The push for electric vehicles in India may face an unexpected hurdle, this time from within residential societies. Recently, a development in Gurugram has refocused attention on one of the most important aspects of EV ownership: charging.In a recent case, residents of an apartment society have been directed to remove private EV chargers installed in basement parking areas. The notice issued by the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) after inputs from the Haryana Fire Department makes it clear that this is no longer a suggestion but a mandatory instruction. The step has been taken after the fire department raised objection and stopped the fire no objection certificate (NOC) renewal for the society. According to the notice, authorities including DTCP and fire department have flagged basement EV charging as a safety risk. Concerns include the possibility of short circuits due to increased electrical loads, rapid spread of fire in tightly packed parking areas and poor ventilation in enclosed basements.Until these issues are resolved and all chargers are removed, the Society’s Fire NOC renewal will remain on hold.
Image: Cartoq.
Why might this become a barrier to EV ownership?
The order effectively leaves residents with no option but to rely on general or commercial charging points.EV adoption in India has been highest in urban areas, especially among residents of high-rise societies. For many buyers, the ability to charge at home is the biggest reason to switch to an electric vehicle. Without that feature, ownership becomes less practical as public charging costs are significantly higher.
If such restrictions become more common, it could impact consumer confidence. For a segment that relies entirely on overnight home charging, losing access to a personal charger could become a serious hindrance.
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