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PluginIndia Electric Vehicles

Apartments and Electric Vehicle charging

4/5/2014

37 Comments

 
By Kamlesh Mallick
Most urban dwellers in our country live in multi storied apartments. This can also be a hindrance to lots of people, who would like to own an electric vehicle. 

PluginIndia.com investigates on how big a problem this really is.
Picture
Living in an apartment and setting up a home charging unit, can be a headache for EV owners.  But its not something that cannot be solved. The main issue for most would be to install an electric socket that is near their parking slot. 
No big deal. Any electrician can install a socket on a pillar or on a wall, right? 
Right. But there are other questions that arise which need to be considered.
  • Most apartments in India have small dingy rooms  which house electric meters for each unit.  The idea is to connect the socket near the parking lot to the meter room.
  • How far is your parking slot from the meter room?
  • Would you use insulated wall mounted wires, like the one shown in the photo?
  • What if the meter room is in a level below or above your parking slot? How big a problem would that be?
  • What if you have an uncovered parking slot?
  • How about running an extension cord out your window. Would that be simple?
  • Will the 'societies' or 'apartment management' object? Will you have to take permission?
  • Do you park on the road?

There is some fundamental groundwork that electric vehicle owners need to do, if they want to setup a charging station in a multi-unit dwelling.
Its important to speak to the management of the apartment and inform them that you have an EV and would like to install a charging point. Its also good to make it clear to them that the socket would be connected to your meter.
Once you have the permission, you will need to catch hold of an electrician and look at how the task can be accomplished. In some cases, it would be straightforward.  In some cases (especially if the slot is uncovered and far from the meter room), it would take days.

PluginIndia.com checked out few apartments in Pune, Bangalore and Delhi with the aim of understanding how this issue could be solved.


Case 1
Supriya Sankool Apartments
Baner Road, Pune
Picture
This society has a meter room. So all connections from the parking slot will have to get here.
PictureWe just got a socket installed, connected to our meter
I spoke to Mr Dyaneshwar, who is the society manager of this apartment complex. He also does electric work among other things.
He quickly installed a socket near our parking slot. The socket had a wire connecting it to the unit's meter.
According to Mr Dyaneshwar - "Having a slot farther away from the meter room is not a problem. We will need have install a insulated wall mounted wire that goes till the slot"

Picture
Messy, but it works!
PictureOpen Parking
They do have uncovered parking, far away from the meter room. What bout these slots?
Mr Dyaneshwar was confident about installing a socket even for open parking slots.
"Usually open parking slots are near a wall or a pillar. So we will need to have ground wires that reach them. Its doable but its extra work and money"


Case 2
Ramanna Enclave
Indranagar, Bangalore
Picture
We find that the apartment's 'meter room' is wall mounted
Picture
Pooja wondering where to fit the socket for her future e-bike
Picture
Pooja Prasad is a busy executive in Bangalore. She travels to work on a petrol bike and is researching electric cars and e-bikes.

She lives in a multi story apartment and is worried about charging at home.  But after speaking to a local electrician and the apartment management, she is assured.


Case 3
Iris Apartments
Baner, Pune
Mr Vaibhav Bajpai lives in an apartment complex which has covered parking near the meter room, parking slots which are on a different level and open parking slots.  Mr Bajpai is contemplating on buying an electric car.  But he is concerned about home charging.
Picture
Picture
The 'meter room' is not a room at Iris.
PictureParking at upper level but meter room below. Problem?
We also find parking on a higher level. 
In this case the wiring to the meter would be complex.

Mr Vaibhav says that EV companies should help customers by installing home charging stations at no extra cost and EV owners should not worry about setting up home charging.

In the future, Mr Vaibhav thinks that groups of EV owners will pool up and set up a common EV parking areas in societies, with solar panels providing the power too.

Picture
Mr Vaibhav is concerned - "What bout people with uncovered parking slots?"

