City Council supports Right to Charge

During the October 18, 2017 Boston City Council meeting, the Council voted unanimously on the Right to Charge, a home rule petition which would codify the rights of condominium unit owners to install personal electric vehicle charging stations in or near their dedicated parking spots.

The proposal prohibits a condo association from unreasonably restricting an owner from installing an electric vehicle charging station on or in certain areas in which they have exclusive use, or on a common element, as long as the charging station is a reasonable distance for the dedicated parking spots. The proposal seeks to increase access to electric vehicle charging stations and will encourage increased use of electric vehicles as a result making it easier for the City of Boston to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“Given that 30% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, we want residents in any living situation to be able to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, and we want to set the stage for charging infrastructure now since the costs of electric vehicles are quickly becoming more affordable,” said Councilor Wu.