Dear Maintenance Men | January 15, 2010

Written by AACSC | 25 January 2011

Dear Maintenance Men:
I’m excited about all the electric cars coming into the market starting at the end of 2010. I plan on owning one myself! My question is: how do I make my apartment building electric car friendly? I believe this will be the future and I want to have a leg up on the competition.

If I can rent my vacancy faster and for more money, I’m in! What do I have to think about to convert my existing garages or parking areas to accommodate the electric cars of the future?
George

Dear George:
Wow! You are really thinking ahead. Good for you! We also believe the future lies in the use of more and more green technologies. In Southern California, the car is king and public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Electric cars make a lot of sense for those commuting 30 or 40 miles a day.

Many of the new electric cars coming out will allow charging from a 110 volt/15 amp outlet. But that is marginal at best. We would recommend installing at minimum, a dedicated 240 volt/40 amp outlet in each stall or garage. Optimally if you are going through the expense of running 240 volts, back it up with at least 80 to 100 amp service.

This will allow for future expansion and easily charge two 40 amp electric cars at one time. The outlet station should be no more than 25 feet from the vehicle. This is pretty heavy-duty electrical work and we would recommend you use a qualified electrician who understands what you want to do.