[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]I too live in a condo with mostly retired 65+ year old owners, including me. Still, the BoD has been relatively receptive to EV’s, and therefore to the need for a charging infrastructure. However, since we're a small association with only 15 units, "important" matters are voted upon by all owners rather than just the BoD. Thus I've been on hold lobbying owners for over a year, but feel I'm close to obtaining a majority in favor of allowing me to install EVSE in one of my 2 parking spaces.[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]For those unfamiliar with usual condo conventions, balconies, boat slips and parking spaces are often considered Limited Common Elements. They are not specifically owned individually, but individuals are granted exclusive use of each of them. That means the Association has the right and responsibility for their safe and lawful use, maintenance, etc. Thus the Association must approve all changes and modifications. Note: I'm not a lawyer, but believe I have this right.
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]The tactics I've used have mainly centered on economics since most owners subsist on savings and fixed incomes. Of course they’re worried about Pandora’s Box, e.g., who & what’s next, and what’s it going to cost me? I've assured them all costs, including installation, ongoing costs, and maintenance should be born by owners. [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Since e[/FONT]sthetics is big with our full-time owners, I always make sure to emphasize there's no risk of oil dripping in undercover parking spaces, much less the oil catching fire from a hot engine. While a fire is remote, it seems to have made an impression each time I’ve used it. I throw in the lack of noise as well. Finally, I reminded them Tesla Motors is an American company, employing American workers building a car not dependent on any foreign oil. Since several owners hadn’t heard of Tesla before my request (not surprising since most aren’t routinely car-shopping), they seem to have been swayed the most by those three factors.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]I wish I could say I have everyone on board, but such isn’t the case. A few diehards still insist I should just get a hybrid if I want to save gas. Others are worried our building will be “overloaded”, wires will get hot and they’ll be left in the dark because of my car. Since my condo was built in the early 80’s, they’re afraid Duke Energy will say we need new wiring and everyone will be assessed a big fee just so I can have my car. So far DE hasn’t weighed in on the subject. I never mention the specific voltage or wattage I'd like unless directly asked...[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Like @bluetinc said, the best path might be to get elected to the BoD since it sounds like your association is much larger than mine. Best of luck[/FONT]