Dear Eartha, I recently got an electric vehicle. I love my new car, but charging has been a challenge because I live in a condo. I want to talk to my homeowners association about getting shared chargers, but I don’t know where to start. Can you help?

Congrats on your new electric car — I just got one, too. In fact, so many Coloradans are going electric that our state now leads the nation in electric vehicle adoption. Governor Jared Polis has set ambitious goals to make Colorado a leader in clean transportation, meaning more incentives, infrastructure improvements, and support for electric vehicle drivers like us. The state isn’t just acting on this — our local jurisdictions are, too.

Why your homeowners association should care

With such rapid growth, installing chargers in multi-family buildings is becoming not just a perk, but a necessity. Properties with electric vehicle chargers see higher property values, attract eco-conscious buyers and ensure readiness for future demand. If your condo community allows short-term rentals, having chargers can also be a huge draw for electric vehicle-driving visitors. Many booking sites have added electric vehicle charging into filter options to help travelers find rentals with charging. 

Charging 101: What you need to know

Let’s talk chargers: There are three main types of electric vehicle chargers, each suited for different needs. Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and are the slowest option, adding about 3-6 miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet, similar to an electric dryer, and can add 14-35 miles of range per hour. These are ideal for homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Then there’s Level 3 charging, or DC fast charging, which is the quickest (and most expensive), adding up to 10 miles of range per minute —perfect for road trips and highway stops. 

For most businesses and homeowners associations around the county, installing Level 2 chargers is the best option because they offer a great balance of speed, affordability and accessibility. But ultimately, what your homeowners association installs comes down to the needs of your community.

What to consider

Think about how many of your neighbors already drive electric vehicles. Are there other residents interested in driving an electric vehicle in the future? Ask around and get them on board. A group request to your homeowners association could be more compelling than a single homeowner’s ask. This will also help determine the number of chargers your complex should initially install, and how many to plan for in the future. 

Upgrading electrical infrastructure can be one of the biggest challenges for homeowners association. It’s essential to assess your community’s electrical capacity and determine if panel upgrades or additional meters are needed. Consulting Xcel Energy, Summit County’s utility, early in the process can help map out the best approach. 

Since electric vehicle chargers impact shared spaces, updating homeowners association policies is often necessary. Your homeowners association board may need to develop guidelines covering charger ownership, maintenance responsibilities, access fees (if any), and electrical usage costs. 

Rebates and incentives — how much can your homeowners association get?

Good news for keeping dues low — there’s money available to help cover costs.

• Xcel Energy Rebates: Xcel Energy offers rebates for up to $5,835 per port for multi-family properties installing Level 2 chargers. 
• Colorado Energy Office Grants: The Charge Ahead grant program helps fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state.
• Federal Tax Credits: The federal government offers tax credits of up to 30% of installation costs for electric vehicle chargers. For tax-exempt homeowners association, you may be eligible for the direct pay program.
• Charging Equipment: Property owners can set usage fees, creating an opportunity to recoup costs of installation 

Want to learn more? Attend an upcoming workshop

Navigating electric vehicle charging options can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join High Country Conservation Center and Xcel Energy for a free workshop on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Breckenridge South Branch Library. This session will cover rebates, the installation process and best practices for homeowners associations. Plus, you’ll get breakfast. Register now at High Country Conservation Center’s website.

Advocating for electric vehicle charging in your condo community is a fantastic step toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future. With Colorado’s booming electric vehicle market, being proactive puts your community ahead of the curve. 

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.