Whether you’ve recently purchased an electric vehicle, are thinking about making the switch, or simply sit on a Body Corporate committee wondering what all the discussion is about, one thing is becoming increasingly clear—electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the way apartment communities think about parking, infrastructure and the future of their buildings. 

Across Queensland, more residents are embracing electric vehicles for their lower running costs, quieter operation and environmental benefits. At the same time, apartment buildings are beginning to face a new challenge. Unlike detached homes, where installing a charger is often a relatively straightforward process, Body Corporate communities share electrical infrastructure, common property and parking facilities. This means a single charging request can raise questions that affect the entire scheme. 

For some committees, the first request to install an EV charger can feel daunting. Questions about electrical capacity, insurance, approvals and future demand often arise, and with technology evolving so quickly, it can be difficult to know where to begin. 

The good news is that becoming EV ready doesn’t mean every building needs to install dozens of charging stations overnight. In fact, for most communities, the first step isn’t purchasing equipment at all—it’s understanding the building, having the right conversations and developing a plan that supports both today’s residents and tomorrow’s needs. 

Whether your scheme is a small townhouse complex or a high-rise apartment building with hundreds of parking spaces, thoughtful planning today can help avoid unnecessary costs, simplify future decisions and ensure owners have confidence that their community is prepared for the growing popularity of electric vehicles. 

This guide explores what Queensland lot owners and Body Corporate committees need to know about EV charging, how different buildings approach installations, what approval processes may be involved, and why planning ahead is becoming just as important as the charging equipment itself. 

At a Glance 

Who is this guide for? 

• Queensland lot owners  

• Body Corporate Committee members  

• Prospective EV owners  

• Residents wanting to better understand EV charging in strata communities  

Estimated reading time 

15 minutes 

What you’ll learn 

✔ Why EVs are becoming an important consideration for Body Corporates 

✔ How EV charging works in apartment buildings 

✔ Common misconceptions surrounding EV charging 

✔ Charging options available to residents 

✔ Electrical infrastructure explained in plain English 

✔ How electricity costs are managed 

✔ Insurance and fire safety considerations 

✔ What committees should do before approving installations 

✔ How to prepare your building for future demand 

Why This Conversation Matters Now 

Not long ago, electric vehicles felt like something reserved for early adopters. Charging stations were relatively uncommon, vehicle choice was limited and many apartment communities simply didn’t see EV ownership as an immediate consideration. 

That landscape has changed dramatically. 

Today, nearly every major manufacturer offers electric or plug-in hybrid models, public charging infrastructure continues to expand, and Australians are becoming increasingly comfortable making the switch. While government initiatives and private investment have helped grow the public charging network, one fact remains unchanged: 

Most EV charging still happens where people live. 

For residents living in apartments, townhouses and other Body Corporate communities, this presents an important shift. 

Unlike a standalone home, where a homeowner has full control over their garage and electrical supply, apartment buildings rely on shared infrastructure. Car parks, switchboards, electrical capacity and common property all form part of a much larger system that must support everyone who lives there. 

This means EV charging isn’t simply an owner’s decision—it becomes a community conversation. 

And that’s exactly why many Queensland Body Corporates are beginning to plan ahead. 

SSKB Insight 

The first EV request shouldn’t be the first EV conversation. 

Many committees only begin thinking about charging infrastructure once a resident requests approval to install a charger. By then, decisions are often reactive and focused on a single owner rather than the building’s long-term needs. Understanding your building’s electrical capacity and future options before requests increase can save time, reduce costs and support more consistent decision-making. 

Why Apartment Buildings Are Different 

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding EV charging is that apartment buildings simply need to install chargers in parking bays. 

In reality, charging infrastructure is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. 

Unlike houses, where the owner controls almost every aspect of the property, Body Corporate communities rely on shared assets and shared decision-making. 

