Let's get straight to the point: private charging stations for electric cars are increasingly in demand. But they are not always easy to install. Especially when it comes to a wallbox in underground garages of apartment buildings.
Communities of owners face various challenges here. Especially when it comes to the consent of all condominium owners - and the distribution of costs.
We manage WEGs and now give you an overview of wallboxes in underground garages.
The most important facts about wallboxes in underground garages in 30 seconds.
- Wallboxes are permanently installed charging solutions for electric cars and are very suitable for shared properties.
- Since 2020, tenants have been entitled to charging solutions for electric vehicles.
- Property management companies can take care of the implementation of the wallbox installation.
- A wallbox in the underground car park can be expensive at the beginning, but can lead to cost savings for e-car owners in the long term.
- Charging solutions for electric cars can increase the value of a property.
Socket, charging stations or wallbox in an apartment building?
There are various ways to charge an electric car. With regard to apartment buildings in cities such as Berlin, however, the solutions are limited.
Wallboxes
Wallboxes are usually permanently installed on walls. Therefore the wallboxes are easy to install in underground installed in underground garages. They have an increased charging capacity and speed. Different models come with different functions.
Charging stations
Charging stations or charging points are always used when a charging solution is charging solution is publicly accessible is publicly accessible. This gives them the advantage of usually offering various connection types for electric cars. As a condominium owner, however, you are probably more interested in a private solution.
Sockets
Conventional sockets are the simplest solution. However, they should only be used as charging stations for electric cars in exceptional (and when the car's charging power is reduced). They are not designed for the charging power required by electric vehicles and therefore pose safety risks
Wallbox in the underground garage: an overview for WEGs
With our previous comparison a wallbox for the apartment building in the underground garage.
The charging capacity charges electric cars within a few hours and thus increases the comfort of tenants. This means that Wallboxes in underground garages can even increase the property value.
However, the installation must be carefully considered. More on this now.
Technical requirements and load management of wallboxes in underground parking garages
The general charging capacity of wallboxes is determined by the grid connection capacity and the power connection of a property. Power connections can be re-routed if necessary to increase the output. However, the grid connection capacity has the final say.
This often also determines whether (A) one or (B) several wallboxes in the underground car park for tenants can or would like to provide.
- The charging power of wallboxes in simple use is usually within the grid connection capacity of apartment buildings. A separate meter is required to track the corresponding electricity electricity consumption. A RFID access protection is recommended if the wallbox in the underground garage is not to be used by just anyone.
- Should several wallboxes are to be installed in the underground are to be installed in the underground garage, appropriate load management is essential. This allows owners and condominiums to ensure that the power grid or grid connection capacity is not exceeded. The Load management of wallboxes in an underground car park ensures that there is no overloading and that the available electricity is distributed evenly among the wallboxes.
In both cases - if one or more wallboxes in the underground car park are used by different electric cars - it is advisable to use a backend for the charging facilities for the charging facilities. This allows each resident to keep track of their own charging costs. An internet connection is required for this (in the underground garage, the most reliable connection is via LAN).
To install the wallbox in the underground garage, new power lines often have to be laid. However, they can also be connected to the existing electricity mix and operated with green or self-generated electricity.
Can tenants or owners install a wallbox in the underground garage themselves?
Tenants cannot install wallboxes in underground garages themselves. If there is a desire, since the end of 2020 there is the right to their own wallbox in "rented property". This means that owners must virtually agree to the structural change.
From the owners' perspective: The installation of wallboxes in condominiums requires the consent of all owners. But even then, apartment owners are not allowed to install them themselves. The installation in underground garages must be carried out by a professional electrical be carried out.
It must also be noted that Wallboxes may be subject to registration. Special rules apply to listed buildings. Please find more information here.
Fire protection: Are wallboxes in underground garages a fire hazard?
Many wallboxes are suitable for underground garagesand the risk of fire is low. Wallboxes usually also have an integrated residual current protection, which increases charging safety in underground garages. Before installation, you can arrange for a fire safety inspection. Protection mechanisms in wallboxes protect the power grid from overloads. To increase the fire protection of wallboxes in underground garages, smoke detectors should be installed at the same time as the wallbox.
TipMake sure that the smoke detectors in the garage are sensitive so that you can intervene immediately in dangerous situations. If not available, building insurance will help you sleep soundly.
Costs and benefits of wallboxes for communities of owners
The installation of wallboxes in underground garages involves the entire community of owners. As a change to the common property, the installation is usually decided by majority vote.
First of all The costs and benefits of a wallbox must be weighed up:
Possible costs:
- Installing missing empty conduits in the underground garage
- Work on load-bearing walls often requires a structural engineer
- The installation must be carried out by a by a specialized electrical company
- Set up meters / backend so that electricity consumption can be tracked
Examples of benefits from the owner's perspective:
- Service and convenience for tenants
- Possibility for owners to increase rental costs
- Long-term cost savings with in-house power generation: external power is reduced, use of own solar power is maximized
- Sustainable contribution to reducing your own CO2-footprint
If wallboxes are installed in the underground garage, the costs are usually borne by the person who makes the request. This is the owner of the residential complex, even if the request for a wallbox was made by a tenant.
The initial installation costs are often the biggest obstacle to overcome. Research shows that the costs start at 1,000 euros for a wallbox. However, experts, specialist electrical companies, the expansion of the electricity network and the like must also be taken into account. The ADAC has compiled various calculation examples for the installation costs have been carried out.
As a WEG, these costs costs and load management are divided among all owners.
Does a wallbox in an apartment building increase the value of a property?
In the long term, wallboxes can increase the value of real estate.
On the one hand, landlords may increase the rental costs. On the other hand, an additional deposit may also be required. As wallboxes in underground garages are seen as additional services for tenants, the value of a property increases in the long term. But this is not the only aspect that increases value. Properties with generally sustainable energy management are becoming increasingly popular with tenants. This increases the demand for your property among tenants.
We have found an exciting statistic from Statista here. It shows that demand for electric cars at the start of 2024 is weaker than in previous years. However, experience shows positive developments as the years progress:
Wallboxes in the underground garage for WEGs - finding the right advice
Wallboxes are complex: in addition to installation, charging management, fire protection and installation options also need to be considered. Professional advice and information on subsidies are therefore recommended.
Professional associations for electrical and IT professions are good contacts for this. Certified electromobility consultants who specialize in energy management can also help.
As property managers and real estate managers, we have EichenGlobal a broad network of service providers at hand. Among other things, we manage WEGs as well as special property in apartment buildings. If you have any questions regarding a wallbox in the underground garage, you are welcome to contact us. non-binding contact to us. If you are further interested, we are always happy to draw on our network to provide you with professional and comprehensive advice.
