How the NCC is Changing EV Charging in Buildings
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating in Australia, and with it comes the pressing need for safe and reliable charging infrastructure in homes, apartments, and workplaces. Recognising this, the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 has introduced new requirements that will shape the future of building design and ensure that developments are ready for the growing demand for EV charging.
🔌Why EV Charging Matters in Building Design
As EV adoption grows, buildings without charging capacity risk becoming outdated and less attractive to residents, tenants, and buyers. Installing EV charging capability during construction is far more cost-effective than retrofitting later, which can involve expensive upgrades to switchboards, cabling, and electrical capacity.
The NCC has stepped in to ensure that buildings are designed with EV readiness in mind, making EV charging an essential service rather than an optional luxury.
đź“śWhat NCC 2022 Requires
The NCC 2022 provisions, effective from 1 October 2023 (with some phased-in dates), include:
Provision for EV Charging Infrastructure
New Class 2 buildings (apartments) and certain commercial buildings must be designed to accommodate EV charging systems. This includes ensuring electrical distribution boards, switchboards, and conduits are future-ready.Capacity Planning
Builders and developers must ensure that power supply can support EV chargers, or that load management systems are installed to safely allocate available capacity across multiple chargers.Safety and Compliance
All EV charging installations must comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and other relevant Australian Standards to reduce the risk of electrical faults and fire hazards.
🌟The Benefits of NCC’s EV Charging Provisions
These requirements are not just about compliance—they bring clear long-term benefits:
Future-Proofing Buildings – Owners and tenants won’t face costly retrofits later.
Increased Property Value – EV-ready buildings are more attractive in a rapidly electrifying market.
Improved Safety – Mandating compliance with standards reduces risks from unsafe aftermarket chargers.
Sustainability Alignment – Supports Australia’s transition to clean transport and emissions reduction targets.
🚧Challenges for Developers and Strata Managers
While the NCC requirements set a clear direction, they also raise practical challenges:
Upfront Costs – Developers must invest in infrastructure, even if not all residents currently drive EVs.
Strata Decision-Making – Owners corporations need clear by-laws for managing shared EV charging facilities.
Load Management – In buildings with limited electrical capacity, smart charging systems are essential to balance demand.
đź“ťHow to Prepare
For developers, builders, and strata managers, the key is to plan early:
Conduct a feasibility assessment of the building’s electrical capacity.
Engage with EV charging specialists to design compliant, scalable solutions.
Consider smart energy management systems that distribute power fairly and efficiently.
Establish clear policies and strata by-laws to govern installation, access, and billing.
đź”®Looking Ahead
The NCC 2022 changes represent a pivotal shift: EV charging is no longer optional but an essential feature of modern building design. By embedding EV readiness into construction today, Australia is taking a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future of transport.
At Future Charging Solutions, we work with developers, strata managers, and property owners to design and deliver NCC-compliant EV charging solutions that are safe, efficient, and future-proof.