A single charging installation may involve: 

• common property  

• basement infrastructure  

• electrical switchboards  

• fire safety systems  

• insurance considerations  

• visitor parking  

• future infrastructure planning  

Even when a resident owns their allocated parking space or has exclusive use of it, installing the charger may require cabling to pass through common property or connect to shared electrical infrastructure. 

That doesn’t mean approval is difficult—it simply means the committee has a responsibility to consider how today’s decisions might affect tomorrow’s residents. 

As EV ownership continues to grow, committees are increasingly shifting their focus from approving one charger to planning for many. 

Myth vs Fact 

Myth 

“If one resident installs an EV charger, everyone else’s levies will increase.” 

Fact 

Not necessarily. 

Modern charging systems can accurately record exactly how much electricity each resident uses. In many cases, owners pay only for the electricity they consume, while infrastructure costs are managed separately according to the approach adopted by the Body Corporate. 

Every building is different, but EV charging does not automatically mean all owners subsidise another resident’s electricity usage. 

A Different Way to Think About EV Charging 

Imagine your building has 60 apartments. 

Today, perhaps one resident owns an electric vehicle. 

Next year, there might be four. 

Five years from now, there could be twenty. 

If every owner installs a different charging system at different times using different contractors, the result could be a basement filled with incompatible equipment, inconsistent billing arrangements and increasing pressure on the building’s electrical infrastructure. 

Now imagine the same building taking a different approach. 

Before approving any installations, the committee commissions an electrical capacity assessment, develops an EV charging policy and identifies how future chargers could be installed using a common system. 

The first owner still gets their charger—but the second, third and twentieth owner all benefit from decisions made with the future in mind. 

The difference isn’t the charger. 

It’s the planning. 

Key Takeaway 

Installing one EV charger is relatively simple. Planning for the next twenty is where the real opportunity lies. 

Understanding Your Building: No Two Schemes Are the Same 

One of the first things to understand about EV charging is that there isn’t a universal solution. 

A recommendation that works perfectly for one apartment building may be completely unsuitable for another. The age of the building, its electrical infrastructure, the number of parking spaces, how electricity is supplied and even the layout of the basement can all influence what’s possible. 

That’s why one of the most valuable things a Body Corporate can do isn’t purchase charging equipment—it’s understand the building itself. 

Before making decisions about chargers, it’s worth asking a few important questions: 

• How much spare electrical capacity does the building currently have?  

• Has the electrical infrastructure ever been assessed for future EV demand?  

• How are parking spaces arranged?  

• Can cables be installed without significant building works?  

• Is there room to expand charging infrastructure as more residents purchase EVs?  

• Does the building already have an EV charging policy?  

These questions don’t require committees to become electrical experts. Instead, they help establish a foundation for informed decision-making and avoid costly reactive upgrades later. 

Older Buildings vs Newer Buildings 

One question SSKB is increasingly hearing from committees is: 

“Our building is over 20 years old—does that mean EV charging isn’t possible?” 

Fortunately, the answer is usually no. 

However, there are some important differences between older and newer developments that influence how charging infrastructure is introduced. 

Newer Buildings 

Many recently constructed apartment developments were designed with future technology in mind. 

While not every new building is fully equipped with EV chargers, many include infrastructure that makes future installations much easier. 

This may include: 

• larger switchboards  

• additional electrical capacity  

• spare conduits for cabling  

• dedicated electrical risers  

• basement layouts designed to accommodate future services  

These buildings are often referred to as EV Ready, meaning they’re better positioned to expand charging infrastructure as demand grows. 

Older Buildings 

Buildings constructed before EVs became mainstream often present a different set of challenges. 

Electrical infrastructure may have been designed around lighting, lifts, pumps, hot water systems and household appliances—not dozens of vehicles charging overnight. 

Committees may encounter: 

• limited spare capacity  

• ageing switchboards  

• restricted cable pathways  

• complex basement layouts  

• electrical rooms with little room for expansion  

That doesn’t mean these buildings can’t support EV charging. 

