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The European Commission has presented today their proposal for a revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). [1] The legislative package will give a push to renovation and improvements in buildings’ energy performance.
The draft EPBD also includes key provisions linked to mobility, which will have a decisive impact on the bloc’s ability to speed up the widespread uptake of electric cars.
Under the proposed EPBD, those building or renovating a house will be required to install EV charging points and install pre-cabling for more plugs to be added in the future.
- New (and renovated) non-residential buildings with more than five parking spaces: obligation to install one smart charging point and get all available parking spaces ready for EV plugs to be installed in the future (pre-cabling but no ducting infrastructure).
- New (and renovated) residential buildings with more than three parking spaces: Mandatory pre-cabling for all available parking spots.
- Existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces: mandatory installation of one smart charging point for every 10 parking spaces by 2027 and pre-cabling of one in two parking spaces by 2033 if the building is occupied by public authorities.
This is good news for some new and renovated buildings. However, most residential and existing buildings will not be required to install any new charging points, which means that the ‘right to plug’ will remain theoretical for many, particularly given the low renovation rates in the EU.
Today’s decision will nonetheless help boost private charging. Importantly, all charging points will be required to include smart charging features, which is essential for a green and stable grid.
Parking lots turned into smart charging spaces can help ensure that houses and workplaces become a cornerstone in the integration of energy, mobility, and buildings. [2]
Luka De Bruyckere, programme manager, ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards:
We will need millions of new smart charging points across Europe to support the shift to electric mobility. Today’s proposal means a crucial step in that direction. However, requirements for residential and existing buildings are still far too low. Only those with more than three or even 20 parking spots will be obliged to install charging infrastructure. This is not enough, given that building renovation rates in Europe are low. We need stronger requirements to make sure that our buildings are ready for smart e-mobility. We need a true ‘right to plug’.
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