In the Know with 22 Degrees: Changes to EV Charging Capabilities for Undercover Car Parks
Compulsory requirements for EV Charging capabilities now apply to undercover car parking in any new dwelling (excluding detached dwellings and visitor parking). The change to the Auckland Unitary Plan requires that there is the means to install Electric Vehicle charging equipment to all carparks. This requirement means that designated space is required for:
- Power outlets
- Wiring
- Cable trays/Conduits
- Circuits
- Metering
- Communications technology (to enable a type 2 [7 kilowatt, 32 Amp] electric vehicle charger to connect with the electricity network and enable smart electrical load management)
This provision must be made between the carpark and a local distribution board on the same building storey or ground level (if at ground level).
This change will impact anyone looking to develop a multi-unit dwelling (apartments included) with covered carparking. Although the requirement only requires spatial allowance for equipment, the installation of a local distribution board (or section of a larger main distribution board) specifically to supply EV charging will now need to be installed. Similarly sufficient, additional power will need to be allowed for the EV chargers to be connected which may increase transformer sizes or pillar fuse sizes.