In fact, many older schemes are successfully introducing charging infrastructure by combining careful planning with modern charging technology. 

The key difference is that older buildings often benefit from a staged approach rather than individual installations occurring without an overall strategy. 

SSKB Insight 

Older doesn’t mean impossible. 

Some committees assume their building is simply “too old” for EV charging. In reality, many existing apartment buildings can support charging infrastructure with the right planning and technology. Every building is different, which is why understanding your existing electrical capacity is one of the best places to start. 

What Does “EV Ready” Actually Mean? 

You’ll often hear the term EV Ready, but it’s frequently misunderstood. 

Many people assume an EV Ready building already has charging stations installed throughout the basement. 

That’s rarely the case. 

Being EV Ready is less about the chargers themselves and more about preparing the building for future demand. 

Think of it like installing plumbing before building a bathroom. The infrastructure is in place so additional fixtures can be added when needed. 

An EV Ready building may have: 

• documented electrical capacity  

• planned cable routes  

• designated locations for future charging infrastructure  

• scalable charging systems  

• clear approval processes  

• policies outlining future installations  

The goal isn’t to predict exactly how many residents will own electric vehicles. 

It’s to ensure the building can adapt as technology and resident expectations continue to evolve. 

Planning for Tomorrow, Not Just Today 

Imagine a committee approves the installation of one charger today without considering future demand. 

A year later, three more owners request chargers. 

Two years after that, another six residents purchase EVs. 

Each installation requires new electrical work, separate contractors and additional approvals. 

Over time, the building ends up with multiple charging systems, inconsistent billing arrangements and infrastructure that becomes increasingly difficult to manage. 

Now imagine a different approach. 

Before approving the first charger, the committee commissions an electrical assessment and develops an EV strategy. The first charger is installed using infrastructure that can support future expansion. 

As more residents purchase EVs, new chargers are added using the same framework. 

The difference isn’t necessarily cost—it’s coordination. 

Planning ahead often creates a smoother experience for everyone involved. 

Key Takeaway 

An EV Ready building isn’t one with the most chargers—it’s one with a plan for future demand. 

Understanding Electrical Capacity (Without the Engineering Degree) 

When discussions turn to EV charging, one phrase often causes confusion: 

“Does our building have enough electrical capacity?” 

It sounds technical, but the concept is actually quite straightforward. 

Imagine your building’s electricity supply as a water pipe. 

Only a certain amount of water can flow through the pipe at one time. 

Electricity works in a similar way. 

Every apartment building has a maximum amount of electricity available at any given moment. 

That electricity is shared between everything in the building: 

• lifts  

• lighting  

• air conditioning  

• pumps  

• hot water systems  

• security systems  

• individual apartments  

• and, increasingly, electric vehicles.  

If everyone attempted to use maximum electricity simultaneously, the building could exceed its available capacity. 

Fortunately, that’s rarely how buildings operate. 

Most electrical systems are designed around the reality that people don’t all use everything at exactly the same time. 

Modern EV charging systems take advantage of this principle. 

Smarter Charging, Not Bigger Power Supplies 

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding EV charging is that every charger operates at maximum power, all the time. 

In reality, today’s charging systems are remarkably intelligent. 

Many commercial apartment charging systems use technology called dynamic load management. 

While the name sounds technical, the concept is surprisingly simple. 

Imagine a busy motorway during peak hour. 

When traffic builds up, vehicles naturally slow down until congestion eases. 

Smart EV charging behaves in much the same way. 

If the building’s electricity demand is high—for example, during the early evening when residents are cooking dinner, using air conditioning and running household appliances—the charging system automatically slows the charging speed of connected vehicles. 

Later in the evening, as demand drops and more electricity becomes available, charging speeds increase again. 

Most residents wake up to a fully charged vehicle without ever noticing the difference. 

