Electric Vehicle charging in apartments

Yarra has a higher-than-average percentage of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, despite the fact that most of the residences in Yarra currently aren't able to charge at home. As EV popularity grows, how will people living in apartments meet their charging needs? 

Public charging

Council has facilitated the installation of 12 fast DC charging bays and 41 pole-mounted AC charging bays across Yarra to support residents and visitors. Learn more about what Council is doing to support EV uptake though the expansion of the public charging network.

As Yarra's population continues to grow, public space is limited and in high demand. It is important that we are able to manage the varied and sometimes conflicting demands on our valuable kerbside space. For those living in apartment buildings with access to off-street parking, public charging should be considered an interim solution as charging in your apartment carpark is usually the cheaper and most convenient day-to-day charging option. 

Yarra is supporting a number of initiatives to increase the capacity of apartment buildings to support on-site EV charging.

EV charging in apartment buildings

Since May 2024, apartment buildings constructed in Yarra have been required to be built to be EV-charging ready. Being ‘EV ready’ means ensuring a building has sufficient electrical capacity, infrastructure and space to accommodate EV chargers in parking spaces, but it doesn't not necessarily mean EV charging infrastructure has been installed. 

Older buildings may need to have parking facilities modified to install EV chargers. Setting up an EV ready space now will make it easier and faster to install EV chargers later.  

The cost and complexity of retrofitting your building will depend on existing electrical infrastructure and capacity, and whether structural changes to the building are required.

Resources

Yarra City Council

In 2026 Yarra commissioned the development of EV Charging in Apartments Guide and Case Studies [ PDF, 20.17 MB] . This guide takes you through the basics and provides a clear, practical, step-by-step sequence of assessing feasibility, navigating owners corporation governance, understanding fire safety and compliance and thoughts about funding models and cost recovery. It also provides real-world examples of feasibility assessments for three different apartment building configurations representative of many Yarra apartment buildings.

Yarra's Apartment Building Electrification Program - open for applications!

Yarra Council has partnered with All Electric Homes to pilot a free program to provide expert, independent advice to help 12 eligible Yarra apartment buildings electrify, including getting EV charging for your building. Program is currently open but spaces are limited.

Victorian Government

The Victorian Government has also developed practical guidance for owners corporations about EV charging in strata buildings, including the EV-ready guide for owners corporations [PDF, 2.5 MB].

High Life resources

Visit the High Life website for more resources and inspiration on going electric and improving sustainability in apartments and townhouses.