"The right to bill' serves as a crucial factor in electric vehicle (EV) acceptance"
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In the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market of India, a significant challenge has emerged: enabling accessible charging infrastructure within apartment communities. The promise of electric mobility faces a hurdle as the explicit enforcement of residents’ rights to install EV chargers in apartment complexes remains limited and often unclear.
Context and Status
India's electric vehicle penetration is on the rise, with a surge in EV sales—7.8% of total vehicle sales in FY24-25 and high growth in two- and four-wheelers—creating a strong demand for widespread EV charging infrastructure [1][4]. Government incentives and funding are driving public and commercial charging networks, but the focus mainly targets public and highway charging, rather than residential community settings specifically [2].
Challenges in Implementing the "Right to Charge" in Apartment Communities
- Lack of National-Level Legal Mandate Unlike some countries/states that have laws specifically granting EV owners the right to install chargers in condominium/apartment settings, India does not have a uniform central law that guarantees residents the unrestricted right to install EV chargers in apartments.
- Infrastructure & Technical Limitations Many apartment complexes face infrastructural challenges like limited electrical capacity and outdated wiring, complicating charger installation without costly upgrades or cooperation from housing societies.
- Multiple Stakeholders and Governance Complexity Apartment complexes in India are usually managed by Resident Welfare Associations or Cooperative Housing Societies, and obtaining approval for charging infrastructure can be bureaucratic and contentious, with concerns about costs, electricity load, and equitable access.
- Awareness and Policy Gaps Many building owners, residents, and even local authorities are not yet fully aware of the benefits or technical requirements of EV charging, resulting in slow adoption and absence of clear frameworks for resolving disputes.
- Regulatory Ambiguity Though the central and state governments have issued EV-related incentives and infrastructure norms, the “Right to Charge” policy specifically remains underdeveloped, with no strong regulatory enforcement or dispute resolution mechanisms currently widespread.
Outlook and Developments
The momentum in EV adoption and charging infrastructure expansion creates pressure and opportunity for enhanced policy on residential charging rights, likely prompting regulatory bodies to consider clearer mandates in the near future [1]. Some states or municipalities might pilot or advance localized "Right to Charge" policies as public awareness grows. Public and private sector partnerships, supported by government incentives, are expected to focus more on solving challenges of multi-unit residences.
In summary, while India's EV market and charging infrastructure are growing rapidly, the implementation of a clear and enforceable “Right to Charge” for EV owners in apartment communities is still nascent, facing infrastructural, administrative, and regulatory hurdles. The situation is evolving, driven by increasing EV uptake and government incentives, but comprehensive residential charging rights policies require further development [1][2][4].
The future of the electric mobility movement in India depends on unwavering focus on implementation and enforcement of the Right to Charge. In India, a gap is forming between individual homeowners who can install private chargers and urban residents living in apartment communities who struggle to access convenient charging points.
[1] Ministry of Power (2023). National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. Accessed on August 15, 2025, from https://power.gov.in/sites/default/files/National_Electric_Mobility_Mission_Plan_2020.pdf
[2] Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises (2024). FAME II Scheme. Accessed on August 15, 2025, from https://fameindia.gov.in/
[3] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (2024). Model Building Bye-laws. Accessed on August 15, 2025, from https://mhua.gov.in/sites/default/files/Model_Building_Bye-laws_2016_revised_2024.pdf
[4] Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (2024). India Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024. Accessed on August 15, 2025, from https://smevehicle.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/India-EV-Outlook-2024-SMiLE-Report.pdf
- To navigate the electric vehicle (EV) landscape effectively, it is crucial for policymakers to consider the complexity of implementing charging infrastructure within apartment communities, a challenge that current legislation often overlooks.
- As the popularity of electric-vehicles increases, it becomes essential for businesses to subscribe to the emerging opinion that access to charging infrastructure should be a fundamental lifestyle requirement, not a luxury.
- In line with the growth of the EV market, technology companies can capitalize on the potential of creating smart, affordable charging solutions that cater to both lifestyle needs and the infrastructural limitations prevalent in apartment complexes.
- To overcome the regulatory ambiguity surrounding the "Right to Charge" and promote equitable access to charging infrastructure, business and technological innovation can play a pivotal role in creating market-driven solutions, fueled by public-private partnerships and government incentives.
- To drive the widespread adoption of electric-vehicles in India, it is essential to address the knowledge gap among building owners, residents, and authorities concerning the benefits and technical requirements of EV charging infrastructure.
- In the future, electric cars may not only revolutionize personal transportation but also reshape the urban landscape as we prioritize accessible charging infrastructure as a fundamental aspect of cities' technology and business infrastructure.
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