On the way to your own wallbox, there are a number of obligations that vary depending on your living situation.
Future wallbox owners have a few things to consider - regardless of whether they own or rent. That's why we recommend Clarify the charging situation before buying the new e-car. But the good news is that, in principle, the right to install charging stations has existed since December 1, 2020. Of course, there are also restrictions here, but in most cases there is nothing to stop you having your own wallbox. It is important to proceed correctly, to inform all parties involved at an early stage and not to rush into anything. We have summarized all the necessary information and the first steps that interested parties can use as a guide on the way to their own wallbox.
In principle, there is no approval requirement, only a registration requirement. In detail, this means that wall charging stations must be registered with the responsible grid operator - even before installation. However, they are not subject to approval.
However, wallboxes with an output of 4.2 kW or more must be controllable in accordance with ยง14a EnWG. This means that the grid operator may control the charging power at peak load times in order to ensure grid stability.
For homeowners, only the above-mentioned obligation to register with and obtain approval from the grid operator applies. Apartment owners in apartment buildings, on the other hand, are also subject to the German Apartment Ownership Act. This means that the entire community of owners can have a say in the installation, as the garage is common property. In principle, the community of owners cannot object to the installation of a wallbox. However, a majority resolution is required for the manner in which the structural changes are carried out. Here is an overview of the individual steps:
1. inform the co-owners
You will need to do some convincing here: Inform the other owners about your idea and list important arguments as to why a (shared) wallbox can also be beneficial for them. For example, it will also make the house more attractive for future owners - increasing the value of the property.
2. find charging solutions
Is your garage even suitable for a wallbox and if so, which one? The next step is to find out. A home check by a qualified electrical contractor is usually advisable for this - at e-mobilio we offer two options for this: the video installation check via video call or the on-site installation check. If the specialist confirms that a wallbox can be installed, it is up to you to research possible models. Especially for parking situations in apartment buildings, there are charging solutions that are particularly suitable for this purpose.
3. submit an application
In order for the proposal to be discussed at the next owners' meeting, you must submit an application. Please note the deadline for this - if you are too late, you may have to wait until the next meeting.
4. wait for the resolution
The owners' meeting has a say in how (and where) the wall charging station is installed. Present the possible solutions you have researched here. The billing procedure must also be clarified. The wallbox can only be installed by a technician in accordance with the resolution once a majority has agreed on the implementation. Please remember the above-mentioned obligation to notify the grid operator.
The direct contact for tenants who want a wallbox is always the landlord - regardless of whether the landlord owns the entire building or is part of a homeowners' association. Therefore, the procedure for tenants of houses or apartments hardly differs. The only important thing is that if you live in an apartment building with a shared garage, you should also inform the other tenants and owners of your wish and overcome any reservations. You may even find fellow tenants. This will help you avoid unnecessary discussions later on and also make the landlord's decision easier.
1. inform the landlord
First of all, you need to inform your landlord of your wish. Address any concerns you may have and make them aware of the advantages of a wallbox. It is often worth seeking a direct conversation. However, you should also choose the written route (by e-mail or letter).
2. find charging solutions
Before you find out about possible solutions, you should have a home check carried out by a qualified electrical contractor. At e-mobilio, we offer two options for this: the video installation check via video call or the on-site installation check. If the expert gives you the green light from a technical point of view, you can start researching suitable charging stations. If other tenants are also interested in a charging solution, you should involve them in your search. Then provide your landlord with information that they can work with: What are the pros and cons of the wallboxes you propose? How much do they cost?
3. submit the application
Then submit the application to the landlord. In the case of a condominium, the landlord must submit the application for the next owners' meeting - in good time, otherwise you may have to wait until the next meeting.
4. wait for the decision
Wait until the landlord agrees to the measure. Only then should you start with the installation - even if the landlord cannot actually refuse the installation. In the case of a condominium owners' association, the owners also have a say in the design. Please remember the above-mentioned obligation to notify the network operator.
As soon as a wallbox is installed in a communal garage or even used communally, the next question arises: How should the charged electricity be billed? It is essential to know who is charging how much electricity. In some cases, it is even necessary to ensure that charging complies with calibration law. The calibration law is intended to protect the consumer - i.e. the user of the charging station - by stipulating that
Not every wallbox has an electricity meter that complies with calibration law. You should therefore pay attention to this when purchasing.
In the following, we present various billing scenarios and show when you actually need calibration law-compliant charging - and when you don't:
Charging stations that are used communally, for example at specially designated parking spaces, require an energy meter that complies with calibration law. If payment is not made immediately, but the charging current is billed in certain periods, it is also necessary to recognize the different users (e.g. by PIN or card). In certain cases, the price per kWh must also be indicated.
If the charging point is only used by one household and is connected to the household meter, the charging current is conveniently billed with the household electricity. As the household meter itself is already calibrated, the charging point itself does not have to comply with calibration law. As a rule, there is no separate billing. It makes sense to choose a charging station with access protection so that the charging station is not "tapped" without permission.
In order to be able to bill the electricity here, it is advisable to install a charging station that complies with calibration law. If you already have a wallbox that does not enable charging in compliance with calibration law, it does not necessarily have to be replaced, but can be retrofitted with an MID-certified electricity meter (Measurements Instruments Directive). The meter enables a charge to be made to the individual user in the annual invoice, provided that this can be clearly assigned to a specific charging point. This can be ensured, for example, by user authentication using a key or RFID chip.