This technology allows many buildings to support multiple chargers while making better use of their existing electrical infrastructure. 

Did You Know? 

Most private vehicles spend far more time parked than they do being driven. Because of this, EVs often don’t need to charge at maximum speed to be ready for the next day’s travel. Smart charging systems take advantage of these longer parking periods by balancing charging times across multiple vehicles. 

Choosing the Right Charging Solution 

There isn’t a single “best” charging option for every apartment building. 

The right solution depends on the building’s layout, resident demand, available electrical capacity and long-term objectives. 

Increasingly, committees are moving away from asking: 

“Which charger should we buy?” 

Instead, they’re asking: 

“What charging model best suits our community?” 

That small shift in thinking often leads to much better long-term outcomes. 

In the next section, we’ll explore the different charging models available, how electricity costs are managed and what committees should consider before approving new installations. 

Key Takeaway 

Technology has evolved rapidly. In many cases, the biggest challenge isn’t whether a building can support EV charging—it’s choosing a solution that can grow alongside the community’s future needs. 

Finding the Right Charging Solution for Your Community 

One of the most common questions committees ask is: 

“What’s the best EV charging solution for our building?” 

The answer is surprisingly simple. 

There isn’t one. 

Every Body Corporate is different. A 12-lot townhouse complex has very different needs to a 300-apartment high-rise, and the right solution depends on the building’s infrastructure, resident demand, available funding and long-term objectives. 

Rather than choosing a charger first, committees should start by considering how residents are likely to use charging over the coming years. 

Will only a handful of owners require charging in the short term, or is demand expected to increase rapidly? 

Would shared facilities meet current needs, or would individual chargers provide greater flexibility? 

Thinking about these questions early helps create a solution that supports the community both today and into the future. 

Option 1: Individual Chargers 

For many Queensland apartment buildings, individual chargers remain the most common starting point. 

This typically involves installing a charger adjacent to an owner’s allocated parking space, allowing them to charge their vehicle overnight whenever needed. 

For owners, the benefits are obvious. Charging becomes part of the daily routine, much like plugging in a mobile phone at the end of the day. 

However, from the committee’s perspective, there are additional considerations. 

Installing one charger may be relatively straightforward. Installing twenty individual chargers over several years requires much more planning. 

Questions the committee may need to consider include: 

• Will each charger connect to the owner’s electricity meter?  

• How will cables be routed through common property?  

• Can future chargers follow the same installation pathway?  

• Will the equipment be consistent across the building?  

• What responsibilities will owners have for maintenance?  

A coordinated approach today can make future installations simpler, more consistent and more cost-effective. 

Option 2: Shared Resident Charging 

Not every resident drives an electric vehicle, and not every EV owner requires a dedicated charger. 

For some buildings, particularly where demand is still relatively low, shared charging stations can be an excellent solution. 

Rather than installing chargers in every parking space, the Body Corporate may designate one or more shared charging bays. 

Residents book charging sessions using an app or booking system before moving their vehicle once charging is complete. 

While shared charging requires a little more coordination, it can reduce upfront costs while still providing residents with access to charging infrastructure. 

As EV ownership grows, additional charging bays can be introduced over time. 

SSKB Insight 

Think beyond today’s demand. 

Installing one or two shared charging stations can provide valuable experience for the committee while allowing resident demand to develop naturally. It also provides useful information about how often chargers are used before committing to larger infrastructure projects. 

Option 3: Visitor Charging 

Visitor charging is becoming increasingly common in larger apartment developments. 

These chargers are generally installed in visitor parking areas and may be used by: 

• guests  

• contractors  

• short-term visitors  

• residents requiring occasional charging  

Some buildings choose to provide charging as a resident amenity, while others recover electricity costs through mobile apps or RFID access cards. 

For mixed-use developments or buildings operating short-term accommodation, visitor charging can also enhance convenience and improve the appeal of the property. 

