Guidelines to implement EV charging stations in housing society in Maharashtra

There is a rise in usage of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country be it public vehicles or personal ones.  To cater to this demand, automobile companies are increasingly coming up with variations in EVs across price points. An important aspect of EV vehicles is the presence of charging stations. While there are many public charging stations available in Maharashtra, it is of great help if these stations are available in one’s housing society. This saves time and effort of the person owing the EV and sums to be a total value for money as far as the vehicle is concerned. Are you aware about the regulations related to implementing EV charges in a housing society? This guide focuses on the recommendations to be followed while implementing EV charging stations in housing societies in Maharashtra. 

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: EV charging stations to be provided in buildings

According to Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL – 2016) for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, based on the occupancy pattern and the total parking provisions in the premises of the various building types, charging infrastructures shall be provided only for EVs, which is currently assumed to be 20% of all ‘vehicle holding capacity’/’parking capacity’ at the premise. Additionally, the building premise will have to have an additional power load, equivalent to the power required for all charging points (in a PCS) to be operated simultaneously, with a safety factor of 1.25 (refer Explanatory Note- Annexure Ill).

Residential buildings (Plotted house)

Charging infrastructure requirements for individual house/ self-us

Source: Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL – 2016) for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

All other buildings (including Group Housing)

According to the guideline, any PCS installed at public/private areas or building premises of any category that caters to commercial mode of charging of EVs shall be deemed as a public charging station and shall have to install the minimum requirements of chargers as specified in the Guidelines dated December 14, 2018 of Ministry of Power. However, in order to provide sufficient charging points for the EV share in all vehicles.

Charging infrastructure requirements for PCS( Commercial use)

Source: Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL – 2016) for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Maharashtra EV Policy 2021

The ministry of housing and urban affairs in 2019 amended building codes to accommodate EV charging stations in residential and commercial buildings. Under the Maharashtra EV Policy 2021, a safety advisory in the form of a standard operating procedure (SoP) for EV charging stations (EVCS) in multi-storey residential buildings, commercial buildings for two, three and four wheelers across Maharashtra was drafted. 

Implementation of EV charging stations in residential properties 

To ensure safe and effective usage of the EV Charging Stations (EVCS) in Maharashtra, the guidelines mentioned below should be followed. These are in accordance with the Maharashtra EV Policy 2021.

1. The charging station installed by housing societies in their residential premises that may be multi-storeyed should meet technical, safety and performance standards and protocols pointed by the Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for connectivity of the Distributed Generation Resources) Amendment Regulations 2019 and Central Electricity Authority (Measures related to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations 2019) Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006 and the directives issued from the urban local bodies in Maharashtra time to time.
2. All the electrical installation work for the charging station shall be carried out by the Licensed Electrical Contractor approved by the state government of Maharashtra 
3. In case there are multiple chargers in use, there should be clear and prominent notices at each charging point indicating for which equipment or vehicle(s) i.e., AC or DC it is suitable.
4. In case, rapid charging points – known as DC fast charge and operating at 500V DC – are provided, they should be clearly differentiated from conventional charging points because of the hazards associated with the direct current. Housing societies should ensure that these signs and labels marked on the chargers are not removed or defaced.
5. In case charging points are to be provided in multi-storey car parks, these should necessarily be located in open air at roof deck level to minimise potential of spreading of fire within the structure. 
6. All electric vehicle charging points should be installed in such a way that any socket-outlet of supply is around 800 mm above the highest flood level. 
7. In case an EV is parked for charging, the EV parking place should be within five meter from the electric vehicle charging point. 
8. The charging point should be child-proof and preferably installed away from any children’s play area. 
9. Charging bays should be signed and marked prominently on the ground to allow vehicles to park close to the charging point and prevent the stretching of charging cables. Note that the length of charging cables should be sufficient to allow their use with the intended equipment without risk of damage that can lead to incidents like fire. 
10. Charging points should be protected against mechanical damage by vehicles. They should be installed above ground level and be located on a raised island, or be protected by Krebs, bollards, or metal barriers. Charging points should also be protected against the ingress of water and foreign objects.
11. The parking of other vehicles in charging areas and using it as conventional parking spaces is not allowed. To prevent this, housing societies may consider using barriers. 
12. If it is not practicable to provide physical separation of a vehicle charging area within a building as mentioned above (and outside the premises), no charging should be undertaken within 10m of any combustible materials like waste materials, stock or combustible elements of the structure. Also, no charging should be undertaken within 15m of hazardous installations such as transformers, flammable liquid stores and liquefied petroleum gas tanks.
13. All chargers and associated equipment should be installed, used, serviced and maintained in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) will be tested time to time by independent agencies to ensure compliance with the guidelines. 
14. If the connection point is installed outdoors, or in a damp location, the equipment shall have a degree of Ingress Protection Code) in accordance with IS/IEC 60529. 

Housing.com POV

Maharashtra’s rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption highlights the need for EV charging infrastructure that is convenient and accessible. This is achieved by implementing EV charging stations in housing societies. One must adhere to all safety compliance while implementing EV chargers in a housing society so that an issue of fire or other accident doesn’t take place.