"I'd buy an EV, but I live in an apartment." We hear it constantly. The good news is that plenty of people own EVs without a charger at home. It just takes a plan.
Your charging options
Charging at work
If your employer offers workplace charging, that might cover most of your driving. Ask facilities about it; some businesses add charging when enough employees ask.
Public fast charging
Fast chargers can add a lot of range in 20 to 40 minutes. The downside is the trip there and the wait, especially at busy stations.
Level 1 from a regular outlet
If your parking spot happens to be near a standard outlet and your property allows it, a Level 1 cord adds a few miles per hour. It's slow but helpful for short commutes.
Ask your landlord or HOA
California has laws that support tenants' and condo owners' requests to install EV charging in many situations, though there are conditions and cost responsibilities. It's worth asking your property manager what's possible.
Mobile charging
With mobile at-home charging, a technician comes to your parking spot and charges your car, once or on a recurring schedule. There's no installation and no trip to a station.
Making it work week to week
- Know your weekly mileage. Most commuters drive far less than a full battery's range each week.
- Set a routine, such as two scheduled charges per week, so you never think about it.
- Keep a cushion. Don't let the battery sit near empty, especially in summer heat.
Which EV to choose
If you'll rely on public and mobile charging, choose an EV with good efficiency and fast DC charging speeds. Connector type matters less than it used to: we carry CCS, NACS and CHAdeMO.
Want to see what an apartment-friendly charging routine would cost? Check our memberships or call 760-278-9676.