Electric Vehicles Gain Traction in Strata

Arguably one of the biggest transformations in the motor vehicle industry since the introduction of the Model T, has been the introduction of Tesla's Electric Vehicles (EV). Tesla has largely defined the EV market and inspired many of the major vehicle manufacturers to have a good look at the electric vehicle market.

The CSIRO recently published that a 69% increase in EV adoption is possible by 2035. The Sunshine Coast has already distinguished itself as a nationwide leader for EV adoption per capita.

Electric vehicles have very low running cost and the ability to have a major impact on reducing carbon emissions from transport, due to their ability to be charged with renewable energy.
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However, charging of electric vehicles within strata buildings creates a unique set of issues. We have seen a number of instances where a tenant is regularly charging their vehicle off the common power, effectively ‘stealing’ power from the body corporate. 

Some questions strata managers should be asking include:

• Where within the car park should a charging station be installed?
• How should it be metered and paid for?
• What impact will it have on current electrical infrastructure such as switch boards?
• Its impact on the functioning of high load electrical assets such as lifts?

​Sydney City Council recently asked Wattblock to deliver a presentation addressing the issues Strata Buildings will face as the demand for Electric Vehicles increases. The presentation has received some very positive feedback, and has now been viewed by many varying stakeholders including strata managers, energy retailers, as well as electric vehicle and EV charging manufacturers and suppliers.

Brent Clark from Wattblock will be delivering the presentation at the upcoming for the Owners Corporation Network members meeting.

Date: Saturday the 19th November
Time: 10:00am
Place: 'The Station', 58 Bowman Street, Pyrmont (opposite John Street).
To register for the event log onto http://www.ocn.org.au/events

Scott Witheridge
Contributor, Strata Energy News