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EV charging for apartments and renters
Updated
Renters have three real options: a normal 120V outlet near your parking spot, a portable Level 2 charger on a 240V outlet the landlord agrees to, or public and workplace charging. Do not pay to hardwire a charger into a home you do not own unless the landlord puts the terms in writing.
Option 1: a normal outlet (Level 1)
If your spot has a 120V outlet, the cord that came with your car adds about 4 miles of range per hour. That is roughly 43 miles in a 10 hour night, enough for many commutes. Ask first. The outlet may be on the building's meter, and it may share a circuit with other outlets. See Level 1 vs Level 2 for who can live on this.
Option 2: a portable Level 2 charger
If the landlord will let an electrician add a 240V outlet, a portable charger moves out with you. The outlet stays and adds value to the unit, which is a fair point to make when you ask.
- AIMILER 32A portable: comes with a carrying case and adds about 23 miles per hour. It is limited to 32A, so it can run on a 40A circuit, which is easier on an older panel. Caveat: budget brand with few long-term durability reports.
- ChargePoint HomeFlex 14-50: a wall unit from a big brand that unplugs when you move. Caveat: it needs a 14-50 outlet on a 50A circuit for its full 40A.
- EVIQO 40A plug-in: similar idea at 29 miles per hour, with an IP66 / NEMA 4 housing for outdoor spots. Caveat: newer brand.
Option 3: charge somewhere else
Workplace charging and a weekly stop at a public fast charger work for many apartment drivers. It costs more per kWh than home power in most places. Use our monthly cost calculator with the public rate to compare.
What to ask the landlord or HOA
- May I use the outlet at my spot, and how will the power be billed?
- May I pay a licensed electrician to add a dedicated 240V outlet, with a permit?
- Who owns the outlet and wiring when I move out?
- Does the building's insurance or the HOA need to approve it?
Get the answers in writing. Some states have "right to charge" laws that limit how a landlord or HOA can refuse a charger you pay for. The rules differ a lot by state. Look up your own state's law or ask a tenant group. This is not legal advice.
Things not to do
- Do not run an extension cord out a window or across a walkway.
- Do not plug into a shared garage outlet without asking. It may be on a small shared circuit.
- Do not use a dryer outlet adapter without reading our dryer outlet page first.
All seven picks are compared on the best chargers page.
Electrical caveat: this page is general information, not electrical advice for your house. Circuits, outlets and breakers for EV charging should be checked or installed by a licensed electrician, to your local code, with a permit where required.