Relevance of e-mobility in Germany
E-mobility has been gaining in importance for years. The number of e-cars has increased by almost 2,000 percent in the last five years. With the higher number of electric vehicles, the need for e-charging stations is also increasing, but few e-vehicle owners have their own facilities to install a private charging station. This leads them to rely on charging stations in public areas, such as at the workplace or supermarket.
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 columns therefore plays an important role in the selection of a parking garage, supermarket or other shopping facilities for private individuals. Companies thus have the opportunity to differentiate themselves from their competition by providing charging columns and to attract more customers by increasing the attractiveness of the parking spaces. Expanding the supply of e-charging stations is also in the interest of the state, as supporting e-mobility protects the climate and reduces costs. The introduction of the obligation to provide the infrastructure (e-charging pillar obligation) 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, thus protecting the climate.
The e-charging stations duty
While new or renovated buildings in the UK already have to be equipped directly with e-charging stations for charging, the whole thing looks different in Germany. Up to now, there has been an obligation to provide the line infrastructure in Germany. This means that in Germany, new buildings or renovated buildings must first be equipped with a line infrastructure. In a second step, e-charging stations must be installed on the basis of the infrastructure.
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, both old non-residential buildings and every non-residential building with more than 20 parking spaces must then be equipped with at least one charging point.
Exceptions 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
Through this obligation, the state is paving the way for the expansion of charging stations. Currently, there are 17 electric cars for every charging station. The German Association of the Automotive Industry, the German government and the EU consider a ratio of one charging station for ten electric cars to be optimal. This figure is being approached through the measures mentioned above.
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 select parking spaces based on charging station equipment, but also for parking spaces for their own employees and for their own fleet. Due to rising fuel prices, the imminent ban on internal combustion engines and the urgency of climate protection, companies should address the issue of electric charging stations as early as possible. If charging infrastructure is offered, this positively influences the cost structure, customer and employee satisfaction, the image and the climate. Below you will find important information on the installation of e-charging stations 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
In addition to the e-charging station obligation, there is a renewal of the charging station ordinance, which expands the payment options and also enables cashless and contactless payments. Together with these regulations and many subsidies for companies and municipalities, Germany is being made fit for the e-mobility revolution. This, together with other regulations such as the solar obligation, is continuously working towards the larger goal of climate protection.
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