A legal provision known as the "right to the plug" enables residents of shared housing—whether property owners or tenants—to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in designated spots without needing approval from the general assembly or the syndic (the manager of the co-ownership). The syndic is only informed of the installation in advance, and if they wish to block the project, they must file a lawsuit within three months and provide a solid legal argument. This right was established in the Grenelle II law of 2010 and reinforced by the Mobility Orientation Law in 2019, along with a 2020 decree that made EV charging installation the norm. The decree also extended the right to outdoor spaces, as long as they are secured within the property, and requires that the charging spot be reserved for an individual, not for shared visitor areas.
Before installation, residents must choose between a reinforced socket and a full wall-mounted charging station. The latter offers more power and better protection, though it is more complex than a gas pump, with its own control systems and communication features. In shared housing, the law limits stations to 22 kilowatts (three-phase 32 amps), but most residents install a 7.4 kilowatt (single-phase 32 amps) station, which is more than enough for typical use. Charging at night allows the car to accumulate enough power to drive several hundred kilometers without drawing from the building during peak hours.
Two main methods exist for connecting the charging station to electricity. One connects to the building's common areas, with a dedicated sub-meter installed, and the syndic reads and bills the user annually. The second option is more independent, using a Linky meter and subscription in the user’s name, with no involvement from the syndic. A dynamic load shedding system is also required, allowing the charging station to communicate with the building’s meter to pause or reduce charging during high-demand periods, preventing electrical overloads.
The installation must be performed by a certified IRVE (infrastructure for electric vehicle charging) electrician, especially if the station exceeds 3.7 kilowatts. The electrician ensures compliance with electrical standards, which are evolving quickly, including the placement of a safety valve on the charging cable. The process involves submitting a formal request to the syndic, including a quote and installation diagram. If the syndic does not respond within three months, the installation is approved by default. To oppose, the syndic must file a lawsuit and provide a valid reason, such as an existing collective project. Costs for an individual charging station range from 1,200 to 2,500 euros, with financial aid available. However, the tax credit that previously covered a significant portion of the cost has been eliminated for new installations.
The "right to the plug" can sometimes lead to broader discussions about EV infrastructure in co-ownership communities. If many residents request individual stations, the electrical system may become overloaded, prompting the syndic to consider a collective installation. If the syndic refuses an individual station, they must commit to equipping the entire parking lot with a collective infrastructure. This approach, while more time-consuming, allows residents to maintain their own electricity subscriptions and avoid relying on private operators. For individuals, the right to the plug remains a powerful tool, especially when supported by proper documentation and legal procedures. However, the syndic's cooperation in signing access agreements remains a critical factor in the success of the project.
French Law Simplifies Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Shared Housing
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
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