Installing an EV Charging Station in an Apartment / Housing Complex

What does the regulation say about charging stations in apartment buildings and enclosed car parks?

For newly constructed buildings the Parking Regulation sets a minimum ratio: in buildings with 20 or more mandatory parking spaces, at least five percent of the parking area — and at least one space — is arranged for electric vehicles, including a charging unit. For existing buildings there is no obligation to install; installation has instead been made easier — the approval of an absolute majority of the flat owners is sufficient for the common area, and no building permit is required. We cover the whole subject in a separate guide.

Do you need permission to install a charging station in an apartment building?

If you're going to install a charging station in a shared area such as the car park, you first need to obtain a decision from the management or owners' association. Although regulations in Türkiye are evolving to make EV charging infrastructure requests easier, the best approach is to consult the housing management and obtain the required approval in writing before installation. This step both prevents possible disputes with neighbours and ensures it is clear from the outset where the device will be placed and which line will feed it. While installation is easy in a private garage, these extra steps are required in an apartment or complex car park. Once approval is obtained, you move on in sequence to technical matters such as the electrical infrastructure, load management and billing.

How are multiple charging points in a complex managed?

If a complex has more than one charging point and they all draw full power at the same time, the grid becomes strained. To prevent this, devices with load management (DLM) are used; these devices distribute the available power evenly across the points, preventing overloading and strain on the installation. To separate out who spends how much, an RFID card, mobile app or OCPP-based management system comes into play. This way each user pays only for the energy they consume, and the problem of who used how much of the shared electricity bill disappears entirely. OCPP-compatible devices also let you handle this management and billing remotely.

Which device is suitable for apartment charging?

For an apartment or housing-complex car park, an AC Wallbox that is OCPP-compatible, supports load management (DLM) and has an IP65/IP66 protection rating is suitable. OCPP compatibility lets you manage the device remotely and bill per use; load management distributes the available power evenly when there are multiple points; and IP65/IP66 protection ensures the device withstands outdoor conditions such as a car park, along with dust and water. Bemis's OCPP-compatible models are designed precisely for this kind of use. Wherever possible the device should be fed from a dedicated line run from the distribution board and must be installed by a qualified electrician — this is important for both safety and long service life.

What kind of electrical infrastructure is needed for a charging station in an apartment building?

As far as possible, the charging device should be fed from a dedicated line run from the distribution board. Before installation, the capacity of the existing installation — that is, the main fuse and cable cross-section — must be carefully assessed against the load the device will carry. If necessary, a separate meter should be considered for the device; that way consumption can be measured independently of the building's shared electricity and billing becomes clear. This assessment must be carried out by a qualified electrician, because where the existing line falls short the device cannot perform to its full potential or the installation becomes strained. A properly sized and installed dedicated line is the foundation of a charging experience that is both safe and trouble-free.

Does a charging device installed in a car park withstand weather conditions?

Yes — when a device with the correct protection rating is chosen, it withstands car park and outdoor conditions. For open or semi-open areas such as an apartment or complex car park, devices with an IP65/IP66 protection rating should be preferred; this rating protects the device against dust and water. This allows the charging station to operate safely for a long time without being affected by rain, moisture and dust. Bemis's IP65/IP66-protected models are manufactured with this kind of use in mind. Beyond the protection rating, connecting the device with a qualified installation and a dedicated line is also important for long service life.