Revised EU Building Directive Increases Pressure on Property Owners for Charging Infrastructure

The European Union's revised directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) entered into force on May 28, 2024. This directive, part of the broader 'Fit for 55' package, aims to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across EU member states.

The directive addresses the growing number of EVs and the need for adequate charging capacity in both new and existing buildings. Germany has until the end of June 2026 to transpose these new regulations into national law, likely through revisions to the existing Building Electromobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG).

The new rules apply to both residential and non-residential buildings, differentiating between new constructions and buildings undergoing major renovations. Requirements are based on the number of parking spaces. For instance, new and significantly renovated non-residential buildings must provide at least one charging station and the necessary pre-wiring for at least 50% of all parking spaces for every five spaces. Office buildings with more than five parking spaces must install one charging point per two spaces.

Non-residential buildings with over 20 parking spaces must install one charging point per ten spaces or prepare the infrastructure for 50% of all spaces by early 2027. Residential buildings with more than three parking spaces must pre-cable at least 50% of the spaces and provide conduit infrastructure for the remainder.

These requirements represent an tightening compared to the previous directive, lowering the thresholds for the number of parking spaces that trigger installations. Property owners are advised to begin planning promptly to ensure the availability of resources and qualified contractors.