Case 4
Soumya Prasad,
JNU Campus,  Delhi

In my case, the electricity meters are installed in individual homes and not in a dedicated meter room.
When my electric car, the Mahindra e2o was delivered and we could not charge it at home, the Mahindra team suggested that there were issues with the earthing. I got several electricians from my office, outside to examine the earthing, and there appeared to be no problem with the earthing in my building (proper or whatever, the earthing was good, deep and as per specifications).  Later, with the help of local electricians I discovered that that we were getting only 6-7 amps during most of the day, and could charge the vehicle in the morning when there was higher voltage (fewer acs running in the morning). Based on discussions on the whatsapp group and the Mahindra tech team, I decided to get a stabilizer.

When I called my office electricians to set up the stabilizer, they suggested that I check the cable first before installing the stabilizer. They felt that voltage would drop over a longer cable, and that was the main issue here. I have not had any charging issues since changing the wire.
Picture
Charging station and the associated cables
Picture
Cables we use for our long-range charging station
If anyone has to draw a line longer than 10 m to set up a charging point, it’s advisable that they use 2.5 – 3 mm gauge electrical cables or their equivalents since voltage drops below the threshold required to charge the car over cables longer than 10 m.

In our case, we have to draw a line which is about 35 m in length. Earlier, I had a 1.5 mm cable – with all the three wires housed inside a single cable. Given all the issues, we decided to go in for three separate wires for pos, neg & earth. Together they are now > 3 mm.

Here’s a summary of likely charging issues – diagnostics & solutions:
  • If the length of cable to drawn to set up the charging point is > 10 m, go for a thicker gauge (locally in Delhi, these are called AC or pump cables).
  • Do electric appliances on 15 amp sockets in our building give you a shock when you touch them? If yes, you may have earthing issues. If not, then there is proper earthing in your building.
  • Do electric appliances in your building on 15 amp sockets only work with a stabilizer – for ex AC or fridge? Do they shut off frequently due to low voltage?  If voltage is an issue for other appliances, then it may be an issue for your car as well. Please get a set-up stabilizer.

How do EV companies help apartment dwellers?
Mahindra Reva the makers of the e2o and Revai electric cars, say that they will help install one charging station at home or work for free.

Hero Electric, the e-bike maker has innovations like a removable battery that the user can take home to charge. This completely eliminates issues described above.

Final Words
Solar systems are not exactly cheap. So EV owners will still prefer to plug into the grid. Installing a home charging station is a must for maximum comfort.

With proper planning and support from EV companies, setting up a home charge unit should not be a problem. There are cases which are difficult to solve - like people parking in the roads. In such cases, there are always alternatives like trying to setup a charge point at work, or using public charging stations. 

In most cases, it helps to be open, flexible and creative about working and finding a solution. Remember that you, as an EV owner, are at the forefront of the growing EV movement. Things will get easier, in time, when we grow in numbers. That is when apartment complexes will provide services for EV owners. For now, thank you for being revolutionary!

37 Comments
Hemang
3/6/2014 06:36:15 am

I have been using YOSmart, then YoStyle and now also own YoElectron. I have been living in flats. Yes, charging is an issue. YoSmart used to have removable battery, but batteries are extremely heavy to be removed, and taken home for recharging. YoStyle and YOElectron do not support battery removal for recharging. I throw long cable from my 3rd floor flat to my bike's parking slot. End of the cable contains a plug socket and switch. I keep that in a plastic bag so that kids playing around don't touch it. E bike / or e-car is the best for you if you consume 50% of the battery daily. For example if your bike goes 50 km on single charge and if you drive minimum 25 - 30 km per day, then e bike is really really a cost effective alternative.

Reply
Kamlesh
3/6/2014 08:21:23 am

Hi Hemang,

Thanks for that comment.
Everybody has different solutions to the problem. I like the idea of throwing a wire down your parking lot!!!

But that is not optimal is it?

Cant u install a socket connecting to your meter ?

Am glad u r enjoying the benefits of electric mobility.

Reply
Purnima
24/12/2022 09:11:07 pm

Hi Hemang,

I also have same issue..I am living on 3rd floor and apartment is not allowing to install socket at ground floor. Hence I am planning to use extension cable from 3rd floor.

I just wanted to know approximately, how long extension cable is needed?

