EV Charging Moves Into High-Rise Living

Smart charging rollout brings EV access to apartment residents across Australia

30 Oct 2025

Australia’s electric vehicle transition is extending into apartment living, as charging infrastructure moves beyond highways and service stations. In a major step, NOX Energy has received 1.51 million Australian dollars from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to install nearly 2,000 smart charging sockets across 16 apartment sites nationwide. The initiative targets one of the most persistent challenges in EV adoption: convenient charging for residents without private garages or driveways.

For years, efforts to build charging networks have focused on long-distance travel. But with electric vehicles representing more than 12 percent of new car sales in the first half of 2025, and nearing 16 percent by June, the need for urban charging access has become increasingly urgent. Apartment dwellers, once considered difficult to serve, now represent the next phase of growth in Australia’s EV market.

NOX Energy’s system uses cloud-based management to allocate electricity efficiently among residents. By balancing demand, the network allows multiple vehicles to charge overnight without costly electrical upgrades. “Our mission is to make EV ownership practical for everyone, wherever they live,” a company spokesperson said. “ARENA’s support is helping us deliver charging that’s accessible, affordable, and ready for the future.”

Analysts say the shift toward shared residential spaces could transform the charging ecosystem. Beyond supporting new business models, smart apartment systems may help stabilize the grid through off-peak energy use. “This is where EV charging becomes part of daily life,” said energy analyst Clare Donnelly. “It’s no longer just about highways, it’s about how people live.”

Some hurdles remain, including navigating strata approvals and developing reliable billing systems. Still, industry observers see the apartment market as a catalyst for collaboration among property managers, energy providers, and policymakers.

As Australia deepens its commitment to electrification, expanding EV infrastructure into apartment buildings offers a tangible path toward cleaner, more connected cities, one that could help define how millions of Australians drive and power their lives.