It is no longer a surprise that Europe is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to emit no greenhouse gases at all within the EU by 2050. To achieve this, several rules have been drawn up. One of these rules is about charging points for electric cars. From 2025, it will be compulsory for many companies to provide charging points in their car parks. Curious about the current rules and what will change from 2025? Then read on quickly!
Current rules for charging stations
These rules mainly apply to non-residential buildings, such as schools, shops, factories and hospitals. Since 10 March 2020, buildings with 10 parking spaces or more must have at least one charging station. Moreover, there must be charging infrastructure for one in five parking spaces. Note that these rules only apply to new business premises and existing premises undergoing major renovation. If the cost of installing charging poles is more than 7% of the total renovation cost, the rule does not apply.
What will change from 2025?
From 2025, the number of parking spaces on the same site as the building will be considered. Are there more than 20 parking spaces? Then at least one charging station must be installed. The difference with the previous rule is that this obligation will apply to all commercial buildings, including those without renovation plans.
Requirements for charging stations
If a charging station is accessible to visitors, it must meet certain requirements. For example, a type 2 connection must be present to secure metering equipment and protect users’ privacy.
Rules along European roads
Not only companies within Europe face regulations. Obligations are also being introduced along European roads to encourage electric driving. From 2025, fast-charging stations must be installed every 60 kilometres. There must also be charging points for electric buses and trucks every 120 kilometres. This will make electric driving more attractive for various sectors. In 2030, there will also be rules for hydrogen refuelling stations; they must then be available every 200 kilometres. The European Council has set this out in special legislation.
Challenges for the power grid
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more normal. In the Netherlands, we already see the demand for power for electric driving growing, leading to problems in some places. Due to the energy transition and the increase in electric vehicles, the demand for electricity is greater than the power grid can handle. This can lead to grid overload and congestion. Grid operators in the Netherlands are looking for solutions to this problem, something we often write about in our blogs.