From environmental friendliness to potential cost savings, Australians have been awakening to the benefits of EVs in the last few years. However, if you live in a strata-managed building or apartment, installing an EV charger can be a little more challenging than in a standalone home. 

If you’re planning to install an EV charger in your strata-managed building, you will need to deal with different housing entities like body corporates, strata and executive committees. In this guide, we provide a step-by-step process to help you navigate the complexities of obtaining permission and installing an EV charger in your strata-managed building.

Is your building even EV-ready? Check and obtain approval first

Installing an EV charger will require your property to have a suitable location and an electrical supply that can handle the load. Reach out to your strata committee or body corporate to discuss your intentions and see if the building can accommodate a charger. Review your building’s by-laws or building rules to understand any regulations regarding EV charger installations. There may be other EV owners or those interested in owning one among residents, and working together could increase the chances of success. Additionally, you could suggest installing a charging point for visitors to the building. 

Arranging installation

If you get the green light, work closely with your body corporate to find the right professional installer and charging set-up that aligns with both the building’s electrical infrastructure and residents’ needs. The strata committee may allow you to choose one without their approval or prefer to choose the installer themselves. 

Offering EV charging installation for apartments and townhouses, ActewAGL’s evCharge service makes powering up residents’ electric vehicles safe, simple and scalable. From site assessment to set-up design and installation complete with Tap & Pay technology, evCharge provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of your building.

Safety guidelines to adhere to

To ensure the safe installation and operation of EV chargers in a strata-managed building, the body corporate should adhere to these points. Firstly, all chargers must be installed by licensed electricians with expertise in EV charger installations for shared buildings. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the charging station in optimal condition and to identify and address any potential safety concerns promptly. 

Additionally, safety features like extinguishers and smoke detectors should be readily available and functioning correctly. Lastly, issuing a safety guideline to all residents can help ensure that everyone is aware of how to operate the EV stations safely. If more than one charger is installed, there may be rules on staggered charging at certain times so that the building’s power supply isn’t overloaded during peak times.

If you can’t get approval…

If you can’t get approval just yet, consider waiting until more residents show interest. Lobbying with other residents can help increase demand, especially as the desire for EVs is ever-growing. It’s still possible, however, to drive and charge an EV if you live in a strata-managed building or apartment. 

You have the option to utilise public charging stations as an alternative. Use apps like PlugShare and Evie Networks to find nearby charging stations. These will provide real-time information about locations and availability. Then, there may be the option to charge at your workplace if it offers charging facilities.

Summary

  • Check if your building is EV-ready and obtain approval from your strata committee or body corporate. Review building by-laws or rules regarding EV charger installations.
  • Discuss your intentions with the strata committee or body corporate to see if the building can accommodate a charger. Consider approaching other EV owners or aspiring owners in your building to unite and support the case for charger installation.
  • Work closely with your body corporate to find the right professional installer and charging set-up. ActewAGL’s evCharge service offers safe and simple EV charging installation in apartments and townhouses.
  • Ensure chargers are installed by licensed electricians with expertise in EV charger installations for shared buildings. Regular maintenance is essential, and safety features like extinguishers and smoke detectors should be available and functioning.
  • If approval is not immediate, consider waiting until more residents show interest or use public charging stations as an alternative.

Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? Save time and money and stay fully charged with exclusive access to electric vehicle charging solutions and information to support you on your EV journey, all available through ActewAGL’s evHub. Find out more here.

Sources

https://www.stratadata.com.au/news/ev-charging-strata-buildings-guide