The Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) ACT branch has introduced a significant resource for Canberrans living in apartments, launching a public register of buildings that accommodate electric vehicle (EV) charging. This initiative addresses a key barrier for residents seeking to transition to electric transport, offering much-needed clarity on home charging capabilities.
Addressing Hurdles for Apartment Dwellers
The newly released register, which became publicly available on Thursday, identifies strata complexes across Canberra that permit some form of EV charging. This feature is becoming increasingly crucial for prospective buyers and renters, often influencing their decision-making process when considering an electric vehicle.
“We have created a publicly available register of EV-friendly strata sites that are attracting tenants and new owners by enabling EV charging on-site,” stated AEVA spokesperson Dr. Peter Campbell. The register aims to demystify the often complex process of securing charging facilities within multi-unit dwellings.
Diverse Charging Solutions Identified
Currently, the register lists 22 strata complexes within Canberra. These buildings employ various methods to provide EV charging access to residents, reflecting the diverse approaches being adopted in the sector.
Some buildings facilitate the installation of individual charging outlets, with the associated electricity costs directly billed to the resident’s apartment meter. Other complexes offer shared charging bays. These communal facilities are frequently managed by third-party providers who handle billing for residents and reimburse the building’s owners corporation for electricity consumption.
“As a low-cost solution, shared charging points let residents charge once or twice a week without giving up the convenience of their own parking space,” Dr. Campbell explained, highlighting the practicality of shared infrastructure.
Compiled Through Member and Public Input
The information compiled for the register has been gathered from a variety of sources. These include contributions from AEVA members, insights from owners corporations and strata managers, and publicly available data sourced from platforms like PlugShare.
AEVA encourages additional buildings to submit their details for inclusion on the register. The association also advises potential users to verify charging arrangements directly with the respective owners corporation, as specific policies and infrastructure can evolve over time.
Enhancing Property Value and Tenant Appeal
Beyond mere convenience, facilitating EV charging is increasingly viewed as a vital factor in maintaining and enhancing property values, as well as ensuring strong tenant retention. Julie Campbell, Chair of the “Evoque” Owners Corporation, which implemented two charging stations two years ago, noted that updated facilities significantly boost a building’s attractiveness to potential future residents.
Robin Eckermann, Chair of the OCN (ACT) Environmental Sustainability Working Group, shares this perspective. He emphasized that strata residents should have access to the same charging conveniences enjoyed by those in detached homes. Eckermann cautioned that apartment complexes failing to provide charging solutions “will fall behind in their appeal to purchasers and renters.”
Navigating a Patchwork of Regulations
While some Australian states are beginning to introduce clearer regulations to simplify the installation of EV charging infrastructure in strata buildings, the progress remains inconsistent across different jurisdictions. Canberra, recognised for its high rate of EV ownership within Australia, is poised to become a key indicator of how strata communities adapt as electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate.
Residents can access the current list of EV-friendly complexes on the AEVA website to find suitable apartment buildings across the ACT.
This article was originally published by Sam Parkinson, Chief Operating Officer for Renew Economy and EV Media.