EV charging in strata and what owners need to know

Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common part of Australian households. But for strata owners, the question of how to charge them isn’t always straightforward.

The good news is that the path to EV charging in strata has become significantly clearer in recent years, making it easier for buildings to plan ahead for what residents will need.

Strata communities are already thinking ahead. In the ACT, one community is laying the groundwork to connect solar power to individual tenancies as part of a larger solar project, with future EV charging explicitly in scope. In Queensland, another building’s rooftop solar installation has been designed as the foundation for future EV charging and a transition away from gas-powered systems.

What does it take to get started?

The first step is a building electrical assessment. An accredited electrician can advise on whether your building’s existing infrastructure can support EV charging and what upgrades might be needed.

In most states, installing EV charging infrastructure in a strata building needs Owners Corporation approval. NSW has recently removed some of the barriers to this, and other states are following suit.

Options range from individual charging points at allocated car spaces, to shared charging stations in the car park, to building-wide systems powered by rooftop solar.

EV charging isn’t just a convenience. It’s an investment in the future of your building. As more residents make the switch to electric vehicles, a building that has already solved the charging question will be a more attractive, more valuable and more liveable place to call home.

For information on EV charging rules and support programs in your state, check with your state government’s energy or transport authority.