Option 4: Partnering with a Commercial Charging Provider 

Some Body Corporates choose not to own or manage charging infrastructure themselves. 

Instead, they partner with specialist EV charging providers who install, operate and maintain the charging network on behalf of the building. 

Depending on the arrangement, the provider may also: 

• manage billing  

• maintain equipment  

• monitor charging usage  

• provide customer support  

• facilitate future expansion  

For larger apartment buildings, this approach can reduce the administrative burden placed on committee members while still providing residents with access to modern charging technology. 

Who Pays for the Electricity? 

Perhaps the biggest misconception surrounding EV charging is that every resident will end up paying for another owner’s electricity. 

Fortunately, modern charging technology provides several ways to ensure charging costs are allocated fairly. 

The right solution will depend on the building’s existing electrical infrastructure, but today’s systems offer far greater flexibility than many people realise. 

Connected to the Owner’s Electricity Meter 

Where practical, an EV charger can sometimes be connected directly to the owner’s electricity supply. 

This means: 

• electricity usage appears on the owner’s household electricity bill  

• the Body Corporate has minimal ongoing administration  

• residents pay only for the electricity they use  

This is often one of the simplest arrangements, although it isn’t suitable for every building. 

Connected to the Common Property Supply 

In some apartment buildings, connecting a charger directly to an owner’s electricity meter simply isn’t practical. 

Instead, chargers may be supplied from the common property electricity. 

Specialised software then records exactly how much electricity each resident consumes. 

Residents receive individual invoices based on their charging usage, ensuring costs remain attributable to the people using the chargers. 

Embedded Electricity Networks 

Some apartment buildings operate under an embedded electricity network, where electricity is centrally managed before being distributed throughout the building. 

These arrangements can often integrate EV charging into existing billing systems, making it easier to accurately allocate charging costs without introducing additional complexity. 

Smart Billing Platforms 

Many modern charging systems include integrated software that automatically: 

• tracks charging sessions  

• measures electricity consumption  

• allocates costs to individual users  

• processes payments  

• generates reports  

• restricts charger access to authorised residents  

This means committees generally don’t need to manually calculate charging costs or recover electricity expenses themselves. 

Key Takeaway 

One of the biggest myths surrounding EV charging is that everyone pays for one resident’s electricity. Modern charging systems can accurately measure individual usage, allowing costs to be allocated directly to the people using the chargers. 

Could Solar Help Power EV Charging? 

As more apartment buildings investigate sustainability initiatives, another question naturally follows: 

Can rooftop solar be used to charge electric vehicles? 

In some cases, yes. 

Where buildings already have solar panels installed, committees may explore opportunities to integrate solar generation with EV charging. 

Potential benefits include: 

• reducing electricity purchased from the grid  

• improving utilisation of existing solar systems  

• lowering charging costs during daylight hours  

• supporting broader sustainability initiatives  

Some buildings are also beginning to investigate battery storage, allowing excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used later for vehicle charging or common property electricity needs. 

While these technologies aren’t suitable for every building, they highlight how EV charging can become part of a broader energy strategy rather than a standalone project. 

Parking Garages Need More Than Chargers 

Installing an EV charger isn’t simply about mounting equipment on a wall. 

The surrounding parking environment also plays an important role. 

When planning charging infrastructure, committees should think beyond today’s installation and consider how the basement may evolve over time. 

Questions worth asking include: 

• Can future cable pathways be installed now?  

• Are chargers protected from accidental vehicle impact?  

• Will pedestrian access remain safe?  

• Is there adequate lighting around charging areas?  

• Could future charging bays be grouped together?  

• How will maintenance access be managed?  

• Are visitor spaces likely to require charging in future?  

Thinking about the overall layout early can help minimise future disruption as demand grows. 

Committee Tip 

If your building is undertaking basement works, waterproofing projects or electrical upgrades, it may be worth asking whether provisions for future EV charging can be included at the same time. Installing conduits or cable pathways during planned works is often more cost-effective than reopening completed areas in the future. 

