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Electric Vehicles: The trend of electric vehicles has surged rapidly in recent times. If you have the appropriate wiring and necessary approvals, the law permits you to install an EV charger in your parking space. Your housing society cannot prevent you from doing so.

Electric Vehicles: Nowadays, people are increasingly opting to purchase electric vehicles. However, before making such a purchase, a common question arises: can one install an EV charger in their designated parking slot within a housing society? To address this, it is essential to understand that—provided you possess the correct wiring and requisite approvals—you are indeed entitled to install an EV charger in your parking area. The law grants you this specific right.

A 2.5-Year Battle, Culminating in Victory

One such instance recently came to light involving a man named Rakshit Somani. Two and a half years ago, he purchased a Mercedes-Benz EQB worth ₹1 crore; however, his housing society refused to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the installation of a charger in his parking space, citing safety concerns. This dispute dragged on for a considerable period, but ultimately, he secured the permission to install the charger. He recounted that he was compelled to rely on public charging stations—where the cost amounts to ₹3.5 to ₹4 per kilometer—whereas charging at home would have cost him a mere ₹1.5 per kilometer.

Society vs. Rakshit Somani: What Were Their Arguments?

It is worth noting that, in this case, the housing society argued that the installation of an EV charger could pose a safety hazard. They expressed particular concern regarding older buildings—where the electrical load capacity is typically lower—and highlighted the inherent risk of fire breaking out in the basement parking area. Conversely, Rakshit Somani countered that he already possessed a company-approved Mercedes-Benz EQB charger, appropriate wiring infrastructure, and the necessary clearance from the electricity board; therefore, he argued, the society's decision to obstruct the installation was unjustified.

What Do the Regulations Say?

Regarding the regulatory framework, the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in 2024 explicitly state that a housing society cannot prevent any resident from installing an EV charger within their allotted parking slot. While a society is entitled to raise concerns regarding the electrical load capacity, it does not possess the authority to issue an outright refusal. If you have the proper installation, approvals, and safety arrangements in place, you can have an EV charger installed.