Is Your Strata Building EV Ready? 

Not every apartment building in New South Wales has residents driving electric vehicles today. 

But chances are, it won’t stay that way for long. 

Across Australia, electric vehicles are steadily becoming part of everyday life. Manufacturers continue to expand their EV ranges, charging technology is improving and more Australians are making the switch each year. While public charging networks continue to grow, most EV owners still prefer one simple option—charging where they live. 

For strata communities, this creates an important question. 

It’s no longer just about whether a resident can install an EV charger in their allocated parking space. 

It’s about whether the building itself is prepared for what comes next. 

Many Owners Corporations are finding themselves in unfamiliar territory. A resident requests permission to install a charger, another owner raises concerns about electrical capacity, and committee members begin asking questions about insurance, common property, future demand and how other apartment buildings are approaching the same challenge. 

These conversations are becoming increasingly common—and they’re an opportunity rather than a problem. 

Buildings that begin planning early are often better placed to accommodate future residents, manage infrastructure costs and make consistent decisions as EV ownership continues to increase. 

Rather than waiting until several owners request charging, many NSW strata communities are now asking a different question: 

“How do we make our building EV ready?” 

This guide explores what EV readiness actually means, why planning matters, and how Owners Corporations can take practical steps to prepare their buildings for the future without rushing into unnecessary expenditure. 

At a Glance 

Who should read this article? 

• NSW lot owners  

• Owners Corporation committee members  

• Strata Committee members  

• Apartment residents considering an EV  

• Communities planning future building upgrades  

Reading time 

Approximately 15 minutes 

In this guide, you’ll discover: 

✔ What “EV Ready” really means 

✔ Why planning now can save significant costs later 

✔ Common infrastructure challenges in NSW apartment buildings 

✔ Different charging models available 

✔ How electricity can be managed fairly 

✔ The role of Owners Corporations 

✔ Funding and staged implementation ideas 

✔ Practical steps for preparing your strata scheme 

SSKB Insight 

The best time to plan for EV charging is before your building needs it. 

Communities that understand their infrastructure early are often able to make more informed decisions, avoid duplicated work and respond more confidently as resident demand grows. 

Why EV Readiness Is Becoming a Strategic Issue 

For many years, apartment buildings have evolved to meet changing resident expectations. 

High-speed internet. 

Secure parcel lockers. 

Solar energy. 

Building security technology. 

Electric vehicle charging is quickly joining that list. 

Unlike many building improvements, however, EV charging isn’t simply another resident amenity. 

It affects the building’s electrical infrastructure, common property, long-term asset planning and, in many cases, future capital expenditure. 

That’s why many Owners Corporations are shifting their thinking. 

Rather than treating EV charging as a series of individual owner requests, they’re beginning to view it as part of the building’s long-term infrastructure strategy. 

Imagine Two Different Buildings… 

Consider two apartment buildings of similar size. 

Building A receives its first request for an EV charger and approves it. 

Six months later another owner applies. 

A year later another. 

Each installation is assessed individually. 

Different contractors. 

Different equipment. 

Different billing methods. 

Five years later, the basement contains several incompatible charging systems and growing concerns about available electrical capacity. 

Now consider Building B. 

When the first request arrives, the Owners Corporation pauses—not to delay the owner, but to understand the bigger picture. 

The committee commissions an electrical assessment, investigates future demand and develops an EV readiness plan before approving installations. 

Individual owners still receive chargers. 

The difference is that every installation follows the same long-term framework. 

The result? 

Less uncertainty. 

Greater consistency. 

Better long-term planning. 

That’s the difference between installing chargers and becoming EV ready. 

Key Takeaway 

EV readiness isn’t measured by the number of chargers installed. It’s measured by how well a building is prepared for future demand. 

Why NSW Apartment Buildings Face Unique Challenges 

One of the reasons EV readiness has become such an important conversation in New South Wales is the sheer diversity of strata housing. 

Across the state, you’ll find everything from small walk-up apartment blocks built decades ago to modern high-rise developments with sophisticated building management systems. 

That diversity means there is no universal solution. 

Some buildings may already have spare electrical capacity and dedicated cable pathways, while others may require more detailed planning before charging infrastructure can be introduced. 

Factors that commonly influence an apartment building’s readiness include: 

• the age of the building  

• existing electrical infrastructure  

• basement layout  

• available switchboard capacity  

• parking arrangements  

• access to common property  

• future resident demand  

Understanding these characteristics early allows an Owners Corporation to make informed decisions rather than reacting to individual requests as they arise. 

