A Step-by-Step Guide for Societies to Install EV Charging in India

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), co-operative societies, and apartment complexes in India can implement EV charging in a planned and risk-free manner by following a step-by-step process: understanding regulations, mapping demand, sizing the electrical load, identifying appropriate hardware and software solutions (such as SaveKar’s WhatsApp + UPI solution), and finally implementing with the right partners and safety measures. This article will take you through each step with Indian examples.

Why EV charging in societies matters now

India stands as the world's third-largest electric vehicle market. It is because the government provides strong support through its national and state policies. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has specified that at least 20% of the parking areas in new constructions need to be EV-compatible, and the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Power (MoP) recommend that group housing societies set up charging stations.

Most electric vehicle owners choose home or "home-like" charging because it allows them to charge their EVs at their residential parking area. RWAs and societies function as essential elements for developing India's electric vehicle infrastructure because most EV owners prefer to charge their vehicles at home. A survey of RWAs in major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Delhi reveals that a significant number of RWAs plan to set up EV charging points in the next 6–36 months.

Regulatory basics every society should know

The essential regulations and rights for EV charging must be known to societies before they begin their installation work.

The MoHUA building regulations (2019) mandate that at least 20% of parking spaces in new residential and commercial structures must be EV-compatible, with wiring and panel capacity provided during construction.

The 2024 guidelines from MoP, which are called "Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure," allow group housing society residents to install charging stations at their designated parking spaces with power supply from their main meter or sub-meter.

For the society

• Group housing societies and RWAs can install common EV charging points after discussing with the local DISCOM (distribution licensee). The DISCOM has to confirm that the supply is in accordance with consumer rights regulations.
• Since it is a “service” and not the sale of electricity, societies do not require an electricity trading license. They have to comply with safety, building, and fire regulations.

Fire safety and NOC rules (especially in big cities)

Fire safety is a big reason RWAs are hesitant, so it’s good to discuss it first.

In Maharashtra, a 2022 circular states that co-operative housing societies must provide a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for EV charging stations within 7 days if the resident follows the state’s safety guidelines.

The 2024 fire regulations in Mumbai prohibit EV charging stations in automated parking towers, puzzle parking systems, and basements. They are allowed in open or structured parking systems if other fire safety norms are adhered to (distances, ventilation, fire extinguishers).

Other cities follow similar lines: keep the area clear, install proper signage, use proper cabling and protection systems, and integrate with fire safety systems if necessary. RWAs can be assured that the policy framework is supportive of EVs and is trending towards making it easier to install them.

State-Specific EV Charging Policies Across India

While Maharashtra has the most clearly defined framework for EV charging NOCs, several other major states have issued their own EV charging policies and regulations. Societies across India should follow the national MoP 2024 guidelines as the baseline, and additionally comply with state-specific rules where applicable.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Societies to Implement Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure in their Parking Areas

As more and more people purchase electric vehicles, RWAs, co-operative housing societies, and facility managers are forced to provide safe, reliable, and affordable charging points in the existing parking spaces.

The following is a step-by-step approach to designing and implementing EV charging in your society’s parking space, as per the latest guidelines in India.

Step 1: Map your society’s EV demand

The best method to start the survey process involves using a survey that has both simplicity and an organized structure.

The study needs to identify current electric vehicle owners who possess 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and 4-wheelers while also determining people who plan to buy an electric vehicle within the upcoming 1–3 year period.

The research needs to map vehicle parking locations, which include both designated spots and unallocated spaces, while identifying the presence of electrical infrastructure elements that include electric panels, shafts, and cable trays.

The national norm requires simple guidelines which state that one slow charger should be installed for every three 4-wheelers and one slow charger for every two 2- and 3-wheelers, while the installation of fast chargers should occur as vehicle adoption grows.

Step 2: Decide your charging model (individual vs shared)

There are normally three options to choose from, and societies tend to combine them as they go along.

1) Individual resident chargers for each parking bay

• The resident installs a wallbox or socket in their own bay.
• Electricity billing requires the use of either their main meter or a secondary sub-meter according to the 2024 Ministry of Power regulations.
• The system works best for communities that lack many electric vehicles and can install wiring to every parking space.

2) Community chargers using shared meters

• A few AC charging points (7–22 kW) are installed in the communal parking area.
• They are connected to the society’s shared meter, and residents pay according to their usage.
• A billing arrangement is required so that non-EV-owning residents are not forced to contribute to electric vehicle charging; hence, the need for a charging management system (CMS) such as SaveKar.

3) Hybrid approach

• Societies begin with common AC charging points and gradually allow individual charging points in allocated areas as the use of EVs reaches 20–30% of parking space.
• According to MyGate’s RWA guide, charging points should begin with AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging points, and DC fast charging points should be considered only when the adoption of EVs is over 30–50% and the society has over 500 apartments.

In most RWAs, a few common AC charging points along with a policy to allow individual charging points would be the most optimal combination.

Step 3: Check existing electrical capacity and talk to the DISCOM

Once the basic needs have been identified, the next step is to determine how much power the building can handle.

Compare the approved load and usage with your society’s electrical contractor. The installation of multiple fast chargers may require an upgrade to existing electrical systems through new transformers or additional transformer installations.

