#3 Electric Vehicle Series - Altogether Academy

If you live in strata, then you understand there are limitations to what you can control when it comes to utilising common property. Likewise, there are several limitations to installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in strata properties. These may include, and are not limited to:

Limited Parking Space

Strata properties often have limited parking space, making it challenging to allocate parking spots for communal EV charging stations. This can lead to conflicts among residents who want to use the charging stations, and can also make it difficult to install additional charging stations in the future.

Last weekend, I stayed at a motel style accommodation that offered a communal 22kW Tesla charger and charged customers to refuel their car by the minute. The charger was positioned along the driveway between two car parking bays and there were no allocated car bays per unit. Vehicles were not encouraged to park in the driveway (even though there was space enough for this) and there were management issues to consider but these apartments utilised the space they had to maximise the offering for electric vehicle users.

Upfront Costs

Installing the backbone / spine / trucking to support EV charging stations can be expensive, and the cost may need to be shared among all strata owners. The installation cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of charging station, the electrical capacity and breadth of the building, and the installation method.

Electrical Capacity

Strata properties may have limited electrical capacity, which can make it challenging to install EV charging stations without upgrading the electrical infrastructure. This can add to the installation cost and may require approval from the local electricity provider.

Strata By-laws and Regulations

Strata properties may have by-laws or other regulations that prohibit or restrict the installation of EV charging stations. This will most likely be the case when some of the above factors are protecting the community from any further cost or safety risk. Careful consideration must be taken at the time of breaching those thresholds to ensure the safe operation of the network. Advice should be sought from the duly authorised counterparties before installing charging stations.

Ownership and Responsibility

Installing EV charging stations in strata properties can raise questions about ownership and responsibility. For example, who will own and maintain the charging stations, and who will be responsible for any damage or accidents that may occur during the charging process.

What about when you sell your property? Does your charger form part of the common property when you leave or do you need to return your exclusive use area back to the way it was?

Technical Issues

Technical issues such as compatibility between different EV models and charging stations may arise. Installing EV charging infrastructure may require the assistance of a qualified electrician, which can add to the cost and may also require time to obtain necessary permits and approvals.

It is crucial to be fully informed before you purchase your vehicle and intend to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in your strata community.