Arena backs new model for low-cost EV charging in apartment buildings

Sydney-based company ReadySteadyPlug has received $1.51 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to expand its innovative EV Charging as-a-Service (CaaS) model in apartment and strata buildings across Australia. This investment will enable the installation of over 400 Level 1 EV charging points initially, with infrastructure in place to support up to 2,000 charging points by 2029. The funding is part of ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program and brings the total financial backing for ReadySteadyPlug’s national rollout to $3.49 million. ReadySteadyPlug’s approach focuses on managed Level 1 charging, which utilises standard power outlets to provide overnight trickle charging capable of delivering around 200 kilometres of range in a typical 10-hour session. While slower than rapid chargers, this method suits the average Australian driver’s daily distance of approximately 30 kilometres. The system includes features such as individual metering, automated billing, and dynamic load management, ensuring that only EV users pay for the electricity they consume, and no costly switchboard upgrades are required for strata buildings. The CEO of ReadySteadyPlug, Jukka Sintonen, highlighted the challenges faced by apartment dwellers who often lack convenient home charging options, which can hinder EV adoption. He emphasised that the company’s pay-as-you-go model removes the need for large upfront investments by Owners Corporations and ensures fair cost distribution among residents. This model allows EV owners to charge at their convenience while providing financial reimbursement to the building’s management for electricity usage, making it an inclusive solution for entire residential communities. ARENA CEO Darren Miller praised the initiative for addressing a significant barrier to electric vehicle uptake in Australia’s urban housing sector. He noted that the funding will help demonstrate a scalable, cost-effective charging infrastructure model that can be replicated across other apartment complexes nationwide. The project aims to simplify the installation process and reduce costs, thereby encouraging broader adoption of EVs among residents who previously lacked accessible charging facilities at home.