New European Union rules in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2024/1275) for electric car charging

Owning an electric car is only part of the equation. The other part is making sure there is somewhere to charge it - and that is exactly where the European Union wants to step in.

The Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2024/1275) - currently being transposed by Member States - sets out, in Article 14, a package of rules designed to make buildings across Europe more compatible with electric cars. The requirements differ depending on the type of building and whether it is new or already in use.

Residential buildings

Under the new rules, new residential buildings - as well as those undergoing major renovations - with more than three parking spaces must be future-ready for charger installation in at least half of those spaces. On top of that, installing at least one charging point will be mandatory.

However, the legislation does not require existing residential buildings to install a minimum number of chargers. Instead, Brussels has chosen a different route: making it easier for residents to install chargers at their own initiative. Member States will be expected to remove administrative barriers and ensure that requests to install charging points can only be refused on serious and legitimate grounds.

Offices and shopping centres

For new non-residential buildings (offices, shopping centres, or service premises), the rules are tighter. Where a building has more than five parking spaces, it will become compulsory to install at least one charging point for every five spaces.

In addition, half of the remaining spaces must be prepared for future chargers by installing pre-cabling, while the rest must have conduits in place to make later works easier.

For office buildings in particular, the bar is higher still: new developments and major refurbishments will have to provide one charging point for every two parking spaces.

Meanwhile, existing office buildings, shopping centres, or service premises with more than 20 parking spaces must meet new requirements by 1 January 2027. From that date, they must either have one charger for every 10 spaces or, alternatively, prepare at least half of the spaces for future installations.

Buildings owned or occupied by public bodies have until 1 January 2033 to ensure pre-cabling is installed in at least 50% of car parking spaces.

More space for bicycles

The directive is not limited to cars. Non-residential buildings will also have to provide bicycle parking, equal to at least 15% of average occupancy or 10% of the building’s maximum capacity. This obligation applies both to new developments and to existing buildings.

In new residential buildings, or those subject to major renovations, there must be at least two bicycle spaces per dwelling.