EV Charging Glossary

The legal entity — typically a nonprofit corporation — that owns and manages the common areas of a condominium or homeowners community. The board of directors governs the association on behalf of all unit owners.

A committee established by the association to review proposed modifications to common areas, limited common elements, or unit exteriors. Often the first point of contact for EV charging requests.

A formal written decision adopted by the board of directors. Resolutions are the standard mechanism for authorizing capital expenditures, approving policies, and directing management to take action.

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. The foundational legal document governing a condominium association. CC&Rs define ownership rights, use restrictions, and the framework for all association governance.

Property owned jointly by all unit owners and managed by the association. Parking garages, electrical rooms, lobbies, and common corridors are typically common areas. The association has authority to approve modifications to common areas.

A component of commercial utility billing based on the peak power draw during a billing period, measured in kilowatts. EV charging can significantly increase demand charges if not managed by load management software.

The point at which a utility's distribution system connects to a building's electrical system. The service entrance, meter, and main disconnect define the capacity and configuration available to the building.

A closed portion of a board meeting, limited to board members and invited advisors, used to discuss sensitive matters such as litigation, personnel, and contract negotiations.

The legal obligation board members carry to act in the best interest of all unit owners — including in their financial, operational, and infrastructure decisions. Uninformed capital decisions can be challenged as breaches of fiduciary duty.

The North American standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging. Almost all non-Tesla EVs sold in North America use a J1772 inlet for AC charging. Most multifamily EV chargers use J1772 connectors.

Software that dynamically distributes available electrical capacity across multiple active charging sessions. Load management prevents the building from exceeding its electrical capacity and is the key technology enabling large-scale multifamily EV charging.

A common area assigned for the exclusive use of one or more unit owners — such as a designated parking space, balcony, or storage locker. Authority over limited common elements is shared between the assigned owner and the association.

A charging approach in which sessions are scheduled or throttled to reduce peak demand, take advantage of off-peak utility rates, or stay within electrical capacity limits. Often implemented through load management software.

North American Charging Standard. Originally the Tesla connector, now adopted by Ford, GM, and other manufacturers. NACS is now the dominant connector standard in North America. Most major manufacturers have committed to or completed the transition from J1772 to NACS for new vehicles.

The highest power draw a building or circuit experiences during a given period. Peak demand determines transformer sizing, service capacity requirements, and a significant portion of commercial utility bills.

The minimum number of board members or unit owners required to be present before a valid vote can be taken. Without quorum, meetings can be held but binding decisions cannot be made.

A professional assessment of a building's major systems, their remaining useful life, and the reserve contributions required to fund future replacements. Reserve studies increasingly include EV infrastructure as a capital line item.

The maximum power a building's electrical service can deliver, measured in amps or kilowatts. A load study compares existing consumption to service capacity to determine available headroom for EV charging.

A charge levied against unit owners to fund a capital expenditure not covered by existing reserves. Special assessments require a board vote and, depending on the amount, may require owner approval. A common funding mechanism for EV infrastructure.

Electrical equipment used to control, protect, and isolate power distribution within a building. Switchgear condition and available capacity affect whether new EV circuits can be added without a full replacement.

A device that steps voltage up or down. The utility transformer serving a building determines the maximum load that building can draw. Transformer upgrades are among the most expensive and longest lead-time items in multifamily electrification projects.

The percentage of votes required to approve a decision. Simple majority, supermajority, and unanimous consent thresholds apply to different categories of decisions. Capital expenditures above certain amounts often require owner votes rather than board votes alone.