Electric Vehicles and Property Design- Preparing for the Future

As electric vehicles (EV) become more popular, the blueprint of residential property design is also being changed. The integration of EV-friendly infrastructure is becoming a priority in newly built apartment buildings and is becoming an expectation among consumers in inner-city buildings. There is a prime opportunity for property developers to enhance value and appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers.

Charging Stations in New and Older Buildings

EV charging stations are being integrated into basement carparks in modern buildings; this is an easy addition at the time of construction but does create some challenges to already constructed buildings. Older buildings may not even have electricity outlets in the basement carparks, meaning that charging an EV becomes very difficult and potentially dangerous if extension cords are required.

Practical Questions Still Being Worked Out

Questions as to who pays for the electricity provided for the charging, regular parking, and access to the charging stations via booking systems are all details that are being worked out within off the plan sales at the moment. Of course, the use of electric scooters has also boomed within the inner city; this then leads to questions as to charging and safe storage of the scooters within apartment buildings.

Pool Cars and Shared Vehicles

Interestingly, some developers within Australia are even providing use of ‘pool cars’ to owners within the building so that the electric vehicles are a body corporate/strata asset for use by all residents. The value of sustainable property becomes even more meaningful if residents can sell their own vehicles and rely on pool vehicles; particularly in the inner city.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Developers are recognising that the key here is to remain ahead of the curve, understanding and harnessing these shifts as opportunities, rather than obstacles. In the electrified future, the houses that are designed with a keen eye for EV integration will truly stand as homes of the future.