Reply
Vivek ahuja link
22/2/2015 12:29:41 am

Hi, I don't have a fixed parking in our society...all r open parkings...we do have a electric substation from Tata power...I guess Mahindra reva n TATA power can install a charging point in the substation and make it a public station too...on the outer boundary wall...

Reply
Kamlesh
23/2/2015 04:23:56 am

I think for an EV, its good to have fixed parking as your socket has to be near the parking slot and the socket has to be connected to the meter box / room.

If this is not possible, maybe

a) you can try to speak to your society to get a dedicated slot near your meter room or box as you have an EV.
Also tell them they are doing a good thing by encouraging clean and green transport! :)

b) Organize a charging slot at work?

c) Even if u cannot get a parking slot near your socket. You could always have a long extension chord and charge it - Albeit it might cause inconvenience to some people.

Good luck!

Reply
Soumya
4/8/2015 04:21:20 am

Kamlesh & co, I know several people here in Delhi who would like to get an EV but cannot do so right now since there is no fixed parking in any of the colonies here. Every evening and night there are massive fights for parking slots in the colonies. We really need support from the govt & the likes of Mahindra & co to install more community charging points in different localities where we can safely leave our cars / bikes overnight.

Vivek ahuja link
22/2/2015 12:30:26 am

Hi, I don't have a fixed parking in our society. all r open parkings. we do have a electric substation from Tata power. I guess Mahindra reva n TATA power can install a charging point in the substation and make it a public station too, on the outer boundary wall.

Reply
Nikhil
4/8/2015 04:06:59 pm

Great post. This is the exact reason I wrote "Infrastructure is the Key" post. I think people have to jump through hoops to make it work. EV Companies & Govt need to realize this and start putting efforts into the infrastructure problem.

I still think having a public charging infrastructure is a make or break for EVs in India. There are too many safety and financial risks with all temporary arrangements.

Nikhil

Reply
Kamlesh
5/8/2015 03:26:55 am

Nikhil - In 80% of the cases its fairly straight forward to install a socket connecting to your meter. Its very easy.

The other 20% of the cases is where u need to jump through hoops.
Although tough but not Impossible.

Depending on Government will only delay this movement. The community can work with the corporates to ease this even more.

Soumya - If there is no fixed parking in certain societies, can the EV owner not speak to the society and get a dedicated slot his/her EV?
I do see this problem increasing in the future, when more people drive EV's - then groups of EV owners can pool up and set up common EV parking areas in societies, with solar panels providing the power too.

Reply
SmartEv link
1/2/2018 03:24:45 pm

Thanks for sharing this information.Keep it up!!!

Reply
SmartEv link
6/4/2018 03:23:42 pm

Great Post! The information is very useful for anyone.Thanks for sharing this information.Keep it up....

Reply
Amey
26/4/2018 11:14:42 pm

Well, my dad has 2 cars, one old petrol (for short drives) and diesel for daily commute (he covers 50km everyday). I had asked him why he doesn't get an EV to replace the petrol? He asked me: "Where do I charge it?". I had absolutely no logical reply available for it. We do have a parking slot, but it's only available for 1 car and my dad would never park his diesel car on the road (its expensive). He parks the other car on the road, pretty much at different locations everyday, making it impossible if its an EV to be charged via extension chord. This is pretty much the story 90% people who own cars. They park on the road, mostly in places not accessible from your home window. Mass adoption of EVs for 4-wheelers at least is impractical for now, and will be for another decade. For them to become slightly practical, every office in India will need to have a parking lot with charging ports available so that people can charge their vehicles there. The question is, does every office in India have a parking lot?

EVs are only practical for now for 2&3 wheelers and trucks, and again only if swapping is available. As for Fast DC charging, it is not recommended for everytime charging as it degrades the battery fast. Swapping is impractical for normal cars as well due to complicated infrastructure and also the space constraints.

Reply
PluginIndia
12/5/2018 07:27:47 pm

Well for the sake of country and air quality - Can you ask your uncle to move the Deisel car to the road and the EV in the reserved parking. where a socket can be arranged.

There are few EV owners from the EV community who park on roads, they use a waterproof extension box and manage. But they do speak to society to get a reserved parking. some have succeeded , some have not. But everyone has managed.

