Enerando offers charging infrastructure solutions for German housing associations

Enerando has launched solutions designed to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within German housing associations (Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft, WEG). The recently updated German law on residential property ownership (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz, WEG), originally from 1951 and amended in November 2022, grants individual co-owners the right to demand reasonable structural modifications for EV charging.

The law stipulates that any co-owner can request the installation of facilities for charging an electric vehicle. However, the decision on how to implement it is made collectively by the association. Co-owners participating in such a project bear the construction and subsequent operational costs. The measures covered by the law include not only the installation of charging stations like wallboxes or charging pillars but also necessary upgrades to the building's main electrical connection and general wiring to meet the required standards. All structural changes must be deemed 'reasonable,' and the association retains the right to reject the entire project if this condition is not met.

While the legislation aims to support the e-mobility transition, the right to a charging point requires that the requesting co-owner has actual access to the planned charging station under the association's existing rules. There is no automatic right to park a vehicle on common areas for charging purposes. If an agreement for exclusive use cannot be reached and access to the charging station cannot be otherwise secured, the structural modification is considered unreasonable, and the claim under § 20 expires.

Exceptions exist for cost distribution. Typically, only those co-owners who voluntarily participate in the project cover the expenses. However, if over two-thirds of the association and more than half of the property's total shares are involved, the costs are distributed among all co-owners, provided they are not disproportionate and can be amortized within a reasonable timeframe.

Enerando highlights that, especially in apartment buildings and commercial properties, planning charging infrastructure is crucial for future needs. With fewer co-owners deciding on individual charging stations, the per-person costs tend to be higher proportionally. Furthermore, projects limited to a few owners often struggle with long-term planning and incorporating future demand, which usually requires larger investments that a small group may be hesitant to undertake. As an alternative, Enerando points to usage agreements offered by charging infrastructure providers, which can include cost-effective or even free installation of charging stations.