The EV Storage Crunch: How Zoning Battles Signal a Looming Infrastructure Challenge
Imagine a future where sprawling car parks, once symbols of suburban convenience, become vital nodes in the electric vehicle supply chain. It’s not a dystopian vision, but a rapidly approaching reality. The recent clash between Jamberoo Action Park and Kiama Council over using a theme park car park to store imported EVs isn’t just a local zoning dispute; it’s a harbinger of a much larger infrastructure challenge as EV adoption accelerates.
The Rising Tide of EV Imports & The Search for Space
Electric vehicle sales are surging globally, and Australia is no exception. In the first half of 2025, EVs accounted for over 12% of new car sales nationally, with the national fleet exceeding 410,000 vehicles. A significant 77% of these vehicles originate in China, arriving via ports like Port Kembla, New South Wales. This influx is creating a logistical bottleneck – where do you store thousands of vehicles awaiting pre-delivery inspection and transport to dealerships?
Jamberoo Action Park, seeking to maximize asset utilization during its off-season, saw an opportunity. Their car park, conveniently located less than an hour from Port Kembla, was pitched to BYD as a temporary storage solution. The park’s marketing manager, Grant Wright, rightly identified this as a “maximisation strategy.” However, the plan quickly ran into resistance, highlighting a critical disconnect between the speed of EV adoption and the preparedness of existing infrastructure.
Zoning Rules & Community Concerns: A Collision Course
Kiama Council ultimately rejected Jamberoo’s development application, citing rural zoning rules and concerns about increased heavy vehicle traffic. This decision underscores a fundamental issue: many existing industrial and commercial zones weren’t designed to accommodate large-scale vehicle storage, particularly in rural or semi-rural areas. Neighbors voiced legitimate safety concerns about the impact of truck movements on local roads, a sentiment echoed in discussions on local Facebook pages.
Key Takeaway: The Jamberoo case demonstrates that simply finding available space isn’t enough. Zoning regulations, community impact assessments, and traffic management plans are crucial components of any EV storage solution.
The “Ask Forgiveness, Not Permission” Dilemma
Kiama Council’s director of planning, Ed Paterson, succinctly captured the problem: “It’s always easier to ask for forgiveness than approval, but we really encourage people to come and speak to us before they start doing things because it is easier and cheaper.” This highlights a reactive, rather than proactive, approach to infrastructure planning. Companies are scrambling to find solutions to meet immediate demand, often bypassing proper consultation and approvals.
Did you know? The automotive industry operates on a “just-in-time” inventory model, meaning minimal storage is typically required. The sheer volume of EV imports is disrupting this established system, forcing companies to seek unconventional storage options.
Beyond Car Parks: Exploring Alternative Storage Solutions
The Jamberoo situation isn’t an isolated incident. As EV imports continue to rise, the search for suitable storage space will intensify. Here are some potential solutions:
- Dedicated Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs): Expanding existing VPCs or building new ones closer to ports is a logical step. However, this requires significant investment and lead time.
- Repurposed Industrial Sites: Converting vacant warehouses or industrial land into EV storage facilities could provide a quicker solution.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration between automakers, logistics companies, and landowners to identify and secure suitable storage locations.
- Temporary Solutions with Community Engagement: Exploring temporary use of large parking areas (like the Jamberoo example) with robust community consultation and mitigation plans for traffic and noise.
Expert Insight: “The EV supply chain is undergoing a rapid transformation. Traditional logistics models are no longer sufficient. We need innovative solutions that address the unique challenges posed by the scale and speed of EV adoption.” – Dr. Emily Carter, Supply Chain Analyst, Global Automotive Research.
The China Factor & Supply Chain Resilience
The fact that 77% of EVs purchased in Australia are made in China adds another layer of complexity. Geopolitical factors and potential supply chain disruptions could further exacerbate the storage challenge. Diversifying sourcing and building greater resilience into the supply chain are critical considerations.
See our guide on Supply Chain Risk Management in the Automotive Industry for more information.
The Future of EV Logistics: A Call for Proactive Planning
The Jamberoo Action Park case is a wake-up call. It demonstrates that the infrastructure needed to support the EV revolution isn’t keeping pace with demand. Proactive planning, collaboration between stakeholders, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions are essential. Ignoring this challenge could lead to delays in EV deliveries, increased costs, and ultimately, a slower transition to a sustainable transportation future.
Pro Tip: Automakers and logistics providers should engage with local councils and communities early in the planning process to address concerns and secure necessary approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a VPC?
A: A Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is a facility where vehicles undergo pre-delivery inspection, customization, and storage before being shipped to dealerships.
Q: Why is EV storage a problem?
A: The rapid increase in EV imports is exceeding the capacity of existing storage infrastructure, leading to a search for unconventional solutions.
Q: What role do zoning regulations play?
A: Zoning regulations often restrict the use of land for vehicle storage, requiring development applications and community consultation.
Q: Could this impact EV prices?
A: Logistical bottlenecks and increased storage costs could potentially contribute to higher EV prices if not addressed efficiently.
What are your predictions for the future of EV logistics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
