Installing charging stations in new buildings: between obligations... and opportunities
Sales may be at the heart of a property developer's business, but their role goes far beyond that. From drafting invitations to tender to supervising construction work, this professional is responsible for construction through to completion and on-time delivery. As the guarantor not only of the quality of the work, but also of its compliance with current standards, the developer must pay particular attention to the laws governing construction and town planning. Recent years have seen major changes in these areas. Some of these concern the integration of IRVEs in new residential buildings.
Charging stations for property developers: the regulatory framework
The LOM law
The LOM law, or Loi d'Orientation des Mobilitésin force since November 2019, aims to promote the energy transition and the development of more sustainable modes of transport.
Since March 11, 2021, it has been mandatory to pre-equip with charging stations in new residential buildings.
This obligation is described in article L113-11 of the French Housing Code.
The design of the structures must allow for the installation of cable conduits and power supply devices required for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
In other words, this obligation does not relate directly to the installation of IRVEs. However, it can be seen as a step towards their deployment in all collective residential buildings. The "pre-works" carried out are intended to facilitate the subsequent installation of charge points.
Charging stations: what are the implications for property developers?
In parking lots with more than 10 spaces, a recharging point must be provided for 1 out of every 5 spaces. In addition, the law requires that at least 2% of spaces be adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM), with a minimum of one such space.
The pre-wiring of parking spaces in residential parking lots should enable charging stations to be installed on site, after the building has been handed over. This means that conduits and cable ducts will be "ready to use", and that the electrical installation chosen must be able to support several simultaneous recharges.
In addition, each resident's electricity consumption must be able to be isolated and/or accounted for, with a view to individual or shared billing, depending on the model chosen.
There are exceptions for certain new condominiums. The pre-wiring obligation applies under certain conditions:
- the condominium must have a minimum of two lots;
- it must have a parking lot or parking area.
Also read → Guide - Charging stations in condominiums
What the French Construction and Housing Code says
Article R111-14-2 specifies the conditions of application of the LOM law and the rules to be followed for installation:
- Cables for parking spaces must be sufficiently large. The standard specifies a minimum cross-section of 100 mm.
- Charging points can be supplied by the building's low-voltage switchboard or by the public electricity network located on the building's right-of-way. If the power supply comes from the public network, the installation site must allow for grounding near the conduits provided for cable routing.
- Whichever solution is chosen, the electrical installation must supply at least 20% of pre-equipped parking spaces, with a minimum requirement of one space.
- Lastly, the configuration of parking lots intended to host a charging point must allow for the deployment of a supervision system system.
In addition, the electrical installation of residential buildings must also supply a minimum power (reserve power) that depends on the number of parking spaces equipped:
| Number of available parking spaces | Minimum reserve power values |
|---|---|
|
10 à 20
|
15 kVA |
|
21 à 40 |
22 kVA |
|
41 à 100
|
30 kVA + 6 kVA for every 10 sites over 50
|
|
101 à 200
|
60 kVA + 3.6 kVA for every 10 sites over 100
|
|
More than 200
|
96 kVA + 0.2 kVA per additional parking space
|
What are the benefits?
In addition to the regulatory constraints imposed by the LOM law, charging stations for electric vehicles are part of the equipment that can enhance the appeal of a new property development. Rather than simply anticipating the installation of such equipment, deploying them before delivery is a real commercial asset.
As a real estate developer, you know just how much certain details can influence potential buyers' decisions. The charging stations for electric vehicles are just some of the functional, but also valuable, features that can help purchasers project themselves into their future property.
So taking the initiative to install charging points upstream of construction can generate multiple benefits.
Such immediately available equipment will bring undeniable added value to your real estate developments. Residents will be able to take advantage of an already-equipped parking lot, and won't have to worry about the many formalities involved in installing charging stations. Users who already own an electric vehicle won't have to wait for the union council's agreement and the General Meeting's vote to deploy the infrastructure. This additional selling point will certainly help you convince even the most hesitant buyers!
It has to be said that electric vehicles are gaining ground, with forecasts putting the number of drivers at more than 5 million drivers by 2030. This momentum will undoubtedly be reinforced in the years ahead by the recently voted ban on the sale of combustion-powered cars in the European Union, which will take effect in 2035.