The equipment installation guidelines, together with best practice standards, recommend setting up equipment near main electrical boards because this approach leads to reduced cable lengths, which results in lower installation expenses and requires backup power systems to include diesel generators and solar energy systems.

The DISCOM coordination function serves two purposes:

• The first purpose enables the increase of sanctioned load when necessary.
• The second purpose establishes metering procedures, including separate metering for common chargers or using existing common area meters.

Step 4: Choose the right hardware (AC vs DC, 2W vs 4W)

Hardware configurations should be according to your requirements, not what the vendors are promoting.

For initial apartment complex installations, it is recommended to go for AC Level 1 and Level 2 chargers as standard. They are less expensive, consume less power, and are sufficient for overnight charging.

A society can then install one or two DC fast chargers for emergency and commercial purposes when usage justifies the investment.

Cost considerations

Examples in the industry indicate that a small installation of AC charging points can be done for a few lakh rupees, while a complete DC fast charging station with multiple charging points may cost anywhere between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore.

For residential societies where the primary requirement is overnight charging, AC charging points reduce initial investment without affecting convenience.

The combination of charging point types should be according to the types of vehicles in your society.

Step 5: Billing, metering, and tariff decisions

Clear billing prevents disputes with non-EV residents and keeps compliance with electricity regulations.

Common practices

• Separate billing with each resident’s meter – transparent and simple.
• Shared meter with software billing – society bills residents using a CMS such as SaveKar.

Incentives exist in some cities, including property tax concessions for societies that install charging points. RWAs should explore local concessions and set tariffs that include electricity, maintenance, software, and depreciation costs.

Step 6: Selecting a CMS and why SaveKar fits societies

As soon as a community requires more than one or two temporary power points, a proper charging management system is required.

A good CMS should have

• Authentication, session tracking, and usage monitoring.
• kWh or session-based billing.
• Digital payment collection.
• Usage analytics and load data.

SaveKar is intended for Indian property owners with a WhatsApp + UPI-based CMS that does not require app downloads.

Important points for communities

• Users scan a QR code → WhatsApp flow → UPI payment.
• CMS fee: ₹1,999 per charger per year.
• Property owners retain 100% revenue.
• Dashboard for analytics and user management.
• Supports any AC/DC charger brand.
• Dynamic load management and 24/7 support.

This model:

• Does not require app downloads.
• Aligns with India’s UPI + WhatsApp behaviour.
• Keeps societies vendor-agnostic.

Step 7: Governance, policy, and resident communication

EV charging impacts rules, parking, and finances.

• Pass an RWA resolution on installation rules.
• Define charging rates and one-time fees.
• Clarify common area expense handling.

Communication tips

• Explain regulatory compliance and future readiness.
• Share FAQ on fire safety and billing.
• Use demos (like SaveKar) during resident meetings.

Real-life case studies from India

Case study 1: Lodha Group’s large-scale rollout

Moneycontrol described Lodha Group partnering with Tata Power to provide charging across projects in Mumbai and Pune.

Key takeaway:

• Charging can become a standard amenity.
• Partnerships simplify operations.

Case study 2: Prateek Edifice, Noida – prepaid model

Builder installed two chargers and introduced prepaid cards for EV owners.

Key takeaway:

• Prevents non-EV residents from paying.
• CMS systems like SaveKar can replace cards.

Case study 3: 2,000-apartment community in Chennai

MERAS Plugins installed charging points managed through a mobile app.

Key takeaway:

• Centralized charging works at scale.
• Software enables shared infrastructure.

Case study 4: SaveKar installations in Udaipur hotels

Users scan QR codes, use WhatsApp + UPI, and management monitors via dashboard.

Though hotels, the model mirrors upscale housing societies.

Step-by-step implementation roadmap for societies

Internal analysis (1–2 weeks)

• Survey EV ownership and demand.
• Identify initial charger locations.

Technical and legal verification (2–4 weeks)

• Electrical audit.
• Confirm fire and building regulations.

Design and supplier selection (3–4 weeks)

• Decide AC vs DC.
• Select hardware and CMS providers.

Commercial and policy formulation (2–3 weeks)

• Establish tariffs and cost-sharing.
• Approve RWA resolutions.

Installation and testing (2–6 weeks)

• Civil and electrical work.
• Install CMS and test payments.

Launch and scaling (Ongoing)

• Promote facility.
• Use CMS data for expansion decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should our housing society install EV charging infrastructure now rather than waiting?

Installing now ensures compliance, supports EV owners, and attracts future residents.

Are RWAs legally allowed to set up EV charging stations?

Yes, RWAs can set up charging as a service without an electricity trading license, following MoP, MoHUA, and DISCOM rules.

Can apartment owners install chargers in designated parking?

Yes, as per MoP 2024 guidelines.

What NOC and fire safety regulations apply?

NOCs must be provided within required timelines, and fire safety norms must be followed.

What is the safest installation location?

Open or structured parking areas are preferred; closed spaces are discouraged.

How can societies plan load and wiring?

Work with DISCOM and consultants, planning for at least 20% EV-ready parking.

Best solution: individual or shared charging?

Shared smart charging is often best, with monitoring and WhatsApp/UPI payment integration.