Table of Contents
Your comprehensive manual for setting up an EV charging station in Indian apartment buildings
Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle (EV)? Or do you already have one and want to know how to charge it in your apartment block at home? You’re not by yourself. As EV adoption increases in India, more citizens are asking themselves, “How can I install a charger in the parking space of my flat without encountering obstacles from my housing society or RWA?”
The good news? You do have the right to install an EV charging station as a resident, and more and more government regulations are supporting this right. This is all the information you require.
🚗 The Significance of Home Charging
In the world, more than 80% of EV charging takes place at home. It’s the most practical, economical, and secure method of charging for the majority of people. Having a personal charging setup is a big plus in India, where public charging is still growing.
Installing a charging station in your assigned parking space is typically required if you live in an apartment.
✅ Installing an EV charger is a legal right.
The most recent guidelines from the federal and state governments state the following:
Guidelines from the Ministry of Power (2024): Relevant throughout India. According to these guidelines, residents can install an EV charger using their current domestic electricity connection or apply for a separate meter specifically designed for EVs. These installations must be supported quickly by DISCOMs.
Model Building Bye-Laws (MoHUA): All new buildings and large retrofitted complexes should set aside at least 20% of their parking space for EV charging, according to the Model Building Bye-Laws (MoHUA). These have been included in the development control regulations of states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (2024): As long as load requirements are fulfilled, residents may install EV chargers using their home electricity connection. For safe installation, RWAs must permit access.
Maharashtra Cooperative Housing Circular (2022): If safety regulations are followed, societies must grant a NOC for the installation of EV chargers within seven days.
According to a 2025 Bombay High Court ruling, societies cannot deny permission based on arbitrary grounds such as “no existing policy.” As long as safety and structural requirements are fulfilled, the court maintained the resident’s right to install a charger in their designated parking space.
📝 Do these laws apply everywhere?
The MoHUA building bye-laws and the Ministry of Power guidelines serve as model frameworks that are applicable throughout India. States are supposed to support them.
Currently, state-specific orders (such as those in Maharashtra or Karnataka) are only applicable in those states; however, other regions of the nation are increasingly adopting their reasoning and methodology.
⚖️ What Your RWA Will Need
Despite your rights, it’s crucial to adhere to due process:
- Send the RWA a written request along with:
- An EV dealer can provide you with a diagram that shows the cable route from your meter to your parking charger specifications.
- An agreement to pay expenses and adhere to safety regulations
- Work together to ensure safety: To ensure safety and aesthetics, RWA may advise using a certified electrician or recommend a standard wiring technique.
- Certificate of No Objection (NOC): According to Registrar circulars, the society in Maharashtra is required to provide this to you within seven days.
🔌 Connection Choices: What Works Best for You
Usually, you have three options:
- Connect to the meter in your flat: This is the most popular option. You receive a direct bill for power.
- Purchase a different meter specifically for the charger: Excellent for dedicated use or quicker charging.
- Make use of a shared area supply: temporary choice. You must be accurately measured and billed by society. Not as desirable.
Because Option 1 is the least expensive, cleanest, and directly billed, most residents choose it.
⚡ Safety First: Setup Dos and Don’ts: Make use of a charger certified by BIS
Installing an EV charger involves basic electrical modifications, and societies are well within their rights to ask that all work meets fire and electrical safety norms.
Electrical Safety:
- Use a BIS-certified charger (IS 17017 compliant)
- Ensure cables are copper, fire-rated, and properly insulated
- Wiring must be laid in PVC conduits or metallic trunking
- Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) for leakage protection
- Charger must be connected via a dedicated MCB/isolator
Fire Safety:
- Do not place the charger near flammable material, water outlets, or vents
- Install in well-ventilated areas only (especially in basements)
- Maintain a minimum clearance zone of 1–1.5 meters around the charger
- Equip the parking floor with a CO2 or ABC fire extinguisher nearby
- For multi-car setups, societies can request heat/smoke detectors in the area
Most of these requirements are outlined in:
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Safety Regulations, 2023
- Maharashtra Fire Services EV Advisory (2024)
🚫 What Your Society Cannot Do:
- Refuse permission unless there is a good technical or safety reason
- Charge arbitrary “EV usage fees” that have not been authorised by the General Body Prohibit all EV charging without providing a substitute
- Compel you to exclusively use their vendor (unless agreed upon by all)
❓ Common Questions
What happens if I don’t get a parking space?
Equal opportunity must be provided by society. With permission, you can ask to use visitor parking or common charging stations.
Can I connect my apartment to the parking lot using an extension cord?
It is highly discouraged because it is dangerous. Use a certified path for permanent wiring.
Can I be charged a commercial tariff by RWA?
No. You pay domestic rates if it’s connected to your domestic meter. The majority of DISCOMs provide discounted EV rates (4.5/unit), even if they are paid for with a separate meter.
📆 Detailed Guide: Installing Your Charger
- Get the charger details by speaking with your EV dealer.
- Examine the wiring and parking routes.
- Discuss your plan with your RWA.
- Send in a formal request along with a wiring diagram.
- Employ a qualified electrician to complete the installation.
- Obtain a safety inspection after installation if necessary.
Don’t wait.
Having a charging station at home will be just as important as having Wi-Fi as EVs gain popularity. Installing one early increases the value of your house and helps you avoid lines and arguments.
The laws in India are becoming more clear: You have the right to charge your car at home in a responsible and safe manner.
A follow-up guide for RWAs on how to oversee the community’s EV charging infrastructure will be available soon.