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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.
And it now stretches well beyond the metro area. The WA EV Network, delivered by Synergy and Horizon Power with the State Government, is complete — 110 charging points across 49 locations from Kununurra in the north to Esperance in the south. Weekends away are just as doable as the daily commute.
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 (a dedicated AC wall charger 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
Every Toyota battery electric vehicle comes with a 5m Mode 2 cable that plugs straight into a standard Australian powerpoint, along with a Mode 3 cable for AC charging stations. Both options are covered from day one, with nothing extra to buy.
Check with your landlord or strata manager before using shared power outlets.
Take the Charging Credit Instead of the Home Charger
Buy a new bZ4X and join Toyota Go — Toyota’s free loyalty program — and you can choose between a complimentary 7kW JetCharge AC wall charger (installation not included) or a complimentary 12-month Chargefox subscription with nationwide access to DC and AC charging.
If a wall charger isn’t an option where you live, the Chargefox credit is the obvious pick. It covers up to 625kWh of public charging, or 12 months, whichever comes first. The offer applies to eligible private purchases through to 31 December 2026, and terms and conditions apply.
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
It's about shifting from "filling up when empty" to "topping up when you're parked anyway." The top-ups are quicker than most people expect, too. On a 150kW DC fast charger, the bZ4X goes from 10 to 80 per cent in around 28 minutes, about the length of a grocery run.
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.
The current range helps. The bZ4X uses a 74.7kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 591km of WLTP driving range in the 2WD and 517km in the AWD. The bZ4X Touring now sits at the top of the range with 280kW, up to 488km of range and 603 litres of boot space. All three support 22kW three-phase AC charging and 150kW DC fast charging, so you’re not stuck waiting around.
Curious how an EV would fit your living situation?
Chat with the team at New Town Toyota in East Victoria Park, or book a test drive in the bZ4X or bZ4X Touring and put it up against your real week — the commute, the shops and the weekend run.
Get behind the wheel of a Toyota EV
Explore Toyota Electrified Vehicles
Charging Advice for Renters and Apartments
Special Offers on the bZ4X
Frequently Asked Questions
What electric vehicles does Toyota offer in Australia?
What’s the difference between a Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and EV?
How far can a Toyota EV like the bZ4X drive on a full charge?
How do I charge a Toyota EV?
Why choose a Toyota EV over other brands?
Are EVs more expensive to maintain?
Are EVs more expensive to maintain?
Is an EV safe for my family?
Can I finance a Toyota EV?
Why buy your EV from New Town Toyota?
What is the bZ4X ANCAP Safety Rating?
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