Retrofitting vs Building for the Future 

Perhaps the biggest difference between older and newer apartment buildings is whether EV charging was considered during construction. 

Many recently completed developments have been designed with future expansion in mind. 

Older buildings, however, are often being asked to accommodate technology that simply didn’t exist when they were built. 

Retrofitting infrastructure doesn’t necessarily mean major redevelopment. 

In many cases, it means carefully assessing: 

• where cables can be installed  

• how electrical capacity can be managed  

• which charging model best suits the building  

• whether upgrades can be delivered in stages  

Increasingly, NSW apartment buildings are discovering that successful retrofitting isn’t about installing chargers everywhere at once. 

It’s about creating a roadmap that allows infrastructure to evolve alongside resident demand. 

Did You Know? 

Many apartment buildings discover they can support more EV charging than initially expected once their electrical infrastructure is professionally assessed. Smart charging technologies and staged implementation often reduce the need for immediate large-scale electrical upgrades. 

The Four Pillars of an EV-Ready Strata Scheme 

If there is one misconception about preparing for electric vehicles, it’s that the first step is buying chargers. 

In reality, chargers are often one of the last decisions a strata scheme makes. 

The strongest EV-ready communities start by understanding four key areas that influence every future decision. Think of these as the foundations of your building’s EV strategy. 

Pillar One: Know Your Building 

Before discussing charging stations, it’s important to understand what your building can realistically support. 

Every apartment building has a unique combination of electrical infrastructure, parking layouts and common property, which means every EV strategy should start with the same question: 

“What do we already have?” 

A building assessment may identify: 

• the available electrical capacity  

• existing switchboard configuration  

• opportunities for future expansion  

• cable routes through common property  

• physical constraints within the basement  

• areas where future upgrades may eventually be required  

This information provides committees with confidence when future requests arrive, rather than relying on assumptions. 

Committee Tip 

An electrical assessment doesn’t commit your scheme to installing chargers. It simply provides information that helps future decisions become easier and more consistent. 

Pillar Two: Understand Your Community 

Infrastructure is only one part of the equation. 

Residents are the other. 

Some apartment buildings may already have several EV owners, while others may not receive their first request for another two or three years. 

Understanding likely demand helps committees make proportionate decisions. 

A simple survey can answer questions such as: 

• How many residents currently own an EV?  

• How many are considering purchasing one?  

• Do residents generally park in allocated bays?  

• Would shared charging suit the community?  

Knowing where your community is today helps determine what level of infrastructure makes sense. 

Planning for the future doesn’t necessarily mean building for maximum demand immediately. 

Pillar Three: Create Consistency 

One of the challenges many strata schemes encounter is inconsistency. 

Without a framework, each EV application may be assessed differently. 

Different contractors. 

Different charger brands. 

Different installation methods. 

Different maintenance arrangements. 

Over time, this creates unnecessary complexity. 

Instead, many Owners Corporations are choosing to establish simple principles that guide future requests. 

These may cover: 

• preferred installation pathways  

• documentation required from owners  

• responsibilities for ongoing maintenance  

• expectations around electrical compliance  

• how future infrastructure will integrate with existing systems  

Having these principles in place helps ensure every application is assessed fairly while reducing uncertainty for owners. 

Pillar Four: Think Beyond Today’s Request 

It’s natural for committees to focus on the application sitting in front of them. 

But one approval often leads to another. 

And another. 

That’s why experienced consultants often encourage committees to think beyond today’s resident and consider what the building may need in five or ten years’ time. 

This doesn’t mean installing chargers for every apartment immediately. 

It simply means asking: 

“If more owners request charging next year, will today’s decision still make sense?” 

Future-focused planning often prevents duplicated work and allows infrastructure to expand in a logical way. 

Key Takeaway 

Becoming EV ready isn’t a project—it’s a planning process. Buildings that understand their infrastructure, their residents and their long-term goals are better positioned to respond as demand evolves. 

Financing the Journey: It Doesn’t Have to Happen All at Once 

One concern that often slows conversations around EV infrastructure is cost. 

Understandably, committees may assume becoming EV ready requires a significant upfront investment. 

In reality, many apartment communities adopt a staged approach. 

Rather than installing extensive infrastructure immediately, they prioritise works that provide flexibility for future expansion. 

This might include: 

• undertaking an electrical capacity assessment  

• installing cable pathways during planned maintenance works  

• upgrading sections of infrastructure as demand increases  

• allowing owner-funded charger installations within an agreed framework  

This staged approach can reduce disruption and spread investment over time. 