Genrally, where there is a will there is a way to charge an EV.

Reply
mahadevan.C
11/7/2018 09:43:50 pm

Do we have to take any permission from Electrical Dept/ Other government departments/local bodies/ municipality for installing an EV charger in Apartment parking area?

Reply
mahadevan.C
12/7/2018 08:25:41 pm

As above

Reply
Pluginindia
2/10/2018 11:43:12 am

None whatsoever.

Reply
Arjun Ashok
16/11/2018 05:10:22 pm

Hi,
I am planning have a charging socket connection in my parking lot. I don't own an Electric vehicle now.
But I would like to know if there is any specific Electric requirement I should be taking care of?

Electrician asked me to get info on what kind of Plug point I am looking for. In future, I may go for an Ather bike or an Electric car. Is there any Electric spec I should be going for to choose the plug point? Like 15A or something?

Reply
PluginIndia
16/11/2018 05:26:20 pm

Just install a 15 amp socket with earthing. That is all you need.

Reply
Akshay link
8/1/2019 10:40:13 pm

Yet driving an electric car does not have to be difficult or expensive. You can get the most out of driving electric when you have:

1A plug for home or workplace charging
2.Accounts for public EV charging
3.A clear idea of the cost and time needed to charge
EVs make the most sense when fueling (i.e., charging) costs remain low and access is convenient.

In this guide to electric vehicle charging, we will break down the different things you need to enable charging at home, keep your vehicle charged while on the road, and make it all happen at an affordable price.

Reply
Aljurf Land Plots link
29/4/2019 02:55:39 pm

Nice apartments, well facility.

Reply
pavan
15/3/2020 06:58:22 pm

can housing society deny ev charging at my parking ? any law which can help me in this case?

Reply
NAGARAJA RAO link
30/12/2020 11:35:02 am

Last year there was an accident in one of the apartments attached to the Bangalore Apartment Federation where one life was lost. This was traced to the direct charging facility extended on elf the Residents. We from the Federation are planning to instal community Charging Stations to avail the reduced unit rate by BESCOM.which is almost half of the domestic rate, which is extended as a means of promotion.
Nagaraja Rao, President,Bangalore Apartment Federation

Reply
Pushkaraj Wad
10/1/2021 08:43:19 pm

Thank You for the details abt home charging given above. I own a TATA NEXON EV and I stay in a Public Sector Colony. Our administration department isn't allowing me to install my home charger. Please share me any Govt Notification or any such case you may be having where home charger is installed in a Govt Colony. Please help.

Reply
Sathish Edakatmana from ElectroNodes
3/11/2021 01:36:15 pm

Hi Mr Pushkaraj, Govt is encouraging people to own EV instead of ICE vehicles but can't enforce Housing societies in some of the parameters.
As almost all DISCOM's provide subsidized tariff for EV Charging, it is ideal to have community charging stations at Existing housing societies. Try to connect with all EV owners and install a public charging station. Kindly note, Public charging stations at residential locality will motivate people to buy EV instead of ICE Vehicles.

Reply
Raphae Halim
7/11/2021 10:45:36 pm

Dear Friend, please do not take the joy of charging our EVs in our own parking space away from us. I've been charging my EV in my own parking space for the last 7+ years with no problem to our Housing Society. It's perfectly safe. Having to use a common charging location means moving the vehicle there, plugging and after charging unplugging, then moving it back to parking space. This is like punishing us for choosing EVs. It is a lot of hassle. Also in order to balance batteries an overnight trickle / slow charge is best. No objection to common parking having EV chargers. They can be used to earn extra income for the Society too. But just like Housing Societies allow us to use electricity in our own homes for TV, fridge, microwave, etc., we should also be able to setup a charge point to charge our EVs... A separate meter with discounted rates can be setup here too. This is something I realised only after using an EV on a regular basis as my only mode of transport. I save a tremendous amount of time. Theoretically it takes 5 hours to charge my EV but practically I have not spent any time. Because I don't wait to discharge the battery completely, as it is unnecessary with new lithium ion chemistry, and I plug it in every evening when it's cooler and just unplug and use all day. I have never waited for my car to charge. It's just something that happens when it's parked and I'm not using it. Sometimes I need to charge twice in a day if my usage is more... Or if I go long distance then I use public charging, or other means. So let's push to get EV charging in personal parking spaces to be recognised as a safe and completely normal part of life. Sincerely! Warm Regards! - Raphae

