The growth in the number of electric vehicles means that more and more strata complexes will have to consider installing one or multiple EV chargers for use by owners and occupants. But what is the process and is it straightforward?
The initial legal step is to seek the approval of the owners corporation to the installation of the EV charging station. As this would involve a change to common property, normally, a special resolution, needs to be passed by the owners corporation requiring the approval of at least 75% of the value of votes cast.
But due to a 2021 amendment introducing section 132B to the Strata Schemes Management Act, such an installation is now regarded as sustainability infrastructure and only at least 51% of the votes cast is required for approval.
However, under section 132B the owners corporation must consider a number of factors first including:
(a) the cost of the charging station including any expected running and maintenance costs;
(b) who will own, install and maintain the charging station; and
(c) the extent to which the use of the charging station will be available to all or some of the lots in the strata scheme.
The owners corporation would also have to approve a By-Law setting out the rights and obligations of the owners corporation and any affected lot owners. This would usually be prepared by a lawyer.
There are many other practical considerations that need to be taken into account such as available government funding grants and the selection of an appropriate contractor to carry out the installation.
Of course, more detailed legal advice should be obtained before proceeding with the project.
October 2025