Can I Install EV charger in a Condo - Full Guide

 

The process often is full of complexity, from obtaining approvals to compliance with local regulations, but it is an integral part of installation. The article will also share real experiences by residents who have benefitted from professional installations by EV Sifu, which will also provide valuable insight into the process for readers.

Resident Insights on EV Charger Installation in Malaysian Condominiums

Resident insights on the challenges and benefits of installing EV chargers in Malaysian condominiums

One resident in KL shared his good experience of owning a Tesla in a condominium. He shared that: 

• Free top-ups at Tesla destination chargers in malls; 
• Minimal costs beyond parking fees; 
• The convenience of a home charger is nice to have but not a necessity for local driving; 

Another resident expressed frustrations:

• Lack of transparent policies on EV charging in high-rise buildings
• High costs for upgrading building electrical systems
• Resistance by non-EV owners to such upgrading

Potential increases in service charges eroding the perks of EV ownership in condominiums.

EV Charger Installation in Condominiums (Existing and New)

Individual Landed or Strata Residential Buildings

• No Approval Required for the installation of EV chargers.

Strata Residential Buildings - Condo (Joint Ownership)

Snippet under the Building plan for changes made under strata residential buildings such as condos.

Option 1 requires submitting a Building Plan for any changes or additions, depositing a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) for specific categories (G7, G8, G9, G16), and obtaining approval from the Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC).

Option 2 involves submitting a Minor Construction Plan for smaller changes, obtaining a Certificate of Completion from the Local Authority (PBT), and getting approval from the JMB/MC.

Multi-Family Dwellings (Apartment or Condominium) Requirements

Multi-Family Dwellings (Apartment or Condominium) Requirements

The requirements necessary for the installation placement of EV Charger under Multi-Family dwellings (Apartment or condominium)

• The EVSE shall be outdoor-rated except when installed in a protected location. When a vehicle may be parked in front of the vehicle stall
• The EVSE shall be installed on the side of the car and as far as possible from pedestrian walkways to minimize tripping.
• Furthermore, wheel stops shall be installed so that the EV parking area does not obstruct busy areas, which can turn into a tripping hazard in case no vehicle is present.

Demand assessment about EV charging has to be made by the building management from its residents. Depending on that assessment, laying down extra cabling shall cater to any future expansion needs and provide adequate infrastructure in case demands grow.

Number of EV Charging Bays (EVCB)

The set regulation of which the total volume of parking spaces , 2% are to be allocated as EVSE parking lots.

The number shall be based on the resident demand for the existing EV Charging Bays. For new EVCB requirements, existing parking spaces being converted to EVCB shall not be considered a replacement. Further, at least 2% of the total parking spaces shall be provided as EVCB or one in the visitor parking area, whichever is more.

EV Charger Installation Process in Condos

Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in a condominium setting involves a series of carefully coordinated steps to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, and convenience for residents.

i. Initial Consultation and Site Assessment

EV Sifu will initiate this with a no-cost consultation to first identify the needs of the condominium. Once the needs of the condo are understood, an on-site assessment is conducted to estimate the set-up of the electrical infrastructure and the parking layout—precisely determining the most appropriate location for the EV charger. It will ensure all areas related to installation are tailored according to the condo's requirements.

ii. Obtaining Approvals

This means securing the principle approval from the Joint Management Body or Management Corporation. EV Sifu will be submitting documents, which include the Building Plan or Minor Construction Plan, to the Local Authority and coordinate with them in compliance matters that have to do with the local regulatory framework. This ensures that everything is in order before installation commences. 

iii. Electrical Upgrades and Preparation

If necessary, the building's electrical system will need to be upgraded for the new EV chargers. EV Sifu can run additional cabling or upgrade the main electrical panel to ensure that it has sufficient capacity to carry the additional load so that a site will be ready and an installation will happen with no problems. All such preparations would be most important to avoid system overload under the demands of EV charging for strata titles such as a condominium.

iv. Installation of EV Chargers

This involves fixing the approved plans and specifications for an EV charger, ensuring that EV Sifu has it securely mounted and properly connected to a power supply. The installation shall be done with precision; the charger shall be safely integrated into the existing electrical system. This would ensure that the charger is fully operational, meeting all the safety standards. 

v. Testing and Commissioning

Extensive testing of the EV charger's proper and safe functioning is done by EV Sifu. Testing the electrical connections and calibrating the EV charger, if needed, optimizing the current load that it's intended to supply as well as the unit's ability to adjust to failure in case of a fault in the electrical system. This is a crucial phase in an EV charger installation project since it confirms the installation is complete and the unit is ready for use. 

vi. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

After installation, maintenance and peace of mind warranty for 1-year for installations under EV Sifu are given to the EV Charger. Should any issue arise, the management will contact us for troubleshooting any issues that would prevent from charging or failure from points elsewhere.

Reviews and Feedback on EV Sifu Installations in High-Rise Buildings

EV Sifu has completed EV charger installations in high-rise buildings, adhering to ST regulations and guidelines. These installations demonstrate our commitment to meeting safety standards and providing residents with efficient, reliable charging solutions.

MyHabitat Condo, Jalan Tun Razak

EV charger Installation process at MyHabitat Condo, Jalan Tun Razak.

  Up at MyHabitat Condo, Jalan Tun Razak, this installation by EV Sifu has also received positive reviews. In an earlier review shared by a customer on the Tesla Malaysia Facebook Group, one is told of their satisfaction with the installation process and the quality of service delivery. Reflecting the delivered solution that EV Sifu has managed to effect and make reliable in this high-rise building for any EV charging needs, it stated, "Satisfied with the installation process and service quality of EV Sifu at MyHabitat Condo, Jalan Tun Razak.".

The Haute Condo, Jalan Bukit Keramat

Variety of Wallbox Installations Completed By EV Sifu

Multiple reviews of our installation services has been nothing short of amazing and that's coming from our customer not us.

EV Sifu has been in a position to offer and perform many different Wallbox installations for a variety of brands and models. These installations include Tesla, BMW chargers, Feyree, Wallbox Pulsar, Audi e-tron, and Mini Cooper Wallbox. Every installation is tailor-made to the specific vehicle's requirements and the building's infrastructure to provide peak performance and safety to all users.

All You Need To Know About EV Sifu

We provide and have an extensive history of experience in installations for EV chargers regardless of whichever residential property type you reside in, landed or strata high-rise. Our commitment is purely fueled by our customer’s satisfaction and safety when introduced to EV chargers.

Allow Us to handle the nitty and gritty work of the installation process and worry not as we handle our installation process with the highest regards to safety that also comply with regulations and guidelines by Suruhanjaya Tenaga, which includes electrical components that are certified by SIRIM.

We’ve operated and installed a multitude of chargers that include Tesla, BYD, BMW, Kia EV, Mini Cooper, and Audi and you’d best believe it’ll be the same for the upcoming Proton e.MAS. 

Conclusion

In summary, it takes planning and adherence to the rule books to install an EV charger within a condominium, and professional services like EV Sifu make it smoother. While it is easier to have an EV in a high-rise, challenges show up, and some residents find it quite manageable with proper support and infrastructure. Indeed, as more people adopt EVs in the future, it will mean even greater attention to upgrading condo facilities in support of charging needs.