The NSW government has published a new guide it hopes will support the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in residential and commercial buildings.
Energy minister and Treasurer Matt Kean says it is inevitable that building owners and operators will need to provide charging services to tenants as the uptake of electric vehicle grows.
“With the global shift to EVs it’s not a matter of if, but when, buildings will need to provide EV charging options,” said Kean, who has a Model 3 as part of his parliamentary package.
“We’re providing guidance materials, templates and tools on how to retrofit these buildings on one convenient website.”
“Having all the information in one place makes it an easy first stop for apartment owners, strata organisations, tenants and building managers planning to install EV chargers in their buildings,” he added.
The new guide includes a dedicated ‘EV Ready Buildings’ website, to provide resources to building owners on how to best add charging services to accommodate tenants’ needs.
Difficulties in securing access to residential charging infrastructure have been cited as a barrier for some wanting to make the switch to electric vehicles, particularly in apartment buildings where strata organisations can oppose the installation of chargers.
Some EV drivers have reported being forced to sell their electric vehicles, after being denied access to electricity supplies for charging altogether.
The NSW government has also funded a demonstration project at the Richmont building in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont, which included upgrading electrical systems to provide electric vehicle charging facilities for all 104 parking spaces within the building.
The building has previously provided charging facilities for visitor parking.
The state government has provided funding for a further 15 feasibility studies to investigate the addition of charging equipment across additional residential and commercial buildings in metropolitan Sydney.
Kean says electric vehicle charging infrastructure will ultimately increase the value of properties as EV uptake grows, while also boosting demand from prospective tenants, mirroring the experience of building owners that have installed solar projects.
“The take up of solar in NSW has been exceptional and as we transition to renewable energy, this program ensures a clean drive and a clean future,” Kean said.
“EVs are expected to make up 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030 in NSW, and the new guidance materials will help make this target a reality while also protecting the environment.”
The launch of the guide follows a $20 million commitment from the NSW state government to co-fund the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at key tourist destinations across the state.
Grants of up to $40,000 will be offered to tourist site operators to help attract EV drivers to locations like wineries, cafes, restaurants, museums and zoos in regional parts of the state.
