Can I Charge an EV in an Apartment?

As more and more people embrace the EV lifestyle, the BMW of San Francisco team understandably receives a lot of questions about charging. Can I charge an EV in an apartment? If so, what is the best and safest way to go about it? Do apartment buildings have different charging considerations than single-family homes? These are all excellent questions, and the answers can help you determine if a new electric vehicle is going to be a good fit for your lifestyle in Serramonte, South San Francisco, or anywhere in the area. “Can I charge an EV in an apartment?” Below, we answer that question and others about charging an EV in an apartment.

How to Charge an EV When Living in an Apartment

When you own an EV, you need regular access to a charging system because even in a city like San Francisco, range anxiety can be a real concern for many drivers. 65% of area residents rent their homes, many of which are apartments, so it only makes sense that you’d be asking, “Can I charge an EV in an apartment?” And the answer to that question is, in most cases, yes, you can. Here is how to charge an EV when living in an apartment:

• Level 1 Charging: While Level 1 charging is the slowest option, it is also the most practical, as these systems only require a standard 120-volt wall outlet to charge your EV. You can plug your vehicle into any accessible 120-volt outlet, as long as your property doesn’t have rules expressly forbidding it. This is often the best solution for those who don’t drive a lot or typically only need to top off their battery charge at the end of the day. Be mindful of the cord when charging; to maintain safety, don’t string it across garages, parking lots, or walkways, and never use extension cords.
• Level 2 Charging: Level 2 charging is preferred by most EV owners in Pacifica and beyond. Though significantly faster than Level 1, Level 2 charging only runs on 240-volt outlets, which are not standard residential outlets in most apartments and require professional installation. However, you still have options (see below).
• DC Fast Charging: DC Fast Charging Stations are public stations that deliver the fastest charging times. However, due to their size and power requirements, these types of chargers cannot be installed in residences.

Renters’ Rights to Charging an EV in an Apartment

In San Francisco, both the state and the city are committed to helping renters make the switch to the electric lifestyle by charging an EV in an apartment. Renters have the right to request that their landlords install EV charging stations. Landlords are required to approve a tenant’s written request to install an electric vehicle charging station at the tenant’s parking space, within an owner’s unit, or in a designated parking space, as long as certain conditions are met.

And thanks to recent legislation, California has a proactive plan to expand the public charging network in San Francisco and across the state. This will help ensure easy and equitable access to charging stations so range anxiety can finally become a thing of the past.

Shop BMW of San Francisco for a Luxury EV!

Now that you know how to charge an EV when living in an apartment, take the first steps toward greener, more efficient driving by exploring our current EV lineup. See a vehicle that checks all the boxes on your wishlist? Stop in today for a test drive. In the meantime, we offer more EV information and BMW research on our website.