Looking Beyond the Charger 

One of the biggest shifts occurring across Australia’s strata sector is a change in mindset. 

Committees are no longer simply asking: 

“Can we install an EV charger?” 

Increasingly, they’re asking: 

“How do we prepare our building for the next decade?” 

That subtle difference changes almost every decision. 

Charging infrastructure becomes part of the building’s long-term asset planning, much like lifts, security systems or sustainability initiatives. 

And as resident expectations continue to evolve, buildings that have taken the time to understand their options are likely to be in a stronger position than those waiting until demand becomes urgent. 

Insurance: What Bodies Corporate Should Consider 

One of the first questions many committees ask after receiving an EV charging request is: 

“Will this affect our insurance?” 

The answer is that it can, which is why it’s important to involve your insurer early in the planning process. 

Every insurer assesses risk differently, and the impact of EV charging infrastructure will depend on factors such as: 

• the number of chargers being installed  

• where they’re located  

• how they’re connected to the building’s electrical infrastructure  

• whether recognised Australian Standards have been followed  

• how the charging equipment will be maintained  

• whether a professional electrical assessment has been completed  

Rather than viewing EV chargers as a problem, many insurers simply want confidence that installations have been properly planned, professionally installed and appropriately maintained. 

For committees, early communication with your insurer helps ensure there are no surprises once infrastructure has been installed. 

SSKB Insight 

Insurance isn’t just about the charger. 

Insurers are often just as interested in how charging infrastructure has been planned as they are in the equipment itself. A building with a documented EV strategy, professional electrical advice and compliant installations is generally in a much stronger position than one approving installations on an ad hoc basis. 

Fire Safety: Separating Fact from Fiction 

Few topics attract more headlines than electric vehicle fires. 

While media coverage can create the impression that EV fires are common, the reality is more nuanced. 

Like petrol and diesel vehicles, electric vehicles can catch fire—but current evidence does not suggest they catch fire more frequently simply because they are electric. What is different is how lithium-ion battery fires can behave if they do occur, which is why emergency response procedures and building planning are important. 

For Body Corporates, the focus should be on managing risk rather than reacting to headlines. 

Good planning includes: 

• ensuring charging equipment is installed by licensed professionals  

• using chargers that comply with relevant Australian Standards  

• avoiding makeshift charging arrangements, such as extension leads or domestic power boards  

• maintaining access to fire safety equipment and emergency exits  

• understanding any recommendations from insurers or specialist consultants  

Larger or more complex buildings may also seek advice from fire engineers when planning significant charging infrastructure. 

The key message is simple: safe charging starts with proper planning and compliant installation. 

Myth vs Fact 

Myth 

“Electric vehicles are too dangerous to charge in apartment basements.” 

Fact 

Modern EV charging systems are designed with multiple layers of safety, including communication between the charger and the vehicle, automatic fault detection and protective shut-off features. 

When charging infrastructure is professionally designed, installed and maintained, it forms part of the building’s overall electrical system in much the same way as other major electrical equipment. 

What Should a Body Corporate Do Before Approving EV Chargers? 

One of the biggest opportunities for committees is to move from reacting to individual requests towards developing a long-term strategy. 

Rather than asking: 

“Should we approve this owner’s charger?” 

A better question is: 

“How do we want EV charging to work in our building over the next ten years?” 

That shift in thinking encourages more consistent decision-making and often leads to better outcomes for all owners. 

A practical roadmap might include the following steps. 

Understand Resident Demand 

Before investing in infrastructure, find out how many residents currently own an EV and how many are considering purchasing one in the coming years. 

A simple resident survey can provide valuable insight into future demand. 

Assess the Building’s Infrastructure 

Engage a qualified electrical consultant to understand: 

• current electrical capacity  

• opportunities for expansion  

• switchboard capability  

• cable pathways  

• potential constraints  

This assessment provides a clear picture of what is possible before individual requests begin to increase. 

