What are the regulations for installing electric vehicle chargers in condominiums?

The installation of electric vehicle chargers in condominiums in Portugal is subject to specific regulations that aim to facilitate the transition to electric mobility:

Approval at Condominium Owners’ Meeting

• Collective Decision:

  Installation of chargers in common areas requires approval at a condominium owners’ meeting. However, legislation facilitates installation, allowing a condominium owner to install a charger in their garage provided it does not compromise the safety and structure of the building.

Prior Communication and Condominium Right of Opposition

• Prior Communication (General Rule):

  Installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging point by a condominium owner, whether in their private parking space (garage/fraction) or in common access locations, dispenses with authorization from the Condominium Owners’ Meeting. The interested condominium owner only has the legal obligation to communicate their intention to the administrator with minimum advance notice (generally 30 days)

• Right of Opposition/Preference:

  The condominium can object to individual installation only if:

  1. The installation compromises the safety, stability, or aesthetics of the building.

  2. The condominium, after receiving the communication, decides to install chargers itself for common use and does so within a reasonable period. In that case, the condominium owner is obliged to use them (and pay a fee) instead of proceeding with their individual installation.”

Technical Requirements

• Compliance with Standards:

  Chargers must comply with applicable technical and safety standards, ensuring that the installation does not represent risks to the building or residents.

Costs and Responsibilities

• Financing:

  Installation costs (including installation of an individualized energy metering system) are borne by the condominium owner who requests and benefits from the installation, being a totally private expense, unless the condominium decides to install a common system.

• Maintenance:

  Responsibility for charger maintenance generally falls on the equipment owner.