It also allows the Owners Corporation to make decisions based on actual demand rather than assumptions. 

SSKB Insight 

Some of the most successful EV projects begin with planning rather than construction. Investing in understanding your building today can help avoid unnecessary expenditure tomorrow. 

Electricity: One Building, Many Users 

A common concern raised by residents is whether EV charging will create disputes over electricity costs. 

Fortunately, charging technology has evolved considerably. 

Rather than relying on estimates or manual calculations, modern systems are capable of accurately measuring electricity consumption for each individual user. 

Depending on the building’s infrastructure, electricity may be supplied in several different ways. 

Some chargers connect directly to an owner’s electricity meter, allowing charging costs to appear on their regular electricity bill. 

Other buildings use the common property electricity supply, with software allocating usage back to individual residents. 

Apartment buildings operating embedded electricity networks may also integrate EV charging into their existing billing arrangements. 

The important point is that modern charging systems provide flexibility. 

Electricity doesn’t need to become a shared expense simply because the charging infrastructure is located within a shared building. 

Why Smart Charging Changes the Conversation 

When EV charging first emerged, many people imagined every vehicle charging at full power every evening. 

Understandably, this raised concerns about whether apartment buildings would have enough electricity. 

Today, those concerns are often addressed through smart charging technology. 

Rather than every charger drawing maximum power at the same time, the system continuously monitors the building’s overall electricity demand. 

If demand increases elsewhere in the building, charging speeds can automatically adjust. 

As demand falls later in the evening, charging speeds increase again. 

Most residents never notice the change, but the building makes far more efficient use of its available electricity. 

For many apartment buildings, this means additional charging can be accommodated without immediately upgrading the incoming electricity supply. 

Choosing a Charging Model That Fits Your Community 

One of the advantages of planning before purchasing equipment is that committees have time to consider which charging model best suits their building. 

There is no universally correct answer. 

Some communities value individual ownership and private charging. 

Others prefer shared facilities that can grow over time. 

Some larger developments partner with commercial charging providers who install, maintain and manage the infrastructure on behalf of the Owners Corporation. 

The right choice depends on factors such as: 

• the size of the building  

• projected demand  

• available electrical capacity  

• parking arrangements  

• budget  

• long-term management preferences  

Rather than asking, “Which charger should we install?”, it is often more helpful to ask: 

“How do we want residents to access charging over the next decade?” 

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

Key Takeaway 

The best charging solution isn’t necessarily the most advanced—it’s the one that aligns with your building’s long-term strategy, infrastructure and resident needs. 

Good Governance Is Just as Important as Good Infrastructure 

Electric vehicle charging isn’t simply an electrical project. 

For many strata schemes, it’s also a governance exercise. 

Every decision an Owners Corporation makes today has the potential to influence future owners, future budgets and future infrastructure. 

That’s why some of the most successful EV projects don’t begin with electricians—they begin with conversations. 

Committee members, lot owners, strata managers, electrical consultants and insurers all have different perspectives. Bringing those perspectives together early helps ensure decisions are well-informed, transparent and aligned with the long-term interests of the building. 

Just as importantly, a clear decision-making process helps avoid uncertainty when future requests are received. 

Creating a Consistent Approval Process 

One of the challenges for committees is ensuring each application is treated fairly. 

If every EV charger request is handled differently, owners may become confused about what information is required, why some requests take longer than others or how decisions are made. 

Developing a clear approval pathway can provide consistency for everyone involved. 

While every scheme is different, an application process may include: 

• details of the proposed charger  

• confirmation that the work will be undertaken by appropriately licensed contractors  

• information about cable routes and any impact on common property  

• details of how electricity will be supplied and measured  

• ongoing maintenance responsibilities  

• confirmation that relevant approvals have been obtained where required  

Having a documented process doesn’t make approvals more difficult—it simply makes expectations clearer for owners and committees alike. 

SSKB Insight 

Consistency builds confidence. Owners are generally more comfortable with the approval process when they understand what information is required and how decisions are made. A documented process also helps future committees make decisions consistently over time. 

Looking Beyond Today’s Committee 

Committee members change. 

Owners move in and out. 

Technology evolves. 

A decision made today may still influence the building ten or fifteen years from now. 

That’s why documenting the building’s EV strategy can be just as valuable as the infrastructure itself. 

Future committees benefit from understanding: 

• why certain decisions were made  

• how electrical capacity was assessed  

• what charging model was selected  

• planned stages for future expansion  

• responsibilities for maintaining infrastructure  

Capturing this information reduces the likelihood of future committees revisiting the same questions or unintentionally creating inconsistent outcomes. 

