When the building put in four shared chargers, there were six electric cars in the garage. Now there are thirty. The chargers are the same four, and the notes taped to them are getting longer.
The three usual arguments
"Someone's been plugged in since Friday"
A car that finished charging hours ago still blocks the charger. There's no schedule to point to, so the owner doesn't think they're doing anything wrong.
"Why am I paying for their electricity?"
When charging is free, every owner pays for it through condo fees, whether they drive electric or not. Billing it back by hand means reading meters and chasing invoices.
"I can never get a turn"
Residents who work days find the chargers taken by evening, every evening. The ones who get there first win.
Book it like a meeting room
Residents and visitors reserve a charger for a time slot from their phone. Each charger shows a day bar with who has booked it and when, so the next person knows when it will be free. Charger power and plug type are shown up front, so nobody books a plug that doesn't fit their car.
Price it so it pays for itself
- Per hour or per session, set for each charging area.
- Two prices, one for residents and one for visitors.
- A peak rate for the hours you choose, such as 4 to 9 p.m., to spread charging into the night.
- Or keep it free and get a usage report by unit, for condo fees or invoices.
Overstays are just another plate check
Patrol sees the charger booking on every plate check. A car still parked at the charger after its slot ends is flagged like any other parking problem, with the same notices and photos. Nobody has to tape a note to a windshield.
Before you change the rules
Tell residents early, post the rules next to the chargers, and start with a grace period. Our EV charging rules sign is free to print.
