A driver rolls into your car park with 8% battery and a worried look. Which bay is for charging? Is it free? Can they reach the cable? If your markings do not answer those questions, your shiny new chargers will sit blocked by petrol cars. At City Linemarking, we mark and sign EV charging bays for Sydney and NSW car parks. Here is how to get the layout, colours and signage right.
Why Do EV Charging Bays Need Their Own Line Marking? Because a charger only works if the bay is clear. Good markings tell drivers where to park, stop other vehicles from taking the spot, and keep people from tripping over cables. They also protect your investment. A charger that is always blocked is a charger nobody trusts, and tenants and customers soon stop asking for more.
What Layout Works Best for EV Charging Bays? How Much Space Does an EV Bay Need? Most EV bays follow the same dimensions as standard bays under AS/NZS 2890.1. Extra room helps, though. Drivers need space to open doors, reach the port and handle the cable. If a bay is meant to be accessible, AS/NZS 2890.6 applies as well. Your designer should confirm the final sizes.
Where Should the Charger and Bay Sit Together? Charge ports sit in different places on different cars, so cable reach matters. Plan around these points: • Put the charger where a cable can reach from either end of the bay • Keep walkways clear so cables do not cross foot traffic • Leave room around any accessible EV bay • Avoid placing bays where vehicles must reverse across a busy aisle
Which Colours Are Used for EV Charging Bays? Green is the colour most car parks choose for EV bays. It is easy to spot and quickly understood. We should be clear on one thing, though. We cannot point to a single national rule that fixes EV bay colour, so check your consent conditions, council and building owner first.
Colour Common use Why it works Green EV charging bay fill or border Stands out from standard bays Blue Accessible parking symbols Widely recognised White Standard bay lines and arrows Clear on most surfaces Yellow Hazard zones and no-parking areas High visibility
Pair the colour with the EV symbol painted inside the bay. Colour alone fails in dim basements and for colour-blind drivers. What Signs Should Go With EV Charging Bays?
Paint says where. Signs say the rules. Together they stop arguments. Most sites need: • An EV charging sign at the head of each bay • Clear wording such as "EV charging only" • Time limits, if you want bays to turn over • Directional signs from the entrance • Instructions or contact details near the charger Council rules may govern wording on some sites, so confirm before you print anything.
How Do Bollards and Wheel Stops Protect Chargers? Cars bump things. A charger costs thousands, so it is worth shielding. Wheel stops keep a vehicle from rolling into the unit. Bollards guard it from the side. We supply both, along with posts and signs, so everything arrives and gets fitted in one visit.
What Rules and Standards Should You Check First? Several sources apply, and they overlap. We mark the car park. We do not install chargers or wiring, so you will need a licensed electrician for that.
Source Why it matters AS/NZS 2890.1 Off-street car park layout, including bay and aisle sizes AS/NZS 2890.6 Parking for people with disability Council and development consent Local conditions on signs, bays and access Your electrician and certifier Charger placement and electrical safety
Can You Add EV Bays to an Existing Car Park? Yes, and many Sydney sites do. A basement at Parramatta or a retail car park at Castle Hill can usually be adjusted. Old lines may need removing first so drivers are not confused. Then we repaint the new layout, add symbols and fit signs. We offer free site inspections, so you get accurate measurements and a clear quote.
Why Choose City Linemarking for EV Bay Line Marking? • Experience: 40+ years of combined experience and 11,000+ projects • Compliance focus: we work to Australian Standards and understand bay sizing and accessible parking • Quality: Dulux premium paints and 24/7 service to suit your trading hours • Credentials: RIAA member, CM3 certified and $20 million public liability cover
Ready to Mark Your EV Charging Bays? Call us on (02) 8632 3198 or email info@citylinemarking.com.au. Send photos or plans through our quote form and we reply within two hours. Let us help your chargers earn their keep, and keep every driver moving.