Arman Shaikh
20/11/2021 09:33:50 am

I've recently bought an electric scooter. As you know, without a proper meter room charging connection, the scooter is of no use. It's been few weeks that I'm struggling to charge my scooter. The society has clearly denied my request to give access to the meter room. However, the charging cost will be added to my electricity bill only.

The society is not ready to understand and thereby asked me to go and take permission from Tata Power.

Reply
Raphae Halim
20/11/2021 12:17:09 pm

This is already approved at all levels. Do check out official docs here: https://bit.ly/EVEVSE. You must speak politely and convince the Society management. The bottle neck is access to common areas to lay the wiring if no existing cable duct exists. There are people who have gone to court and basically won on all counts. Final judgement pending, you can support them here: https://www.change.org/p/ministry-of-power-private-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-for-apartment-residents. Also go through the docs so you can be better informed. If you want to get a company to install an EVSE, Tata Power themselves do this, plus some reduced rates have been announced if you get a separate meter for EV charging. Personally I don't feel any fancy equipemnt is required just a 15 Amp socket and good standards compliant wiring (quality of wires, good earthing, phase and neutral should not be reversed) and protection (MCB). But EVSEs do have some advantages like being able to take advantage or TOD billing, monitoring, added protection, etc. URL: https://www.tatapower.com/products-and-services/ev-charging-solutions.aspx. Hope this helps! :-) All the best!

Reply
Raphae Halim
20/11/2021 12:43:41 pm

Here are some general documents: https://bit.ly/GeneralEVEVSE

Rishabh aggarwal
17/12/2021 11:33:59 pm

I have bought an electric scooter its deliver is still pending my house doesn't have earthing installed what can i do for that?

Reply
Ari
15/2/2022 10:50:54 pm

Hi , I Have recently Purchased Nexon EV and i.am Staying in Thane Location, My Society Chairman refuse to offer NOC to pull wire from my existening Electiric Connection Stating Safety issues.
I have Requested Politely But This guy is.living in his own Lalalala Lane & Refunce to engage in any Logical Disscusson

Need help to Fix This as it's almost been month since i bought Car and Doing FC all The Time

Reply
Khan
16/9/2022 11:23:49 pm

Facing same problem. Our society chairman is also objecting to install any switches for charging my ev

Reply
Scootaround link
9/3/2022 11:14:01 am

It is a very great thought of installing electric vehicle charging systems at the apartments or residents , but why only for the EV's , it should also include the information about the mobility scooter or the electric wheelchairs used by the senior with mobility issues or the disabled people. It is also a thing to think about.
Visit - https://scootaroundstore.com/en/powerchairs

Reply
Alice Carroll link
22/3/2022 11:52:09 am

You made a good point that it's important to also consider getting a monitor box after an EV charger station installation. I'm planning to look for a good service like that soon because I'm considering to buy an electric car. I think my garage is spacious enough to accommodate one.

Reply
Amitabh Chanda
31/3/2022 12:05:33 pm

Dear Team,

my society is stopping me from charging my EV. Neither they are providing and charging infra nor they are allowing me to setup something on my own. Is there anything which I can do to solve this. I would be grateful for your help.

Reply
Sanil
12/4/2022 11:05:58 am

I am looking for solution on safeguarding my sockets installed in my basement parking area where the EV Charger is been installed, from getting the electricity theft from others.

Reply
Himachal Wire Industries link
22/10/2022 04:13:12 pm

Thanks for sharing. I will try to implement these methods on my blog. Thanks for sharing. Keep updating us.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
10/3/2023 05:09:28 pm

It's great that you explained that an EV charging station is ideal in a multi-unit dwelling. My friend is looking for an EV charging station operator. I should advise him to choose one with vast experience in the field.

Reply

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