Exploring EV Charging for Unit Plans   

ActewAGL installed shared dual EV charger within the car park of a residential apartment.

Thinking about EV charging needs for Unit Plans and don’t know where to start? 

Whether addressing growing demand from resident EV owners or just gathering some information for your Executive Committee (EC), ActewAGL has stepped out the considerations and pathways. 

Recommended scoping models for an existing apartment:

1. Exploring full design to determine maximum number of AC chargers. An ActewAGL Feasibility Report with data logging will determine the tailored solution parameters, including available power and power usage, proximity of car park spaces to the relevant distribution boards and cellular internet reception. Major electrical upgrades can be required, and project costs can be high. If this is the desired option, a stepped phasing model can reduce project costs and meet early demand. The Executive Committee can often cover the electrical upgrade cost, and residents pay for the costs relating to their charger and installation.
2. Shared chargers within visitor car park spaces. Project costs and lead times are much lower, whilst still providing a short-medium term solution – with EV owners sharing a charger within a communal car park space. Depending on EC budgets and available power, a DC fast charger is an effective solution for charging top ups or full charge in a few minutes – providing a fast turnaround for EVs that occupy the car park space.

ACT driving habits and EV charging speed requirements  

Considering that Canberrans drive an average of approximately 29 kilometres in their vehicle per day, and an average EV battery range is currently approximately 400 kilometres, EV owners are likely to top up around once a week with an entry point fast charger (7kW). If an apartment has or is planning high EV adoption, a faster shared charger could be suitable to allow for faster top ups.

Source: ACT and Queanbeyan-Palerang Household Travel Survey 2022

Installation efficiencies

ActewAGL designs EV charging solutions to overcome significant cabling logistics and costs required for apartments that have charger locations and distribution boards split across multiple levels. This involves cabling from the chargers to the building’s shared house power along with associated software to enable users to pay for their charging in real time.

User accountability and minimal EC administration

Recommended software allows users to be fully accountable for their charging by downloading an APP or by using a registered RFID card to tap, pay and charge. An automated system reduces any manual administration required from the EC, with the charging revenue collected from the APP transferred to a nominated EC bank account. The EC also has the ability to set the charging tariff and energy costs as cost neutral for the EC.

Reach out to the EV charging team at ActewAGL for more information and to discuss an approach for your building.

Energy.solutions@actewagl.com.au

1800 572 121