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EV Charging in Strata Buildings: Why it is on the rise

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for EV charging infrastructure is rising. For strata buildings, offering EV charging not only meets a growing need but also adds significant value to the property. Whether you manage a residential or commercial strata scheme, understanding the installation process and the benefits of EV chargers can help you make informed decisions.

Why Install EV Chargers in Strata Buildings?

  1. Rising Demand: With governments encouraging EV adoption and many manufacturers transitioning to electric models, EV ownership is set to soar. Strata properties without charging facilities risk falling behind in attracting eco-conscious residents and tenants.
  2. Enhanced Property Value: Adding EV charging infrastructure increases the appeal of your property to prospective buyers and tenants, particularly those prioritising sustainability and convenience.
  3. Sustainability Goals: Offering EV chargers supports environmental responsibility, helping the building align with broader sustainability goals and potentially improving its marketability.
  4. Shared Charging Solutions and Load Management: Consider shared EV chargers in common parking areas as an alternative to individual chargers. Smart technologies like smart parking bollards or load management systems optimise energy flow and prevent system overloads.

 

The EV Charger Installation Process

Installing EV chargers in strata buildings involves several key steps, and as your strata agent, we’re here to guide you through each stage to ensure a smooth and efficient process:

  1. Consultation and Planning:
  • The process generally begins by discussing the proposal with the owners corporation and key stakeholders. This involves understanding the building’s unique requirements, future EV demands, and potential funding opportunities. As your strata agent, we facilitate these discussions, ensuring all voices are heard and guiding you on the best options for your building.
  • We also coordinate electrical audits with qualified professionals to assess infrastructure capacity.

 

  1. Approvals and By-Law Amendments:
  • Owners corporations are responsible for approving changes to common property and amending by-laws where necessary. We streamline this process by preparing meeting agendas, managing resolutions, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
  • Our team can assist in drafting or updating by-laws to clearly outline the use, access, and maintenance of EV chargers.
  1. Charger Selection and Placement:
  • Choosing the right chargers and their placement requires balancing cost, performance, and practicality. We work with you and suppliers to select chargers that meet the needs of residents or tenants and identify optimal locations, such as designated parking bays with suitable access to power.
  1. Installation:
  • A licensed electrician must install the chargers to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. We coordinate with contractors, oversee the installation process, and ensure it is completed efficiently and to standard.
  1. Ongoing Maintenance:
  • Maintenance is crucial to keeping EV chargers operational and safe over time. We help establish a maintenance plan and create transparent guidelines for usage and cost-sharing among residents or tenants. Using modern software platforms, we ensure seamless billing and monitoring for all stakeholders.

 

Electric Vehicle Energy Loads and Charging Options in Strata

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular across New South Wales, strata communities are facing new challenges and opportunities in managing energy loads and implementing EV charging infrastructure. The rise of EVs means greater demand for electricity within residential buildings, which can impact existing infrastructure and energy capacity. It’s essential for Owners Corporations to proactively assess their buildings’ energy loads and determine how to accommodate EV chargers without overloading systems.

Fortunately, there are multiple EV charging options available to suit varying building types and budgets. These include individual chargers for private car spaces, shared charging stations in common areas, and smart chargers that help balance energy distribution. Integrating load management systems can be particularly beneficial, as they optimise energy flow and prevent strain on the building’s power supply. Owners Corporations may also consider upgrades to the building’s electrical infrastructure to future-proof it for widespread EV adoption.

Strata Legislation and EV Charging in NSW

The NSW Government has taken steps to encourage EV readiness in strata buildings. Recent amendments to strata legislation under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 make it easier for Owners Corporations to approve sustainable upgrades, including EV charging stations. Notably, installing EV infrastructure can now be classified as a ‘sustainability infrastructure resolution,’ requiring only a simple majority vote (50% approval) at general meetings, rather than a special resolution. This change reduces barriers to introducing EV charging and aligns strata communities with broader sustainability goals.

However, while the legislative changes support progress, it remains critical for owners corporations to develop clear policies and guidelines around EV charging. These should cover installation processes, costs, energy management, and access for all residents to ensure fairness and efficiency. As your strata agent, we can assist in drafting these policies, facilitating discussions, and ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met during the planning and implementation stages.

Funding Opportunities for EV Charging Infrastructure

To support the transition to EV-friendly buildings, there are several funding opportunities available for strata schemes in NSW. Programs like the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy offer incentives and grants to assist with the installation of EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, the NSW Government’s EV Ready Buildings Program provides financial support for strata schemes looking to conduct energy assessments, upgrade electrical systems, or install charging stations.

Owners Corporations are encouraged to explore these funding options, as they can significantly offset costs and accelerate the adoption of EV charging solutions. We can help identify and apply for these grants on your behalf, ensuring that you maximise available funding opportunities while adhering to application requirements. Partnering with experienced energy consultants and providers can further streamline the process, ensuring tailored solutions for your building’s needs and sustainability goals.

Understanding EV Grants and Tax Implications

If your building is considering applying for grants to install EV charging infrastructure, it’s important to understand how these grants might impact your finances. EV grants are generally treated as taxable income and need to be included in the strata’s tax returns. Unfortunately, they don’t qualify for special tax exemptions like some other grants (e.g., COVID-19 relief or natural disaster payments).

This means that when planning your EV charging project, it’s a good idea to factor in potential tax costs and include them in your budget (your strata manager can help with this). Keeping detailed records of grant applications, receipts, and expenses will help make the process smoother and clearer.

 

Ready to Explore EV Charging?

Whether you’re looking to meet sustainability goals, attract new tenants, or future-proof your property, EV charging infrastructure is a smart investment.  Reach out to your strata manager if you would like to explore this as an option for your building.