This Media Release about EV charging in strata complexes has been provided by Strata Community Association.
New funding commitments by the state government in New South Wales (NSW) and opposition in Victoria have put electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the fast lane, but the brakes will still be on the rollout until the untapped potential of strata complexes is unleashed.
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean’s announcement recently has pledged $39.4 million towards the installation of EV charging across the state, in addition to funding in the last budget.
Apart from a very encouraging $10 million set aside by the NSW Government to co-finance charging stations in 100 medium and large apartment buildings, most funding has focused on highways and roadside charging infrastructure.
Meanwhile in Victoria, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has pledged $50 million to support the co-financing of 600 EV charging stations across the state through a Community Charging Fund, equivalent to $83,000 per charging station.
At least one in four people in New South Wales and Victoria live in strata complexes (apartments and townhouses) and without attention to installing critical infrastructure in these buildings, the EV rollout will stall.
SCA National President Chris Duggan said that both of these announcements represent recognition by major parties contesting upcoming state elections that the transition to EVs is occurring at a greater pace in 2022 and that there will be a greater imperative to support strata living in the rollout of infrastructure.
“We know that 20 per cent of vehicles live in strata complexes like apartments and townhouses. With thousands of new EVs sold per month, hundreds of new EVs end up in strata complexes.”
“A bit different to freestanding dwellings, charging infrastructure has challenges in strata buildings, like who pays for usage, where are charging stations installed, what cost is there to each resident and whether the building has the capacity to meet the requirements.”
“Unique challenges require targeted solutions, and we’re asking government to co-fund charging and electrification in buildings to reach large numbers of the population at once.”
“Funding the strata sector can awaken a sleeping giant in the race to roll out EVs in Australia and provide real cost of living savings to multiple households when compared to freestanding homes.”
“One of the most obvious barriers to buying an EV – range anxiety, will be overcome through investing in charging infrastructure that is readily available for owners and residents in strata.”
“Industry-wide, we are working through these challenges and our submission to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, as well as our EV Strata, Charging Challenges report due later this year will pave the road ahead,” said Mr Duggan.
Strata Community Association E: admin.wa@strata.community P: 08 9381 7084
This post appears in Strata News #615.
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