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In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the question of charging infrastructure in residential apartment complexes is becoming increasingly pertinent. This article explores the considerations surrounding EV charging points in apartment complexes from two perspectives: Peter, an EV owner, and Allan, an experienced electrician and Executive General Manager at Altogether Group.
Peter's Perspective: balancing convenience with charging infrastructure
Peter, an EV owner, begins by highlighting his experience of living in an apartment complex while awaiting the completion of his new apartment. In Brisbane, he has found the existing charging network to be sufficient for his EV, but he notes that it does require some planning and scheduling of his daily activities around charging stations.
His apartment construction company wisely allowed for the installation of a standard 10amp power point for EV charging at an additional cost. This option was taken up by several owners in a complex of 120 units, and now many others wish they had done the same. Peter points out that a 10amp supply can provide an additional 100km of range overnight, which is more than adequate for most daily commuting needs. Moreover, the cost of off-peak charging is economical, making it a practical choice for EV owners.
In Peter's view, the need for high-power fast chargers at home often stems from "range anxiety," a concern many potential EV owners have about not having enough range to meet their daily driving needs. Peter, however, hasn't experienced this anxiety and believes that, for most users, the installation of expensive fast chargers at home is unnecessary.
Allan's Perspective: infrastructure and sustainability
Allan, with 36 years of experience as an electrician and expertise in the field, offers a different perspective. He points out that in apartment living, the issue is not just about providing charging infrastructure but also considering the impact on the building's electrical demand. Multiple continuous trickle chargers, if not planned for during the building's design phase, can strain the electrical system, potentially leading to overload conditions. This is especially critical during evening peak hours from 5 pm to 9 pm when electrical demand is already high.
Allan emphasises the importance of accelerated charging, which can provide the necessary range in a parked period efficiently. Accelerated chargers can be modulated down during peak usage hours and up during off-peak times to achieve the same result. He agrees with Peter's observation that an obsession with ultra-fast charging may not be warranted in residential settings.
In Allan's view, the challenge is to address the risks and costs associated with trickle charging to ensure that EV growth and convenience charging remain sustainable in apartment complexes.
Striking a balance
The perspectives of Peter and Allan provide valuable insights into the EV charging landscape in apartment complexes. While Peter highlights the practicality and cost-effectiveness of slower charging options for daily needs, Allan underscores the importance of planning and infrastructure to ensure electrical system stability.
Ultimately, the key lies in striking a balance between convenience and infrastructure. Providing the right level of charging capability in apartment complexes is crucial for making EV adoption practical and sustainable, without overburdening the electrical grid or unnecessarily increasing costs for residents. As the EV market continues to evolve, these considerations will become even more critical for developers, property managers, and EV owners alike.
