Research based on sales data released in the Electric Vehicle Council’s yearly recap reveals a significant surge in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Australian roads. In just one year, the electric vehicle count nearly doubled, soaring from 44,000 in early 2022 to over 83,000. This remarkable growth showcases the increasing adoption and popularity of electric vehicles in Australia.
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, more and more people are considering purchasing them. However, one major obstacle to EV ownership is the lack of charging infrastructure. This is particularly true for people living in strata properties. Unlike single-family homes, where homeowners can easily install a dedicated charging station in their garage or driveway, strata properties may not have the necessary infrastructure in place to support EV charging and making the relevant changes is a complex process.
Getting ready for EV Charging
If your building is not yet EV ready, and you are considering the steps required for a more sustainable future of electric vehicles, there are many things to consider. We have assembled some considerations, options and information for you to take away and consider as you respond to the changing landscape of EV charging and sustainability for your strata property.
If you are an owner or a tenant and are not on the Council of the Strata Company, you need to discuss options with Council members, ideally before purchasing an electric vehicle.
Things to consider:
There are so many considerations when it comes to EV charging in your strata property and many of them may require significant thought, feedback from other owners and often financial investment. A great place to start would be a owner-wide survey, which will give you the information you need to identify what the future uptake of Electric Vehicles may be in the future. Find our survey template here.
Individual, Shared or Whole of Building approach
EV charging options for Strata may include individual (Charging left to owners, single phase from their property), Shared (Common property car spaces for EV charging) or Whole of Building (retrofit the building to be ready for all owners having EVs). Each come with a different cost implication.
Who will pay for capital upgrades?
Depending on your approach the individual may pay for the cost of the EV infrastructure if it is for private use on their own lot. For shared or whole building approaches, the Strata Company may elect to pay or may pay in advance but recover cost from users over time.
Who will own the EV Supply Equipment?
EV supply equipment may be owned by resident and installed in their individual lot or installed in common property car spaces and owned by the strata company. Similarly, the Strata Company may provide provisions for EV supply on individual lots, but the individual owner is still required to bring their own supply equipment.
What load control is required?
Timers or peak demand management may be required to ensure power is managed across the whole building. This technology may need to be installed especially in the case of individual lot installation.
Who will pay for power usage?
Depending on the setup, power usage may be connected to their individual lot meter, metered and on charged from the strata company, charged on an hourly rate or provided free of charge. In some instances, outsourcing companies can provide the EV supply equipment and meter the usage through a third party program, charging users as they use it.
What charging level/speed do you want?
Level 1 charging can happen on single phase power supply (like what is currently in your building). It provides 2.4 – 3.7kW of power and charges at 10 – 20 km per hour.
Level 2 charging requires dedicated 7kW power supply to a wall-mounted charger. This charges vehicles up to 200km per hour.
Faster, Level 3 charging and beyond is designed for ultra-fast charging and is used in public settings. In this instance you would need to assess whether it is possible for your building.
How is it approved?
In most instances, the above changes will require a sustainability infrastructure resolution by-law either from the owner or from the council of the strata company.
What budget do you have for the works
Installation costs for EV equipment supply will vary drastically from building to building, but could range from $2000 (individual approach with no existing infrastructure) through to $200,000 for EV infrastructure to the entire building including power upgrades. It is important to consider the costs of each approach, the results from your resident survey and what is achievable.
What are the steps:
- Our recommendation would be to discuss the above considerations with your council members.
- You may also want to survey all owners on their position regarding EV charging and their intention to buy an EV in the future.
- After collecting all the information, you will need to decide on your EV policy as a strata company. Your strata manager will be able to advise you on this and help you source quotes from specialist contractors.
- Approval of environmental upgrades on common property will need to be passed through a resolution which may need to wait until your next general meeting. Your Strata Manager can advise you of this.
