Can You Own an EV Without Home Charging?
Absolutely. Millions of EV owners live in apartments, condos, and homes without dedicated charging. It requires more planning than home charging, but it's entirely doable—and often more convenient than you'd expect.
This guide covers everything apartment dwellers need to know about EV ownership.
The Reality Check
Challenges
- No overnight home charging
- Dependent on public infrastructure
- May require more planning
- Potentially higher charging costs
Advantages
- Many apartments are in urban areas with excellent charging coverage
- Workplace charging is increasingly common
- DC fast charging makes quick top-ups easy
- You might spend less time "charging" than you think
Strategy 1: Workplace Charging
The Best Solution If Available
Workplace charging is the apartment dweller's best friend. You park, plug in, and your car charges while you work—just like home charging, but at the office.
How to Find Workplace Charging
If Your Office Has Chargers:
- Ask HR or facilities about access
- Get added to the charging system
- Understand any costs or time limits
If Your Office Doesn't Have Chargers:
- Request it! Many companies are adding chargers
- Frame it as a sustainability initiative
- Offer to help research options
- Point to tax incentives for employers
Workplace Charging Math
- 8 hours of Level 2 charging = 60-240 miles
- 3 days/week at work = full coverage for most drivers
- Often free or very low cost
Strategy 2: Public Charging Network
Building Your Charging Routine
Step 1: Map Charging Near You
Use ChargeFind to identify:
- Chargers within 5-10 minutes of home
- Chargers at places you already go (gym, grocery, etc.)
- DC fast chargers for quick emergency top-ups
Step 2: Integrate Charging Into Existing Activities
| Activity | Charging Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Grocery shopping | 30-60 min L2 = 15-30 miles |
| Gym workout | 60-90 min L2 = 25-45 miles |
| Coffee shop | 30 min L2 = 12-18 miles |
| Movie theater | 2-3 hours L2 = 50-90 miles |
| Weekly errands | Combined: 100+ miles |
One 30-minute DC fast charge per week can add 150-200 miles—often all you need to supplement activity-based charging.
Strategy 3: Subscription Charging Services
Several services cater to apartment dwellers:
ChargePoint
- Extensive Level 2 network
- Many free stations at retail
- Monthly passes available in some areas
EVgo
- Urban-focused fast charging
- Subscription options for frequent users
- Convenient retail locations
Electrify America Pass+
- $4/month for ~25% discount
- Good for regular fast charging
- Worth it if you fast charge 2+ times/month
Strategy 4: Talk to Your Landlord
Making the Case
For Property Owners:
- EV chargers increase property value
- Attract higher-paying tenants
- Tax incentives available (30% federal credit)
- Growing tenant demand
What to Propose:
- Outlet access - Even a 120V outlet helps
- Shared charger - One charger for multiple tenants
- Your own charger - Offer to pay installation, deducted from rent
- Partnership - Suggest ChargePoint or similar install free chargers
Tenant Rights
Some states (like California) have "right to charge" laws requiring landlords to allow EV charging installation.
Charging Cost Comparison
Home Charging (If You Had It)
- ~$0.04/mile
- $50/month for 12,000 miles/year
Apartment Dweller Mix
| Source | % of Charging | Cost/mile |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace (free) | 40% | $0.00 |
| Free public L2 | 20% | $0.00 |
| Paid public L2 | 20% | $0.06 |
| DC Fast | 20% | $0.12 |
| Blended Average | 100% | $0.036 |
Best EVs for Apartment Dwellers
Prioritize:
- Long range - More buffer between charges
- Fast DC charging - Quick top-ups when needed
- Efficient - More miles per kWh
Top Picks:
- Tesla Model 3/Y - Great range, huge Supercharger network
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 - 360+ mile range, ultra-fast charging
- Kia EV6 - Fast charging, good range
- BMW iX - Luxury option with solid range
Consider Avoiding:
- EVs with very short range (<200 miles)
- EVs with slow DC charging (<100 kW max)
- EVs without CCS or NACS (limited network access)
Weekly Charging Schedule Example
The "Once a Week Fast Charge" Approach
Monday: Normal driving, no charging needed
Tuesday: Gym after work (45 min L2 = 20 miles)
Wednesday: Grocery shopping (30 min L2 = 15 miles)
Thursday: Normal driving
Friday: 25-min DC fast charge near home (100 miles)
Weekend: Normal activities, no charging needed
Total Added: ~135 miles/week
Time "Spent" Charging: ~25 minutes (DC stop only)
Most charging happens during activities you'd do anyway!
Common Apartment Charging Mistakes
Mistake 1: Relying Only on DC Fast Charging
- Expensive ($0.40-0.55/kWh)
- Less convenient than you'd think
- May increase battery wear over time
Solution: Mix in free/cheap Level 2 whenever possible
Mistake 2: Not Exploring All Options
- Many chargers near you that you don't know about
- Workplace charging you haven't asked about
- Free retail charging at stores you shop at
Solution: Spend an hour mapping every charger within 10 minutes of home and work
Mistake 3: Waiting Until Low Battery
- Creates stress and limits options
- May force expensive fast charging
Solution: Top up opportunistically whenever convenient
Mistake 4: Not Talking to Your Landlord
- Many landlords will accommodate if asked properly
- Tenant demand drives infrastructure investment
Solution: Make a professional request with research
The Future Is Bright
EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly:
- More apartments adding chargers
- More retail locations adding free charging
- More workplaces offering charging benefits
- Faster DC chargers making top-ups quicker
What feels challenging today will feel normal in a few years.
Decision Framework: Should You Get an EV?
Green Light (Go For It):
- Workplace charging available
- Multiple public chargers within 10 min of home
- You drive less than 50 miles/day on average
- DC fast charger conveniently located
Yellow Light (Doable With Planning):
- Some public charging nearby
- Average daily driving under 40 miles
- Willing to adjust habits slightly
Red Light (Wait or Choose Carefully):
- No charging within 15 minutes of home
- Long daily commute with no workplace charging
- Rural area with limited infrastructure
Conclusion
Apartment EV ownership is not only possible—it can be surprisingly convenient. The keys are:
- Workplace charging is the ideal solution
- Integrate charging into activities you already do
- Use DC fast charging strategically, not as your primary method
- Talk to your landlord about adding charging
- Choose the right EV with range and charging speed that match your situation
Millions of apartment dwellers own EVs successfully. With a little planning, you can too.
Use ChargeFind to map every charging option near your apartment and start building your charging strategy.