ChargeUp Europe calls for more ambitious e-mobility requirements under the EPBD

Today, ChargeUp Europe called for an ambitious overhaul of EV charging rules under EU buildings legislation. 

Widespread and easy charging options are critical to facilitating the uptake of electromobilty by citizens. Over 75% of EV charging currently takes place at home or at the workplace, but there are significant regulatory and administrative barriers to installing infrastructure in many settings.   

The upcoming proposal to revise the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) therefore comes at a critical time to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport. 

In a new paper, ChargeUp Europe outlines key recommendations for the revision of the EPBD and calls for the introduction of a dedicated chapter on e-mobility, including: 

  • Capacity-based targets for all non-publicly accessible charging stations based on fleet capacity to complement targets for publicly accessible stations under the reform of the proposed Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) 

  • Ambitious minimum requirements on cabling for 100% of new buildings with more than 5 parking spaces by 2025 and almost all spaces in residential and non-residential buildings by 2035 

ChargeUp Europe also calls for the mandating of smart charging functionalities for all non-publicly accessible charging stations.   Buildings are currently responsible for 36% of energy related EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU,4 and approximately 75% of the EU building stock is energy inefficient5.   

Smart charging solutions therefore have a crucial role to play in empowering citizens to help lower emissions in buildings through energy balancing, flexibility, and storage functionalities, and support the integration of renewable energy in the system.  

Christopher Burghardt, President of ChargeUp Europe, stated:  

“Too often complex building rules and procedures for installing chargers discourage people from purchasing EVs. Breaking down these barriers will help make electromobility the preferred choice for families and communities. Equipping all buildings with future-proof infrastructure will also help us meet the energy and mobility needs of tomorrow” .

Check the full position paper here.

Alexandra Gliga