It is very difficult to know what steps to take when it comes to retrofitting/upgrading your Owners Corporation basement car park for EV charging.
Engine Property Group Sustainability Manager Sebastian Golotta is going to explain the steps that need to be taken for your building.
Step 1 Owners Corporation Budget
It is recommended to start a line item in your Owners Corporation budget (Sustainability Upgrades) This line items should collect 33.33% of the funds needed each year. On average these projects range from $60,000 to $200,000 depending on the size of your basement car park. In 3 years, you should have accumulated the funds ready to install the Backbone switchboard infrastructure.
Step 2 Load Management- Power and Load Analysis Works
Your building needs to know what the capacity of power supply and usage is.
This is done through a monitoring system that the electrician can install. This system will diagnose your building and produce a report, Approx 10 days of data recording.
This monitoring system will collect data to assist your electrician with the correct load management that will need to be installed and get you on the way to your quotation / proposal.
- Installation of power analyser.
- Inspection of site main switchboard and internal components
- Inspection and compliance check on existing arrangement alongside electrical inspector to review required alterations
- Review on consumer mains and authority assets
- Report, findings and recommendations
Step 3 Load Management System
The load management system is designed to regulate power distribution in peak usage times,
For example if you have 10 cars on charge at a peak time of the day (dinner time) when everyone is home and using ovens, lights etc the building usage is at peak, the load management system will direct power to the building and stop charging some or all of the car chargers.
This system will need to be installed
Baby Step Communal Charging
Communal charging in a visitor’s space or on common area is ideal for buildings that would like to get started on the EV charging wagon with minimal cost outlay and get up and running fast.
You will need to ensure that the billing system is correct for any user, ensuring the power is reimbursed to the Owners corporation. Wallbox has a great range of products for this application.
Step 4 Backbone Infrastructure
For larger buildings with multilevel car spaces, backbone infrastructure is required to be installed by the Owners Corporation.
The installation of switchboards on every level of the car park will be required. Once switchboards are installed every private lot can get individual private lot charging stations installed in their car space.
Step 5 Installing The Private Lot Charger To The Switchboard
Generally the cost to install the private lot charger to your private car space from the switchboard can range from $2500 to $5000 depending on the distance from the switchboard and product used. This cost is the responsibility of the private lot.
In an Owners Corporation arrangement, it is recommended that all chargers be installed by the same installer and the same Wallbox product be used for the entire building.
As Owners Are You Future Ready?
A higher percentage of tenants and owners are seeking future ready building to live in.
2030 is near approaching. No more petrochemical vehicles will be produced post this date. Will your building be left behind or will it be future ready.
Get in contact with Sebastian who has some great contacts to assist you with your future ready Owners Corporation journey.
