Relevance of e-mobility in Germany
E-mobility has been gaining in importance for years. The number of e-cars has risen by almost 2,000 percent in the last five years. As the number of electric vehicles increases, so does the need for e-charging stations, but few e-vehicle owners have the means to install their own private charging station. As a result, they are dependent on charging stations in public areas, such as at the workplace or supermarket. In this context, parking space management also plays a key role in ensuring that the available parking spaces are used optimally and the charging stations are managed efficiently.
Relevance of charging infrastructure for companies and the state
For e-vehicle owners and those who want to become one, the range of e-charging stations therefore plays an important role when choosing a parking garage, supermarket or other shopping facilities for private individuals. This gives companies the opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition by providing charging points and to attract more customers by increasing the attractiveness of their parking spaces. Expanding the range of e-charging points is also in the interests of the state, as supporting e-mobility protects the climate and reduces costs. The introduction of the obligation to provide infrastructure (mandatory e-charging points) and subsidies will improve the charging infrastructure. This makes it easier for owners of electric cars to charge them, which in turn increases their use and attractiveness and thus protects the climate. A well-designed parking management system can help to optimize the availability and use of the charging infrastructure by providing real-time information on free charging spaces and monitoring parking times.
The e-charging stations duty
While new or renovated buildings in the UK already have to be directly equipped with e-charging points for charging, the situation is different in Germany. Up to now, there has been an obligation to provide the line infrastructure in Germany. This means that in Germany, new or renovated buildings must first be equipped with a charging infrastructure. In a second step, e-charging points must be installed on the basis of the infrastructure. An efficient parking space management system can ensure that the newly created charging spaces are used effectively and are not blocked by vehicles that do not need to charge.
Conditions for the e-charging station obligation
The obligation applies to new buildings and major renovations of buildings with more than 10 parking spaces. In addition, at least one charging point is to be installed in parking areas for new non-residential buildings. From January 1, 2025, all existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces will be obliged to provide at least one charging point.
These requirements create new challenges, but also opportunities for innovative parking space management.
Find out how you can combine e-charging stations with barrier-free parking space management
ContactArrange appointmentExceptions to the e-charging station obligation
Buildings owned by small and medium-sized enterprises and used by these enterprises themselves are exempt from the e-charging station obligation. In addition, the obligation does not apply to existing buildings if the cost of the specified charging and wiring infrastructure exceeds seven percent of the total cost of a major renovation.
Optimal number of electric charging stations
Thanks to these regulations, the expansion of the charging infrastructure is being accelerated. There are currently 17 electric vehicles for every charging point, with a ratio of one charging point to ten electric cars being considered optimal. Digital systems can help to maximize the use of these charging stations and avoid vacancies
Installation of the charging infrastructure for companies
E-mobility and the associated topic of charging stations also play an important role for companies. Charging electric cars is becoming increasingly important, not only for customers who choose parking spaces based on the charging station equipment, but also for employee parking spaces and for the company's own fleet. Due to rising fuel prices, the imminent ban on combustion engines and the urgency of climate protection, companies should address the issue of electric charging points as early as possible. Offering charging infrastructure has a positive impact on the cost structure, customer and employee satisfaction, image and climate. In addition, the digital system from Peter Park allows you to offer flexible pricing for employee parking. Below you will find important information on the installation of e-charging points and subsidies.
Types of electric charging stations
On the one hand, there are charging stations, which are often found in public outdoor areas. The charging stations usually have 11kW, 22kW or 44kW charging power. On the other hand, there are wallboxes that are primarily used indoors, such as in underground or private garages. The wallboxes tend to have slightly less charging power than the charging columns, with 3.7kW, 11kW or 22 kW.
Cost of e-charging columns
The cost of a charging point (without installation), whether a charging pole or wallbox, varies between 500 and 2,000 euros depending on the local conditions, charging capacity and desired extras such as load management or access restrictions via RFID.
E-charging station subsidies
A grant of up to 900 euros per charging point is available for companies via the KfW subsidy (grant number 441), provided that a non-public charging station is purchased and installed. The charging points may then be used for charging company vehicles and private vehicles of employees. The subsidy can be applied for by companies, municipal enterprises, freelancers and non-profit organizations.
There is also a KfW subsidy for e-charging stations for municipalities (grant number 439). Here, too, a grant of up to 900 euros per charging point is possible. However, the grant only applies to charging stations at parking spaces without public access. The minimum grant amount is 9,000 euros, and at least ten charging points must be installed.
Meanwhile, the subsidy for e-charging stations in residential buildings can no longer be applied for (as of August 2022).
Procedure for installing the charging infrastructure for e-cars
According to the company's needs, a charging point with the associated specifications is ordered and an installer is found. Often, the charging station manufacturers have their own certified electricians who are well versed in the model and the topic of e-charging. After inspection of the installation site and coordination of the technical requirements with the existing conditions, the installation can begin and subsequently the charging station can be put into operation. Peter Park offers consulting sessions to provide more detailed information on the installation of e-charging stations and is available to provide support together with our partners.
Conclusion
The combination of mandatory e-charging points, the extended charging point ordinance and modern digital parking systems makes the transition to e-mobility in Germany future-proof. Smart solutions such as the digital parking management system from Peter Park not only offer convenience and efficiency, but also help to ensure that the new charging points are seamlessly integrated into everyday life. This actively supports the mobility transition and contributes to climate protection at the same time.