Develop an EV Charging Policy 

An EV policy can outline: 

• how owners request approval  

• installation requirements  

• preferred equipment or systems  

• maintenance responsibilities  

• future expansion principles  

• electricity billing arrangements  

Having a documented process helps ensure requests are assessed consistently. 

Consider Future Growth 

Installing infrastructure with future expansion in mind is often more cost-effective than repeating electrical works each time another resident purchases an EV. 

Keep Owners Informed 

Clear communication helps reduce misconceptions and ensures owners understand why certain decisions are being made. 

Key Takeaway 

The most successful Body Corporates aren’t necessarily the ones with the most EV chargers—they’re the ones with the clearest plan for managing future demand. 

A Checklist for Lot Owners 

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? 

Before making the purchase, consider asking the following questions: 

• Does my Body Corporate have an EV charging policy?  

• Will I need committee approval?  

• Is my parking space suitable for charging?  

• Has the building’s electrical capacity been assessed?  

• How will my electricity usage be measured?  

• Are there plans for shared charging?  

• Have I discussed my proposal with my Community Manager?  

Starting the conversation early often makes the approval process much smoother. 

A Checklist for Body Corporate Committees 

If your scheme hasn’t yet discussed EV charging, now may be the right time to start. 

Consider whether your building has: 

• an understanding of future resident demand  

• an electrical capacity assessment  

• a documented EV charging policy  

• clear approval guidelines  

• a plan for future infrastructure  

• discussed charging with its insurer  

• considered long-term budgeting for electrical upgrades  

Even if no owners currently drive an EV, planning ahead today can save significant time and expense in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can the Body Corporate refuse an EV charger? 

Every request should be considered on its own merits. The committee may need to consider impacts on common property, electrical infrastructure, safety, insurance and the interests of other owners. Speaking with your Community Manager early in the process can help clarify the approval pathway for your scheme. 

Will my neighbours pay for the electricity I use? 

Not necessarily. Modern charging systems can measure individual electricity consumption, allowing users to pay for the electricity they use rather than sharing costs across the scheme. 

Does every owner need their own charger? 

No. Depending on the building, shared charging stations, visitor charging or staged infrastructure may provide a more suitable solution. 

Can older apartment buildings support EV charging? 

In many cases, yes. While older buildings may require additional planning or staged upgrades, technologies such as dynamic load management have made EV charging more achievable than many people realise. 

Will installing EV chargers increase insurance premiums? 

Every insurer is different. The impact will depend on the building, the proposed infrastructure and the insurer’s requirements. Committees should discuss planned installations with their insurer before proceeding. 

Is our building too small to think about EV charging? 

Not at all. Even smaller schemes benefit from understanding their infrastructure and establishing a simple process for future requests. 

Looking Ahead: Preparing for What’s Next 

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche technology—they’re becoming part of everyday life. 

As more Queenslanders choose electric vehicles, apartment communities will continue to receive questions about charging, infrastructure and future planning. 

For Body Corporates, the opportunity isn’t simply to approve or decline individual installations. It’s to develop a thoughtful strategy that balances the needs of today’s residents with the expectations of tomorrow’s owners. 

Buildings that take the time to understand their electrical infrastructure, establish clear approval pathways and plan for future growth are likely to be better positioned as EV ownership continues to increase. 

Whether your community has one electric vehicle today or expects many more in the years ahead, becoming EV ready begins with knowledge, planning and informed decision-making. 

Because while charging technology will continue to evolve, good planning never goes out of date. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is intended for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal, financial, insurance or engineering advice. Every Body Corporate scheme is different, and requirements may vary depending on your building, by-laws, infrastructure and individual circumstances. If you’re considering installing EV charging infrastructure or require guidance specific to your scheme, we recommend speaking with your SSKB Community Manager or seeking appropriate professional advice before making any decisions.