The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles remains a challenge that requires effective solutions to accelerate their wider adoption and support the further transition to sustainable mobility. Owners of private houses can more easily install chargers in their homes, however, housing associations, as well as those without private parking, face greater obstacles.
Although the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which entered into force in May 2024, has set clear requirements for the installation of electric vehicle chargers in new buildings, as well as those undergoing significant renovation, there are none in existing residential buildings clear concrete provisions.
In its new briefing, Transport & Environment (T&E) explored the challenges to developing this infrastructure in buildings and public spaces. As there is no comprehensive data on this topic, T&E conducted a survey to gather the experiences of electric vehicle drivers. In addition, interviews were conducted with relevant actors in the six largest European markets: Germany, France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy and Poland. The interviews aimed to assess regulatory frameworks, barriers and opportunities.
The main obstacles
Based on the answers received, the main obstacle is the complex and lengthy process of obtaining approval from landlords or co-owners, which can last for years. Regulatory frameworks throughout Europe are insufficiently developed, so in many countries there are no regulations that allow simple installation for tenants or co-owners. The right to connection is not uniformly enforced, and even where it exists, it often applies only to owners, while tenants depend on landlords’ consent. In almost all surveyed countries, misinformation and lack of awareness among interested parties about their rights and obligations was observed, even in cases where the law guarantees the right to connection. In addition, the extensive administrative procedure complicates the process, especially when the rules are not harmonized between regions and municipalities, as in Spain, where each autonomous region has its own rules.
Another problem is the high cost of installing chargers in residential buildings. Estimates are that the total cost for a simple installation that does not require construction works is around 2,500 euros per parking space. The increase in costs is also influenced by the age of the building or, for example, the distance between the parking space and the number, and others. Financial support programs are needed, especially for vulnerable populations.
It should also be noted that the electrical installations of most of the existing residential buildings are not designed to support the charging of electric vehicles, that is, they do not have the capacity to manage the additional load.
To overcome the challenges, T&E proposes to extend the right to connect to owners and tenants, with a simplified procedure that would only require notice to other tenants, without the need for their approval. Opposition to the project would only be possible for clearly defined reasons, such as security issues.
Currently, the EPBD does not set concrete obligations for the improvement of infrastructure for charging electric vehicles in existing residential buildings, but mainly focuses on new and renovated buildings, which indicates the need for strategies that would enable the modernization of the existing housing stock.
Energy portal
Source: energetskiportal.rs
