NSW Climate and Energy Action

Making your apartment building EV ready

 

Are you curious about making your building EV ready or have already begun the process? Our resources and panel discussion videos can help you understand each step and stay on track.  

For more information, contact the EV Ready Buildings program team.

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EV ready buildings: the five stages

Learn more about each stage in the process, including common myths around EV charging and fire safety.

This video aims to help anyone interested in preparing their building for EVs understand the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders who will need to be involved.

Resources for planning and feasibility stage 

Resident survey template

EV charging template letter

EV infrastructure cost estimator

Frequently asked questions about planning and feasibility

Why start with a resident survey?

It helps gauge demand for EV charging and guides decisions on timing and scale. A survey template is available on our website.

Why is investing in an energy assessment important?

It identifies your building’s capacity for EV charging and any upgrades needed. Use our template to request quotes from qualified auditors.

What are the main installation options?
  1. Individual approach: residents install chargers at their cost, often linked to their own meters.
  2. Shared use: chargers in common areas like visitor parking.
  3. Modular or Whole-of-building: scalable solutions for medium to large buildings, offering futureproofing.
What approvals are needed?

Most projects require Owners Corporation approval, and some may need a by-law. Check what’s needed based on your selected approach.

Can EV charging consultants support my project?

Specialist consulting firms can provide detailed advice around the best approach to EV charging in the building, and may be able to recommend specific approaches based on your building’s needs. Generally these consultants are not qualified electricians and may not be able to provide a final price for the project.

This video aims to help anyone interested in preparing their building for EVs understand the key stakeholders who will need to approve the work that will need to take place. 

Resources for approvals stage

General information resource for EV by-laws

General information resource – generic works by-law

Example Owners Corporation management of installations

Example consent forms

Frequently asked questions about approvals

What approvals are needed?

Most EV charging projects require a sustainability infrastructure resolution and a by-law approved at a general meeting. See the Approvals section for details.

Are there templates to help?

Yes. We have developed a range of templates for different scenarios:

  • EV by-laws – general info
  • Consent form  
  • Single-lot by-law  
  • Multi-lot by-law  
  • Owners corporation by-law  

These are available within the resources section above

What if we're using common property or existing circuits?

EV charging projects typically interact with common property and therefore require approval. Connecting to common power infrastructure will always require owners corporation approval.

For more information, refer to:

How do we plan funding?

Include EV infrastructure in your capital works fund planning and determine a cost recovery model. Visit the planning and feasibility section for more info.

This video aims to help anyone interested in preparing their building for EVs understand the steps needed to find a suitable installer and what to look for when comparing quotes.

Frequently asked questions about finding an electrician

How do we choose the right EV electrician?

All electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Shop around for multiple quotes to get the best price and most suitable technical solution.
  
Follow this link to check that your electrician is licensed to carry out electrical work in NSW.

How do we get quotes?

The owners corporations will request quotes from electricians.

When does installation begin?

After receiving the necessary approvals, the Owners Corporation (OC) will engage the supplier and inform your building manager to coordinate timing. If the quotation process was managed by an individual owner or tenant, after the OC has approved, they can proceed with installation and notify the building manager to minimise disruptions.

This video helps anyone interested in the process of installing EV chargers and how to manage installation.

Frequently asked questions about installation

What should we do once installation is approved?

Engage your selected supplier and/or electrician and notify your building manager to coordinate access and timing. 

How can we minimise disruption?

Schedule works during off-peak hours and inform residents in advance. 

What will be installed?

Backbone electrical infrastructure such as electrical circuits, cable tray, distribution boards and energy management systems (EMS). Some projects will also include EV chargers. 

Who ensures safety and compliance?

The installer must follow all safety and technical standards. Upon completion you must be provided with a certificate of electrical compliance. 

What records should we keep?

Store compliance certificates, installation photos, warranties, and invoices for reference or grant reporting. 

This video aims to help anyone interested in preparing their building for EVs understand the management and procedures once the EV chargers are installed. 

Frequently asked questions about operation and maintenance

Who is responsible for operating and maintaining the EV infrastructure?

This depends on the ownership and management model.  

For common property infrastructure, the Owners Corporation typically oversees maintenance.  

For individual charging stations in owner lots the owners/tenants are usually responsible. 

What does a maintenance plan involve?

A good plan should include:

  • regular safety inspections
  • performance checks
  • service response times
  • contact details for technical support.
How do we manage billing and cost recovery?

Billing may be handled: 

  • internally (e.g. flat fees or metered usage)
  • through a subscription-based third-party platform that monitors and invoices usage.

Speak to your installer about your options.  


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