9 Factors to consider for an EV charging station in your shared car park

9 factors to consider when seeking an EV charging station in your shared car park

Undoubtedly, investment and policy support is accelerating Europe’s energy transition to limit climate change. This backing is increasingly evident as EV charging infrastructure develops worldwide. But how can you and your neighbours engage if you are in a shared residential parking bloc?



There is plenty of information available to help persuade building owners and fellow residents about the benefits of hosting an EV charging station in your communal car park.

Here are 9 ways you can influence stakeholders to support EV charging installation.

1. Accumulate EV charger knowledge: Do your research.

The answers to these critical questions will make it easier for any company to gauge how easy or difficult it will be to install EV charging infrastructure:

• How many parking spaces are there?
• Is the available car parking external or internal?
• Is it accessible to the public?
• Are the spaces shared between residents or individually allocated?

Companies like Alfen have a diverse range of smart charging stations for shared car parking set-ups, but which one works best for your building?

 

2. Buy-in: Gauge your neighbours' outlook on EV chargers

Canvas the neighbourhood for potential EV drivers or those interested in accessing a residential EV charging point. If the numbers stack up, your case will have more weight. Take on the leadership role or persuade the Property Manager to lead the charge.

 

3. Create value awareness: Present the case for EV chargers to building management

Offering EV charging will put your building manager or your residents building foundation ahead of the game. With EVs set to become a significant proportion of new car sales by the mid-to-late 2020s, it's only a short time before residents will expect EV charging to be a standard offering.

The trend is evident as diesel and petrol cars are phased out through EU regulation and the public's growing appetite for EVs. By installing EV charging stations now, landlords can future proof their properties while attracting and retaining more tenants now. Therefore, providing an EV charger will have a material impact on property value.

A potential roadblock could come from residents who do not yet own an EV. Selling the merits of installation requires full command of what is involved, which may require persuading those with no immediate reason to commit. This could be your most important action, especially if the decision comes down to a majority vote.

 

4. Government backing: Know the financial support available for EV chargers

Many countries offer subsidies and tax rebates for those who wish to install an EV charging point in their home or on an adjoining street. Additionally, management companies, landlords and local authorities are eligible to apply for grant funding to install chargers for apartments in single spaces or multiple occupants. You could be reimbursed for up to 90% of your initial charging installation costs, depending on where you live.

5. Government regulation: Know how the law supports your case

Government regulations will help your cause. The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive means that pre-cabling for all available parking spots is mandatory for new (and renovated) residential buildings with more than three parking spaces. Meanwhile, for existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, mandatory installation of one smart charging point for every 10 parking spaces will be required by 2027.

Ensure there is a plan for a designated charging infrastructure installation and maintenance in the long term even if you fail to secure support for the facilities in the short term.

Finally, the government facilitates charging point installation for residents in multi-family buildings, the so-called “right-to-plug”.

6. Safety assurance: Source an expert EV charger station installer

Installing a car battery charger safely will require expert knowledge of your home's electrical system and the charger itself. Choosing not to hire an installation expert could mean compromising your charger’s safety and performance.

If incorrectly installed, you and those nearby could be dangerously exposed to this electricity. By the same token it is worth taking time to reassure residents that EV chargers are no more of a fire risk than any other electrical installation in a typical household. Reinforce this fact by taking advice from fire department officials and sharing it with the other householders. This is vital as inaccurate speculation will not help the cause of investing in charging facilities.

 

7. Ensure compliance: Double down on installation expertise

Choosing an experienced EV charger installer means complying with EU and national rules such as wiring regulations. When an electrician finishes an EV charger installation, they must certify it with a government department. In some countries, having a compliance certificate is compulsory, and without it, you could face a fine. You also may end up needing it to qualify for insurance payouts or repairs if something goes wrong. 

 

8. Agree on a price: Get a quote for a worthwhile investment

Find out the minimum price for a proper installation by an experienced electrician. Components, labour and expert knowledge will apply. Getting your installer to provide a quote at the outset could save you money down the line. As mentioned, you can save money on EV charging station installation with grants.

 

9. Know the basics: The installation process

• Buy an EV charger. Alfen’s comprehensive range should have a suitable model for your needs.
• Select an installer
• The installer visits the car park to check measurements and the fuse box, identify the ideal charger location, verify basic details and provide a quote
• Make payment and choose the installation date
• Installer installs charger
• Get info on smart charging app setup and EV charger usage.
• EV charger ready to go
  
   

Summary

Communicate the merits of EV charging in a way that appeals to all residents and building ownership. Relating the challenges, incentives available, as well as considerations around safety, compliance, pricing, and installation can help secure project backing.

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