EV Charging for Developers: What You Need to Know Before You Build

vishnu670
6 days ago
3 min read

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, the expectation for EV charging infrastructure in residential and commercial developments has shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have.” Forward-thinking developers are already incorporating EV-ready infrastructure into their plans — and reaping the benefits in terms of buyer interest, tenant satisfaction, and future-proofed value.

In this blog, we answer some of the most common questions developers ask us and offer insight into how to make your project EV-ready without over complicating your build.

Why Should I Provide EV Charging for My Development?

The question is no longer “should I?” — it’s “how soon and how many?”

EV adoption is accelerating across New Zealand and globally. Local councils and sustainability-conscious buyers increasingly expect that new builds — particularly apartments, commercial spaces, and mixed-use developments — cater for electric vehicle charging.

Providing EV charging offers:

✅ Higher appeal to buyers and tenants

✅ Future compliance with evolving building codes

✅ A reputation for innovation and sustainability

✅ A scalable return on investment through smart billing platforms

📐 Planning From the Start – Avoid Costly Retrofits

The best time to plan for EV charging is during the early design phase. Retrofitting cable trays, running conduits, or reworking power infrastructure later can add significant costs.

With Gauge EV Charging, we work with developers, architects, and electricians to:

Assess your site’s load capacity
Design scalable EV-ready infrastructure
Provide compliance-ready documentation for consents
Future-proof your switchboards and metering layouts

🔢 How Many Chargers Should I Install?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What you install now and what you allow for in the future are two separate considerations.

Here’s a rule of thumb for planning:

Development Type	Suggested Approach
Residential (Homes)	1 per house or EV-ready conduit
Apartments (Multi-Unit)	Start with 10–20% live ports + 100% EV-ready
Commercial	Staff/Visitor chargers with smart scheduling
Mixed Use	Balance resident and fleet requirements

We recommend at least 20–30% live chargers at occupancy, with the rest EV-ready (pre-wired with conduit and cable trays).

🔌 AC vs DC Charging – What’s Right for My Project?

AC Chargers (most common for homes & apartments):

Typically 7kW–22kW
Cost-effective, easier to install
Ideal for overnight or long-dwell charging

DC Chargers (used in commercial/high-demand environments):

Fast charging: 25kW–350kW
Higher cost and power draw
Suited for fleets, visitors, or public access

Gauge EV Charging can help assess your site’s electrical capacity and recommend the right mix.

📲 Our Technology – Smarter Charging, Easier Management

We don’t just install chargers — we offer end-to-end charging solutions:

Smart Load Management – prevents overloading the building
Billing & Reimbursement Tools – automate energy cost recovery
Gauge EV App & Dashboard – for residents, tenants & facility managers
OCPP-Compliant Hardware – future upgrades, platform flexibility

Our technology partners include trusted brands like Wallbox Pulsar Pro, EVSE NZ, Teltonika, all certified for local standards and compatible with our smart software platform.

❓ What Questions Should Developers Be Asking?

Here are key questions we help developers answer:

What is the building’s current load capacity?
Do I need an EV-only DB or can I share with existing panels?
How do I ensure the body corporate or building manager can control access and billing?
Can residents be reimbursed for energy used if they pay through their electricity bill?
What’s the long-term maintenance or support structure?

🧠 Final Thoughts – Plan Once, Install Smart

Whether you're developing 12 townhouses or 120 apartments, EV charging is no longer optional — it’s an expectation. And the good news is: it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

At Gauge EV Charging, we partner with developers throughout New Zealand to deliver reliable, scalable, and compliant EV charging infrastructure. From consultation and design to installation and aftercare — we’ve got your back.

📩 Ready to future-proof your development?

Book a free consult at www.gauge.co.nz