BC’s New Strata EV Charging Regulations Explained: What Condo Owners Should Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche choice in British Columbia—they’re mainstream. In fact, BC has the highest EV adoption rate in North America, with more than one in five new vehicle sales being electric. For single-family homeowners, installing a Level 2 charger in a garage is usually straightforward. But for condo owners, the process has historically been complicated, slow, and often frustrating due to strata bylaws and approval hurdles.

That’s why the Province of BC introduced new strata EV charging regulations, which took effect on October 1, 2024. These rules are designed to make it easier for condo residents to charge their EVs at home, while giving strata councils a framework to plan for the future.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what has changed, what it means for you as a condo owner, and how to take advantage of rebates and support to make EV charging in your building a reality.

Why New Regulations Were Needed

Before these changes, condo owners often ran into three major barriers when trying to install EV chargers in their strata:

1. Complex Approval Processes – Installing a charger usually required a special resolution with 75% approval from all voting owners. Many requests stalled here.

2. Electrical Capacity Concerns – Older buildings often lacked the power capacity for multiple chargers, and stratas didn’t know how to plan upgrades.

3. Cost-Sharing Disputes – Questions about who pays for installation, upgrades, and ongoing electricity often led to conflict.

As EV adoption accelerated, the lack of clear rules meant condo residents were being left behind. The new regulations aim to fix that.

Key Changes in the New Strata EV Charging Regulations

The 2024 legislation introduces several important updates that directly affect condo owners:

1. The “Right to Charge” Principle

Strata corporations can no longer unreasonably refuse an owner’s request to install an EV charger in their designated parking stall. If you’re willing to pay for the installation and it’s technically feasible, the default expectation is that your strata must work with you to make it happen.

This change removes the blanket “no” that many councils previously issued and replaces it with a requirement to justify refusals.

2. Simplified Approval Process

Previously, installing EV infrastructure often required a 75% supermajority vote at a general meeting. Now, many EV charging proposals only need a majority vote, or in some cases, can proceed with council approval alone.

This reduces the chances of a small group of owners blocking progress, making it more realistic for individual residents to move forward.

3. Strata Responsibility to Plan for EV Readiness

Stratas are now expected to proactively plan for EV charging needs. This may include:

• Conducting electrical capacity studies to understand how many chargers the building can support.

• Installing load management systems so multiple vehicles can share power efficiently.

• Creating shared infrastructure upgrades (like running conduit or panels) to make future installations faster and cheaper.

The goal is to ensure buildings don’t just respond to individual requests but also prepare for a future where EV charging is a standard amenity.

4. Owner Responsibilities Remain Clear

While stratas must be more accommodating, individual condo owners are typically still responsible for:

• Paying for the purchase and installation of their charger.

• Covering any ongoing maintenance of their unit.

• Ensuring compliance with building electrical capacity and safety requirements.

However, if the strata chooses to invest in shared infrastructure, costs may be spread among owners through strata fees or special levies.

What This Means for Condo Owners

For residents, these changes are significant. Here’s what they mean in practical terms:

1. You now have a stronger legal pathway to request a charger in your own stall.

2. The approval process is less daunting, so your request is less likely to get stuck in bureaucratic limbo.

3. Your building may become EV-ready over time, even if you’re not the first person to request a charger.

4. Property values and appeal increase, since EV readiness is becoming a selling feature for condos.

Think of this as future-proofing: even if you don’t drive an EV today, your building’s investment in charging infrastructure adds long-term value.

CleanBC Rebates and Financial Support

Installing EV infrastructure isn’t cheap—but the CleanBC Go Electric program offers generous rebates to help offset costs for both condo owners and stratas. Available funding includes:

• EV Ready Plans – Up to $3,000 to help stratas hire professionals to assess their electrical capacity and create a charging strategy.

• EV Ready Infrastructure – Up to $600 per parking stall to install electrical infrastructure (conduit, panels, wiring) for multiple stalls.

• EV Charger Rebates – Up to $5,000 per Level 2 charger for shared-use installations, or $350 per charger for individual installations.

These rebates significantly reduce upfront expenses and make it easier for stratas to invest in future-proof infrastructure.

Challenges That Remain

While the new rules remove many barriers, some challenges still exist:

• Electrical Capacity Limits – Some older condos may require major electrical upgrades, which are costly.

• Cost Allocation – Even with rebates, stratas must decide how to fairly share infrastructure costs.

• Education & Awareness – Many condo owners and councils are still learning about the new regulations and available rebates.

This is where working with specialists—like licensed electricians and EV charging consultants—becomes invaluable.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Condo Owners

If you’re a condo owner ready to explore EV charging under the new rules, here’s a practical roadmap:

1. Check Your Strata Bylaws

Review existing policies on EV charging. The new laws override unreasonable restrictions, but it helps to know your building’s starting point.

2. Make a Formal Request

Submit a written request to your strata council outlining your interest in installing a charger. Be clear about your willingness to cover costs.

3. Ask About an EV Readiness Plan

Has your building conducted an electrical assessment? If not, suggest using CleanBC rebates to get one done.

4. Explore Funding Options

Research available rebates for both individual chargers and building-wide upgrades. Present these options to your council.

5. Work With a Professional Installer

Hiring an experienced EV charging provider ensures compliance with technical and safety requirements. They can also handle rebate applications and council presentations.

Why This Matters Beyond Individual Owners

These regulations don’t just help early adopters—they set the stage for BC’s transition to a cleaner transportation system. By making condos EV-ready:

• More people can confidently buy EVs, knowing they’ll have home charging access.

• Buildings become more marketable, attracting eco-conscious buyers and renters.

• Communities reduce emissions, supporting BC’s climate targets.

In short: EV readiness is becoming as essential as Wi-Fi or secure bike storage.

How Strata Councils Can Get Ahead

If you serve on a strata council, these changes mean it’s time to shift from reactive to proactive planning. Some best practices include:

• Develop an EV readiness policy – Clarify how requests will be handled and how costs will be allocated.

• Apply for rebates early – Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Engage professionals – Work with EV charging experts who understand both technical and regulatory requirements.

• Educate residents – Keep owners informed about the new laws, rebate opportunities, and your building’s plan.

Doing this now avoids last-minute conflicts when more residents request charging in the years ahead.

The Role of Professional Support

Navigating regulations, rebate applications, and installation logistics can feel overwhelming for both condo owners and strata councils. That’s why many turn to experts like Electric Asset, who specialize in strata EV charging projects.

Electric Asset helps with:

• Preparing EV readiness assessments.

• Designing cost-effective charging strategies.

• Coordinating installation with minimal disruption.

• Ensuring compliance with provincial rules.

• Guiding strata councils through CleanBC rebate applications.

With the right support, what seems complicated can become a smooth process.

Ready to Electrify Your BC Strata? Partner with Electric Asset Today

BC’s new strata EV charging regulations are a game-changer for condo living. They make it easier for owners to request chargers, require stratas to plan for EV readiness, and align financial incentives through rebates.

For condo owners, this means:

• You have stronger rights to install a charger.

• The approval process is faster and simpler.

• Your building is more likely to invest in shared infrastructure.

For strata councils, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity to modernize your building, boost property values, and align with BC’s clean energy future. If you’re a condo owner or strata council in BC looking for quality strata EV charging installation in Vancouver, Electric Asset can help you navigate every step, from planning and rebate applications to installation. Reach out at [email protected] or call 604-761-6123 to learn more.