The construction sector is a resource- and emission-intensive industry – buildings currently account for around 40% of energy consumption in the EU. Therefore, the construction sector plays a crucial role in achieving EU-wide energy and environmental goals. In this context, the EU Commission revised the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in December 2021. This is part of the major climate policy project “Fit for 55”, which aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. The goal is to make the building stock in the EU as CO2-neutral as possible.
In addition to the energy efficiency of real estate, the EU proposal also addresses the link between buildings and the transport transition: EU member states must guarantee a “right to charge” in the future. To this end, all new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation are to be equipped with the necessary pre-wiring for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. This applies to residential buildings as well as commercial buildings. The installation of wiring infrastructures and charging points for the aforementioned buildings will thus become the norm.
At the German level, the Wohnungseigentumsgesetz (WEG – German Condominium Act) has already been in force since December 2020. According to this, tenants have a legal right to a charging option for an electric vehicle at their parking space. In addition, the Gebäude-Elektromobilitätsinfrastruktur-Gesetz (GEIG) (Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act) was passed in February 2021, which is intended to accelerate the expansion of the line and charging infrastructure in the building sector.
Why does it make sense to include charging stations in new buildings?
Considering the requirements for a charging station when building a house makes sense for several reasons. If the power lines and meter location already meet all the requirements for the installation of charging stations, a subsequent integration of charging points is extremely simple and cost-effective. If, on the other hand, the adaptation of the power lines and meter space is carried out retrospectively, the conversion can be very costly. Structural changes may be necessary at the core, resulting in complex requirements for the installation, depending on the extent of the modifications for the power line.
In addition to the correct dimensioning of the meter location, a clear separation of the remaining electrical installation at the house connection is also necessary. Furthermore, the installation of a photovoltaic system that can supply the building with renewable energy is worth considering.
What are the advantages of having your own wallbox?
With a private wallbox, charging the EV is easy and convenient from home. This way, the car always starts fully charged and the independence from public charging stations increases. Charging the vehicle at a household socket is not advisable, as these are not designed for the necessary, permanently high charging power. Charging times can be very long and there is also a risk of overheating.
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