Can charging piles be installed in old residential areas?
3 Answers
Installation is possible if the relevant conditions and regulations are met. The requirements for meeting the installation conditions are as follows: Must comply with safety regulations: For those meeting the installation conditions, the property management must cooperate with the installation of charging piles according to regulations. Whether charging piles can be installed in the parking spaces of residential area owners depends on a comprehensive assessment of the infrastructure, power load, and other conditions of the residential area. Firefighting facilities and equipment must be complete and meet the relevant conditions. For those meeting the installation conditions, the property management must cooperate with the installation of charging piles according to regulations. If they refuse to cooperate, the community owners can seek coordination from the community, the property management office of the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, or even file a complaint through the mayor's hotline. Apply according to the procedure: The applicant needs to provide an ID card and proof of ownership of a fixed parking space. It is necessary to confirm whether the residential area meets the installation conditions. The applicant needs to sign the "Electric Vehicle Charging Pile Usage Agreement" with the power supply company. After the application is accepted, the power supply company will conduct an on-site inspection of the power supply situation and then install the electric meter and connect the power.
I've lived in an old residential community for over a decade, and some residents in our neighborhood have installed charging stations. The electrical systems in older buildings have limited capacity, with wiring from decades ago unable to handle high-power charging stations, often leading to overload tripping. It's essential to first request an assessment from the power company and, if necessary, replace aging wires and switchgear. Coordination with property management is often the biggest hurdle, as many older communities lack designated parking spaces, requiring the allocation of parking areas for installation, and neighbor consensus is crucial to avoid disputes. My neighbor installed one last year, spending over 2,000 yuan to upgrade the electrical circuit, and now enjoys much more convenient charging. As long as safety measures are properly implemented and equipment is regularly inspected, even older communities can keep up with the EV era. While feasible, the process can be slower, so it's advisable to plan ahead, starting with consulting the property management and proceeding step by step.
I recently switched to an electric vehicle and live in an old residential community, wanting to install a charging station for convenience. Initially, the property management expressed concerns about insufficient circuit capacity due to aging wiring and suggested I contact the power supply bureau for an inspection. The results showed that the main power line needed an upgrade to a 10 kW specification, which was a bit costly, but half of the expense could be covered by the national new energy subsidy. The installation process includes applying for permits, selecting parking spot locations, and having a professional company handle the wiring and trial operation. Three car owners in our unit collectively installed charging stations last year and have been using them without issues for a year. Although old communities have outdated facilities, installing charging stations is still possible with some effort in communication and management. For beginners, it's advisable to start with a simple extension cord trial before transitioning to a fixed station to reduce initial hassle and costs. For safety, choose buried wiring to prevent tripping and ensure clear nighttime visibility with proper warning signs.
