The number of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the Village has increased from 511 in 2022 to 670 in 2023. This trend is expected to continue and, with it, the impacts to our infrastructure.
The Village, built in the ’60s and ’70s, did not anticipate such a demand for electricity. Carports and underground garages were constructed with common-area outlets rated at 120 volts and 20-amp circuits mainly to charge golf carts. Electric vehicles can still charge at these outlets, but there are some limitations for this convenience as outlined in the electric vehicle letter (bit.ly/3uxaGFb) attached to every electric vehicle charging permit and available on the Laguna Woods Village website.
Staff works hard to ensure the electrical circuits and outlets are operating properly; however, when too many vehicles/golf carts plug into the same circuit, the breakers will trip. Should this occur, please contact Resident Services (949-597-4600; residentservices@vmsinc.org) to request a breaker reset. Staff will make every effort to respond to such calls as quickly as possible, but it may take up to two business days depending on workload and priorities.
Note that the electric vehicle charging stations (operated by ChargePoint) at the Laguna Woods Village Community Center (24351 El Toro Road) are open 24/7/365 for your convenience and offer reduced rates for members. The charging stations offer four Level 2 ports and three Level 3 (fast chargers) ports.
For more Village news, click on the tag “What’s Up in the Village” below.
