Discover practical solutions to charge your electric vehicle (EV) in apartment living. Explore strategies, workplace charging, and urban innovations to overcome EV charging challenges for apartment-dwelling EV owners.

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, more people are making the switch to eco-friendly transportation. However, for those living in apartments, charging an EV can present unique challenges. The absence of a dedicated charging station in apartment complexes can leave EV owners wondering how to keep their vehicles charged and ready to roll. In this guide, we'll explore the solutions and strategies that apartment dwellers can use to charge their electric vehicles conveniently and efficiently.

1. Charging Basics for Apartment Dweller

Before diving into specific solutions, let's start with the basics. Understanding the types of EV chargers, charging speeds, and the equipment you'll need can help you make informed decisions about your charging setup. 

• Level 1 Charging: This is the basic charger that comes with most electric vehicles. It plugs into a standard household outlet but charges your EV slowly. 
• Level 2 Charging: For faster charging, consider installing a Level 2 charger. These require a 240-volt outlet, similar to a dryer or stove hookup.

For some extra information regarding the difference between the some of the markets most popular types of chargers, consider checking out our previous post here!

2. Explore Public Charging Stations

One of the most accessible options for apartment dwellers is to use public charging stations. Many cities and urban areas have a growing network of EV charging stations that you can use which normally fit under the Level 2 or DC Fast Charging category. Here are some tips: 

• Locate Charging Stations: Use mobile apps or websites to find nearby charging stations.  
• Charging Costs: Understand the charging costs associated with public stations, as they may vary depending on the location, charging provider, and time of charging.  

3. Consider Portable Charging Solutions

Portable chargers can be a game-changer for apartment dwellers. Normally, portable chargers have a set level 1 or level 2 charging capabilities.

To avoid the headache of determining what charger you have, consider the Webasto Go! A compact, durable, and most importantly  dual voltage portable charger. No matter where you go, having one of these in your trunk allows you to connect to whatever charging ports are available. This is a perfect charger to use when you are on the go or are entering areas you may not be familiar with.  

4. Sharing with Neighbors

In some cases, there may be a limited number of chargers for you and your neighbors that is insufficient in supporting all the EV’s in the apartment. In these cases, consider collaborating with your neighbors to share charging resources: 

Consider creating a schedule that allows residents to take turns using available charging outlets, ensuring fair access for all.

5. Asking Apartment Management

If there is no charging offered at the apartments you live in, it may be worth it to contact your apartment management and see if they would be interested in installing a public EV charger.  

EV charging is an easy investment for the future as it’s clear to see the path the automobile industry is heading. For some more concrete reasons why your apartment management should take public EV charging seriously, consider looking at our previous blog post here! 

Charging an electric vehicle in an apartment complex might initially seem challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, it can be a straightforward process when you have the proper support. Whether you opt for public charging stations, grab a portable charger like the Webasto Go, or share charging resources with neighbors, you can keep your EV charged and enjoy the benefits of eco-friendly transportation! 

Shop for your solution at Webasto and take charge of your apartment charging problems with the our innovative solutions!