Change in New Jersey Law Spells a Rise in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Your Property
April 7, 2021
by Peter Arvay, PE, CEM
Last fall, the New Jersey state legislature passed a comprehensive law that makes it easier for condo owners to install or access onsite charging stations for their electric vehicles. There are provisions in the law for installation of individual stations by unit owners — which then become their property and responsibility — as well as installation of stations by the property itself for the use of its residents. The law covers rules for homeowners associations and property managers, applications for installation, safety requirements, protection of the property’s assets, insurance and more.
With a concurrent rise in the availability of a diverse range of electric vehicles and the continual growth of electric vehicle purchases, there is both an opportunity and a call to action for HOA boards and property managers. This is an opportunity to attract new residents who own an electric vehicle — or plan to purchase one — with the promise of a convenient option for charging. But it is also a warning bell that now is the time to be proactive and prepare for a wave of charging station requests from your residents.
Time to Take Action
There are several things you should be planning for now to make sure you’re prepared to meet the demand for new charging stations:
- Tenant electrical service may need to be increased. Vehicle chargers are often the largest single source of power consumption on multifamily properties, so property managers and boards should review their building’s electrical capacity and upgrade, if necessary.
- Since routing of the electrical setup may pass through common element spaces, managers and/or boards may want to specify approved routes and locations, possibly grouping charging spots together.
- Residents will need to adhere to clearance requirements for charging stations and equipment, so locations must be carefully planned.
- Examine and modify HOA policies and contracts. For instance, condo owners who purchase their own charging equipment are responsible for removing it and making any repairs to the area around the installation when they move. In addition, by law, the resident is responsible for paying energy bills related to their charging station.
Achieve Project Success With CoolSys Energy Design
CoolSys Energy Design is here to help you cut through the confusion and navigate efficiently through everything related to charging stations on your property. We know the relevant laws for New Jersey, and using that knowledge, we employ our engineering expertise to determine the unique specifications for your property, offer third-party review of the design approach from an electrician, and create design plans for bid and permit. In addition, we provide a full range of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and refrigeration service to help you complete any project on time and on budget. To learn more, contact Briana Walsh, Vice President of CoolSys Energy Design, at bwalsh@coolsys.com.
Peter Arvay is a dually licensed Professional Mechanical and Electrical Engineer who has been a Senior Project Manager at CoolSys Energy Design for nearly a decade. After graduating from Rutgers University, Pete started his tenure working as an Energy Analyst, where he cultivated his interest in energy optimization and sustainable design. Pete has assisted multifamily communities with numerous engineering projects, including EV charging station integration, energy analysis, boiler upgrades, chiller replacements, incentive/rebate submission and electrical service evaluations.