Insurance and Risk Management 

Insurance is another area where planning pays dividends. 

Introducing EV charging infrastructure doesn’t automatically result in higher premiums, but it is something committees should discuss with their insurer as part of the planning process. 

Insurers may wish to understand: 

• how charging infrastructure has been designed  

• whether installations comply with applicable standards  

• who is responsible for maintenance  

• how risks are managed  

• whether the infrastructure forms part of common property  

Having this information available demonstrates that the Owners Corporation has taken a considered approach to managing new infrastructure. 

Fire Safety: Planning Rather Than Panic 

Few aspects of EV ownership receive as much public attention as battery fires. 

While headlines often focus on isolated incidents, the practical response for strata communities is straightforward. 

The priority isn’t avoiding EV charging. 

The priority is ensuring charging is introduced safely. 

Professional installation, compliant equipment and good maintenance practices are fundamental. 

For larger projects, some schemes may also seek specialist advice to understand how charging infrastructure integrates with existing fire safety systems and emergency procedures. 

Ultimately, EV charging should be viewed as another building service that requires appropriate planning—much like lifts, solar systems or air-conditioning plant. 

Myth vs Fact 

Myth 

“Our building should wait until EV technology settles before making any decisions.” 

Fact 

Planning doesn’t mean committing to immediate infrastructure upgrades. 

Many strata schemes begin by understanding their building, documenting an EV strategy and establishing an approval process. These steps provide flexibility regardless of how technology evolves in the coming years. 

An EV Readiness Roadmap for NSW Strata Schemes 

Preparing a building for electric vehicles doesn’t need to happen overnight. 

For many Owners Corporations, the journey begins with a series of manageable steps. 

Step 1: Start the Conversation 

Discuss EV ownership as part of committee meetings or annual planning sessions. 

Understanding whether residents expect future demand helps determine the level of planning required. 

Step 2: Understand the Building 

Arrange an assessment of the building’s electrical infrastructure and identify opportunities for future expansion. 

Knowing what the building can support is often more valuable than making assumptions. 

Step 3: Develop a Framework 

Create a consistent approach to future applications by documenting expectations around approvals, installation standards, maintenance and electricity management. 

Step 4: Engage Professional Advice 

Electrical consultants, insurers and experienced strata professionals can help committees understand building-specific considerations before significant decisions are made. 

Step 5: Review the Strategy Regularly 

Technology will continue to evolve. 

Resident demand will change. 

Reviewing the building’s EV strategy periodically helps ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community. 

Key Takeaway 

The goal isn’t to predict the future perfectly. It’s to ensure your building is prepared to respond as that future unfolds. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does every apartment building need to become EV ready? 

Not immediately, but every Owners Corporation should understand what EV readiness means for their building. Planning early often makes future decisions easier, even if demand is currently low. 

Can older strata buildings support EV charging? 

Many can. While older buildings may require additional planning or staged upgrades, modern charging technologies have made EV charging achievable in more buildings than many people expect. 

Is individual charging always the best solution? 

Not necessarily. Depending on the building, shared charging stations, staged infrastructure or managed charging networks may provide a more suitable outcome. 

Who pays for charging infrastructure? 

Funding arrangements vary between strata schemes and depend on the chosen charging model, ownership structure and agreements within the building. Committees should seek advice relevant to their circumstances before making decisions. 

Why should we plan now if only one owner has an EV? 

Because infrastructure decisions made today often influence future installations. Early planning helps reduce duplicated work, improve consistency and support long-term budgeting. 

Looking Ahead: Preparing Buildings for the Next Generation of Residents 

Electric vehicles are no longer a question of if—they’re a question of when. 

For New South Wales strata schemes, the opportunity is not simply to respond to requests for charging infrastructure but to consider how today’s decisions will shape tomorrow’s community. 

An EV-ready building isn’t defined by the number of chargers installed or the size of its electrical upgrades. 

It’s defined by preparation. 

By understanding existing infrastructure, engaging with residents, establishing clear governance processes and planning for gradual growth, Owners Corporations can confidently navigate the transition to electric vehicles while protecting the long-term interests of the scheme. 

As technology continues to evolve, one thing is unlikely to change: communities that plan ahead are generally better equipped to adapt. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is intended for educational purposes. It does not constitute legal, financial, insurance or engineering advice. Every strata scheme is different, and requirements may vary depending on your building, by-laws, infrastructure and individual circumstances. If you are considering 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.