Charging options for EV drivers in apartments

As EVs become increasingly popular, many drivers living in apartments face a significant challenge: how to charge their cars without a dedicated charging station. Fortunately, there are several viable options available, ranging from simple solutions to more complex ones. In this post, we will explore some of the options for EV drivers living in apartments.

Option 1: Use Public Charging Stations

Public charging stations are becoming more common in cities across Australia, with some local governments providing free charging. The number of public charging stations is increasing, and they can be found at shopping centers, public car parks, and even on some city streets. For apartment-dwelling EV owners, public charging stations are a convenient way to charge their vehicles when they are away from home.

According to the Electric Vehicle Council, as of September 2022, there were over 3,000 public charging stations across Australia, with over 7,000 charging connectors available for EV drivers to use. This number is likely to increase in the coming years as the EV adoption rate increases.

Option 2: Negotiate with Property Owners

Another option for apartment-dwelling EV owners is to negotiate with their property owners to install a dedicated charging station. In Australia, there are several financial incentives available for property owners who install charging stations, including grants from state and federal governments.

In a survey conducted by the EV Council, 82% of apartment owners and renters said they would be more likely to buy an EV if their building had a charging station. This presents an opportunity for property owners to attract new tenants and retain current ones by installing charging stations.

Option 3: Use Portable Chargers

For apartment-dwelling EV owners who don't have access to public charging stations or the ability to install a dedicated charging station, portable chargers are an option. Portable chargers can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet and used to charge an EV.

According to a study by the Queensland University of Technology, the average Australian EV owner only drives about 38 km per day, which means that a portable charger can provide enough power for many drivers to use their car for daily commutes.

While apartment-dwelling EV owners face some unique challenges when it comes to charging their cars, there are several viable options available. By using public charging stations, negotiating with property owners, or using portable chargers, apartment-dwelling EV owners can enjoy the benefits of electric driving. As the EV market continues to grow in Australia and around the world, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge.