With Ottawa’s new Zoning Bylaw update (Section 611), new buildings must now prewire parking spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging, making Ottawa condo EV charging a key factor for both new and existing buildings. This regulation will make buyers and renters who want EV-friendly amenities find newer properties more appealing. For older condos, this bylaw challenges and offers a chance to stay competitive by upgrading parking facilities.
Many older condos already have parking spaces with 120V outlets, often used for block heaters. These outlets, typically on dual-phase circuits, can often be modified to support Level 2 charging.
Converting a 120V circuit with a duplex outlet to a 240V circuit is fairly straightforward. Typically, an electrician will:
- Evaluate and replace the existing 120V outlet with a 240V outlet.
- Upgrade the wiring to meet the higher voltage requirements.
- Test the 240V circuit for safety and compatibility.
This modification offers a cost-effective solution for retrofitting older buildings with Level 2 EV charging capacity.
Individual vs. Collective Upgrades
Condo boards have two main options for implementing EV charging upgrades:
Collective Upgrades: The board budgets for a building-wide upgrade, adding property value and future-proofing the condo to meet rising EV demand.
Individual Upgrades: Residents cover the cost of upgrading their circuits independently.
JPlug provides full support for either approach, including assessing electrical setups, upgrading circuits, and installing EV stations.
Smart power management and sustainability
A key factor in these upgrades is managing power effectively. As more charging stations are added, buildings must find ways to manage power demand without exceeding their capacity. New smart power management systems, like those from JPlug, balance power intelligently across stations, preventing overloads and ensuring safety. JPlug’s expertise in power management makes it a reliable partner for condo boards looking to add EV charging without compromising efficiency.
Proactively adopting EV infrastructure enhances a building’s market appeal and shows a commitment to sustainability. These upgrades offer a win-win for both residents and property values, as they not only improve the living experience but also increase the building’s market competitiveness.
Learn More About EV Readines
For more details on preparing condos for EV infrastructure, check out our previous blog post: The Journey to Electric Vehicle Readiness.
Ready to bring EV charging to your condo? Connect with JPlug to learn how we can help you plan, upgrade, and future-proof your building with safe, efficient EV infrastructure.