So it's crucial that new housing provides concrete solutions to the eco-mobility trend. And this logically includes the deployment of infrastructures enabling users to recharge their vehicles at home.
Last but not least, charging stations for electric vehicles are part of the new equipment that reflects an image of modernity and comfort for users, while echoing major societal concerns. The development of clean vehicles is an important condition for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And real estate developers also have a role to play in achieving this objective. By promoting programs that encourage soft mobility, these professionals are no longer content simply to apply regulations. They are becoming players in a more virtuous urban development policy, going beyond simply responding to legislation.
Our Beev experts will propose an offer tailored to your needs and projects.
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Property developers: what type of terminal should you choose for a residential building?
The choice of terminals in a residential building depends on a number of criteria. The most important is to define users' needs in terms of power and ease of use, which requires in-depth analysis beforehand. The questions to ask concern the requiredautonomy, power, technical aspects and possible options.
Also read → Which charging station do you need?
The autonomy you need to get around
Although there may be disparities linked to individual use, the geographical location of the building can serve as a reference point. We can assume that residents of buildings built in the heart of conurbations travel less. On the outskirts of cities, drivers cover more kilometers on a daily basis. The terminal power must therefore be adapted accordingly to offer faster charging. For reference, please refer to these estimates:
- 3.7 kW terminal: 15/20 km of range recovered per hour of charging,
- 7.4 kW terminal: 30/40 km of range recovered per hour of charging,
- 11 kW terminal: 60/70 km of range recovered per hour of charging,
- 22 kW terminal: 100/150 km of range recovered per hour of charging.
Good to know: Modular power charging stations (normal to accelerated charging stations) can deliver several power levels: 3.7 kW, 11 kW or 22 kW. This is the ideal option when drivers' needs and the vehicle's charging capacity cannot be precisely predicted.
Les options indispensables</
In open parking lots, it's best to opt for an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) (Radio Frequency Identification) charging station. Thanks to badge-based access control, charging stations can only be unlocked and used by residents, limiting the risk of fraud or hijacking in the event of intrusion.
Another advantage: the RFID chip makes it easier to set up a supervision system to facilitate charging invoicing, while providing invaluable information on the condition of the charging station. The billing management system also eliminates the need to divide charges between co-owners, including those who don't wish to equip themselves. In this case, each user can regulate his or her own consumption independently.
Do future owners legitimately worry about the management and billing of refills? You can reassure them: Beev offers an intuitive and practical billing tool to enable everyone to manage charge points remotely. Discover our charging station supervision service.
Compatibility with electric vehicles
Most normal to accelerated charging stations on the market are equipped with a type 2 socket, compatible with all categories of electric vehicle. There are also standards that guarantee a perfect match between the charging station and the electric vehicle, such as the European EV Ready label. The ZE Ready label label includes 52 checkpoints concerning both equipment and installation standards.
Which charging point for a single-family home?
Although IRVE equipment is less frequently mentioned in the context of single-family home developments, its deployment can generate significant added value. There is no obligation to pre-equip this type of home. However, the developer can provide pre-wiring. Installing a charging station is a little more risky, as it's difficult to cover the hypothetical uses and needs of future occupants. But preparing the technical elements will save a lot of time and avoid costly work to bring the electrical installation up to standard.
The obligation to use a certified professional
Whether you're pre-equipping or installing charging stations in a residential building, you can't use just any professional. It's essential (and compulsory) to call on an electrician with the IRVE qualification, issued by an accredited body.
The decree of January 12, 2017 specifies that the obligation is lifted for outlets with a power rating less than or equal to 3.7 kW located in a residential building... provided that their main function is not to recharge electric vehicles. In other words, it's best to choose a qualified electrician before the project begins, to guarantee user safety and compliance with current regulations.
Why delegate the installation of charging stations in residential buildings?
The deployment of recharging infrastructures raises a number of technical and administrative issues that you may not have the time to address and integrate into your real estate programs.
Delegating the installation of charging points allows you to concentrate on your core business. From the choice of infrastructure to commissioning by a qualified, IRVE-certified electrician, Beev takes care of everything, and offers you dedicated assistance. Make an appointment with an advisor to make your project a reality!
