Charging Stations for New Construction or Renovation

Charging Stations for New Construction or Renovation

Charging Station Installation for Residential Buildings

Tumso Laadpaal Techniekers not only installs charging stations on existing sites or properties. The installation of a charging system also fits within the framework of a major renovation or the construction of a new building. In such cases, Tumso Laadpaal Techniekers is the partner you need to assist you from the beginning to the delivery. We ensure that all legal applications and obligations are fulfilled.

Requirements for Charging Stations

As of March 11, 2021, new rules apply regarding environmental permits for new construction or major renovations. Consequently, new requirements for the installation of charging stations for electric cars in parking areas are now in effect. As the owner of the properties or the permit holder for a charging installation, you are legally considered the final responsible party who must comply with the updated legislation.

Charging Station Obligations (New Construction or Major Renovation)

Definition:

A “major renovation” is a renovation of a property or parking building where more than a quarter of the building envelope is renovated.

Applicable Parking Areas or Grounds

The new regulations are mandatory:

• If the parking is located within the property or in a dedicated building.
• If the parking is next to the business property.
• If, in the case of major renovations, the renovation measures also affect the parking and impact the existing electrical wiring in the property, parking building, or parking area.

The obligations do not apply:

• If the charging station is installed on the driveway of a residential property. This is not a public parking space but the access to the home.

Technical Requirements

The charging point must have sufficient technical capacity to exceed the power of a standard outlet. In practice, this means a power of > 3.7 kW or 16 A. Additionally, the charging station must be specifically designed for charging electric car batteries. To achieve this, the installation must have at least one of the following connections:

• Type 2 connection for AC charging, according to standard EN62196-2
• Combo 2 connection suitable for DC charging, according to standard EN62196-3

The minister is authorized to request additional technical requirements regarding the state of the infrastructure.

Exemption

In the case of major renovations, you only need to comply with the obligations for the part of the works and investments in charging stations and wiring that does not exceed 7% of the total renovation cost.

Inspection

The obligation is monitored by the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA). If this agency finds that the obligations have not been met, you risk an administrative fine:

• €2,000 per missing charging point for electric cars.
• €1,000 per parking space if the infrastructure for future charging station installations is missing.

Non-Residential Buildings

Buildings without a residential character or parking buildings (new or existing with major renovation) with more than ten parking spaces will be equipped in phases with:

• At least two charging points with normal or high capacity for an electric car
• The necessary wiring infrastructure (at least cable ducts) for at least one in four parking spaces to allow future installation of charging stations (with normal or high capacity).

Additionally, all existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must be equipped with at least two charging points with normal or high capacity by January 1, 2025.

Residential Buildings

Newly constructed residential properties with a parking area of 2 or more spaces must be equipped with the necessary wiring infrastructure (or at least cable ducts) to enable the future installation of charging points (with normal or high capacity). This is also mandatory for renovated residential properties with more than ten parking spaces.

Tax Reduction for Private Individuals

Private individuals, whether renting or owning their home, can receive a tax benefit of 45% when purchasing a charging point between September 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. This benefit works on a declining basis. In 2023, individuals will get 30% back from the tax authorities, and in 2024, only 15%.

For calculating this tax reduction, a maximum amount of €1,500 per charging station and per taxpayer applies. To qualify for this benefit, there are requirements for the charging stations. This applies to both the technologies used and the ecological footprint.

An example of this is that the station must be able to manage both charging time and capacity. Moreover, the use of green electricity is an absolute condition for operating the charging stations. Only then can we speak of a true smart charger.

Tax Reduction for Companies

Businesses can benefit from a higher tax advantage. This applies if business leaders purchase a charging installation for business use between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2024. If a business invests between September 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022, a tax deduction of 200% can be applied.

From January 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, this deduction decreases to 150%. This, too, is a phasing-out scenario. Additionally, there is a further condition: business charging stations must be usable by the public at predetermined times. These times can be set in advance. Examples include during working hours or just after.

From 2025, the obligation will take effect to install charging stations in parking areas of certain existing properties. This new regulation follows an existing European directive regarding the energy performance of these properties. 2026 will be the year when a zero-emission company car fleet becomes the norm in Belgium.

We are happy to provide the guidance you need to successfully navigate each phase of this transition. This ensures that everything is in order and that your applications are submitted correctly, allowing you to meet all obligations.

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