Residents told they can't install EV charging points at apartments

Issues with common supply and need for additional infrastructure

Residents at two apartment complexes have been advised not to install electric vehicle charging points in their garages or parking areas.

The directive is being applied at the Empress Apartments, on Douglas Promenade, and Majestic Apartments in Onchan.

Management of both buildings say complex, and potentially expensive changes, would be required to accommodate the needs of EV drivers.

Directors at Majestic Apartments say that while the buildings look modern the design, and facilities, were laid down over 20 years ago - long before electric vehicles.

Each of more than 100 garages has two 13 amp plugs and many share a common supply.

Whereas somebody in a single dwelling can control their electrical load Majestic is different with over 90 apartments on site.

The company says that already, on two separate occasions, someone has overloaded their garage circuit causing several other garage doors to fail and lights to go out.

Majestic Directors though are in talks with Manx Utilities about current and future capabilities including EVs and their unique electrical demands.

The owners of the 55-unit Empress Apartments say there are currently no plans to introduce EV charging points.

Additional wiring and metering would be required so that the cost of charging was borne by EV owners rather than from the communal supply.

As the technology is developing the directors have told Manx Radio they feel it's prudent to wait until the position becomes clearer whilst accepting that the stance is temporary.