No Garage? No Problem! What If You Rent or Live in an Apartment and Want to Own an EV?
Thinking about going electric but don’t have a garage or private driveway? You’re not alone. With more Australians renting and living in apartments than ever before, the good news is: you can still make the switch to an EV. No garage required!
Your EV Charging Options
Use Public Charging Infrastructure
Perth's public charging network is growing fast!
From fast chargers at shopping centres to ultra-rapid chargers at service stations and roadside locations, many EV drivers rely solely on public charging.
Apps like PlugShare, Chargefox, and Evie help you find nearby chargers and check availability in real time.
Lobby Your Strata or Landlord
If you live in a strata-titled building, your owners corporation or landlord may be open to installing EV charging infrastructure (especially as demand grows). Start the conversation early, and come prepared with:
- Cost breakdowns (Level 2 chargers can be relatively affordable)
- Installation examples from similar buildings
- Information about load management solutions, which let multiple EVs charge without overloading the power supply
Consider Portable Charging Options
If you have access to a powerpoint in your car park (even a regular 240V outlet), you may be able to use a portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) charger. These are:
- Plug-and-play devices that can trickle-charge your EV overnight
- Ideal for low-mileage drivers
- A stepping stone while longer-term solutions are explored
- Check with your landlord or strata manager before using shared power outlets.
Workplace Charging & Charging Near Work
If your home setup isn’t ideal, your workplace might be. Many Australian employers are now offering on-site EV chargers as a perk or sustainability initiative.
If not, check for public chargers near your workplace or train station so you can top up during the day.
Plan your Charging Like You Plan Your Fuel Stops
Switching to EVs means rethinking how you "refuel." You don't always need to charge to 100% - just top up when convenient, like:
- While Shopping
- At the Gym
- During Weekend Trips
t's about shifting from "filling up when empty" to "topping up when you're parked anyway."
The Bottom Line: Apartment Dwellers Can Drive Electric
You don’t need a private garage to join the EV movement. With smart planning, public infrastructure, and flexible ownership options, EVs like the Toyota bZ4X are more accessible than ever, even for renters and apartment dwellers.