What the National Construction Code changes mean for EV charger installation

Australia's National Construction Code (NCC) is undergoing some significant changes to keep up with the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Property developers and strata companies will now be required to provide EV charging infrastructure in new buildings and major renovations. This is a welcome change, as it will help facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs and support the country's transition to a low-carbon future.

The new rules are set to come into effect from May 2022 and will apply to all new buildings, as well as major renovations of existing buildings. They require developers to provide at least one EV charging point for every four car parking spaces in residential and commercial buildings as of October 2023, with the option to install additional charging points depending on demand.

This move by the Australian government is in line with other countries' policies to promote electric vehicle adoption. The UK, for example, has introduced similar regulations requiring new homes to have EV charging points. This demonstrates a global push towards a sustainable future, and Australia is joining the bandwagon.

The NCC changes will have significant implications for property developers and strata companies, who will need to ensure their designs comply with the new regulations. This may involve some upfront costs for installing EV charging infrastructure, but in the long run, is a worthwhile investment. As EVs become more mainstream, properties with charging infrastructure will likely attract more buyers and tenants, and this could lead to higher property values.

The new regulations will also benefit strata companies who are responsible for managing buildings with shared facilities, such as apartment blocks or office complexes. With the new rules in place, strata companies will need to consider the long-term needs of their residents or tenants and ensure they have access to EV charging infrastructure. This will help them stay competitive in the property market and provide a desirable living or working environment.

Property owners should work with qualified installers and electricians to conduct a proper site survey of their premises and car park to determine best installation of EV chargers. Depending on the class of building the venue falls under, the building will be expected to have an electrical distribution board that is sized to support the future installation of a 7 kW (32 A) type 2 electric vehicle charger for 10-20% of the car spaces (Part J9D4 of National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume One). This is what would be considered a ‘standard’ EV charger that would give a guest a medium level of charge, adding around 40km per hour of charge.

The NCC changes represent a significant step towards a sustainable future for Australia. By requiring developers and strata companies to provide EV charging infrastructure, the country is showing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the adoption of clean transportation. While there may be some challenges ahead, the benefits of this move are clear. It's time to plug in and charge up for a brighter tomorrow!