When a project is presented clearly and professionally, HOA approvals tend to move much faster.

Realistic EV charging options for condos and apartments

There isn’t a single “best” solution for all buildings. The right setup depends on the age of the property, electrical capacity, and how many residents want to charge vehicles.

Individual chargers connected to unit meters

In some condos, unit owners can install a dedicated Level 2 charger connected directly to their own electrical meter. This approach works best when:

• The unit panel has available capacity
• The building service can support the additional load
• The HOA approves the installation plan

This option provides full control and direct billing to the unit owner, but it requires careful verification of panel capacity and proper permitting.

Shared EV charging systems

Many apartment buildings and HOA-managed properties opt for shared charging stations. These systems allow multiple residents to use a centralized charger or group of chargers, often with access control or usage tracking.

Shared systems are especially effective when combined with smart load management, which distributes available power dynamically instead of delivering full power to every vehicle at once.

In several Bay Area projects, load management has eliminated the need for costly service upgrades — in some cases saving tens of thousands of dollars.