Driving change by supporting electric vehicle ready apartments

This paper summarises insights from a nine-month research study that captured the views of 43 experts with experience of installing EV chargers in apartments. This expertise included experience of strata processes and working on charging installations. The research explored various challenges that may have prevented EV charging in apartments. These included barriers that occur before the approval process commences, such as getting support from tenants, deciding on the type of installation to be explored, and determining charging options. Fire safety provisions were also identified as confusing and a barrier to progress. Our study identifies four policy opportunities that will support the roll-out of EV charging to more apartments in NSW. These include developing and disseminating resources and successful case studies for those interested in future installations, providing guidance on fire safety provisions, expanding and improving the EV Ready Building Grant scheme, and exploring other finance options to support charging installations. Other suggestions included establishing a right-to-charge, network improvements where additional power supply is needed, and training initiatives to increase the capability and capacity of installers.