Key Points
- City of Sydney applications for apartment EV charging and electrification support close at 5pm on Monday 16 November.
- Buildings must be at least four storeys, in the City of Sydney area, with an active strata committee.
- Waverley's smart plug program has closed, while the City of Adelaide still offers 50% back up to $1,000 per charging station.
Apartment buildings in the City of Sydney have 11 days left to apply for free support to install EV charging infrastructure. Applications for the apartment electrification support program close at 5pm on Monday 16 November, according to the City of Sydney.
The program also covers replacing central gas hot water systems and gas pool heating with electric alternatives. Only a limited number of buildings will be selected.
What the City of Sydney is offering
The City of Sydney said selected buildings can receive free tailored advice, technical feasibility assessments and support to overcome barriers to electrification. Support may include:
- Funds for feasibility studies and technical assessments, including solar, batteries and EV charging
- Presentations by experts to strata committees and owners
- Independent advice on strata governance and decision-making
- Help with approvals, owner engagement, and government incentives and funding
- Independent quote reviews and comparisons
This is support to plan and assess upgrades.
Who can apply
A building must be in the City of Sydney local area and at least four storeys high. It needs an active owners corporation and strata committee. It must also use gas for common property or apartments, or have car parking suitable for EV charging.
Applicants must be a strata committee member, strata managing agent or building manager. Owners and renters should ask their committee to apply. Buildings that took part in earlier City of Sydney programs can still apply.
The council will assess applications on building size and opportunity for impact, technical feasibility, governance complexity and financial capacity. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee shortlisting or support.
How to apply
The process has two stages. The first is a short expression of interest, which does not need strata committee approval. Shortlisted buildings then provide details such as planned works, utility bills and a strata committee resolution, and complete a short interview.
The City of Sydney's contact number for questions is 02 9265 9333.
Other council EV charging programs
Two other council programs target EV charging in apartments and other buildings.
Program | Support | Status |
City of Sydney apartment electrification support | Free advice and feasibility support for buildings of four storeys or more | Open until 5pm, 16 November |
Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra Smart Plugs Program | 50% rebate, up to $10,000 per apartment building | Closed |
City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme | 50% back, up to $1,000 per EV charging station | Open, funding limited |
Waverley smart plugs (closed)
Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra councils ran a Smart Plugs Program that offered apartment buildings a 50% rebate of up to $10,000 for smart plug installation. At least one EV had to be parked or on order in the building.
Smart plugs provide Level 1 charging. The councils said this is around 70% cheaper to install than Level 2 chargers in apartments. Installation had to be finished before 30 September 2026. The program was co-funded by NSW Local Small Commitments Allocation grants.
City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme
The City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme offers 50% back up to $1,000 per dedicated one-way EV charging station of up to 50kW. It also offers 50% up to $5,000 for switchboard upgrades that support EV charging.
Buildings pursuing two or more upgrades can claim up to $20,000 for four storeys or fewer, or up to $40,000 for five or more. Residents, businesses and community groups in postcodes 5000 to 5006 can apply, including strata properties and tenants with landlord permission.
The council said funding is limited and it can end the scheme at any time. Applications go through SmartyGrants within 12 months of project completion. A pre-commitment can reserve funding before work starts.
What it means for apartment owners
Strata approval is a common barrier to apartment charging. Programs like these fund the planning and advice that committees often lack. Buildings outside the City of Sydney area should check what their own council offers. Owners planning a charger install can request a quote through Zecar.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
