The Electromobility Infrastructure in Buildings Act (GEIG) in Germany mandates that, from 1 January, non-residential buildings with over 20 parking spaces must include at least one operational charging point.
According to a report by Mobility Portal Europe in September, non-compliance with this regulation could result in fines of up to 10,000 euros for each measure not implemented.
As the stipulated date has passed, the question arises as to whether these penalties have already begun to be enforced.
“I believe that no proceedings will be initiated in the short term, as the authorities are already overstretched with other issues,” comments an industry expert on the matter.
It is worth noting that Germany is currently preparing for national elections scheduled for the end of February.
On the other hand, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action clarifies to Mobility Portal Europe: “There is no evaluation of the funding by the GEIG.”
It further explains: “The implementation of Art. 14 of the EPBD (expansion of the charging infrastructure in residential and non-residential buildings) will now take place as part of the implementation of the EPBD.”
The EPBD must be transposed into national law within two years, by the summer of 2026.
“As part of the discussions on this, there will also be talks on the implementation of Art. 14,” the Ministry adds.
What does the EPBD entail?
It sets standards to transform buildings into more sustainable spaces.
Key requirements include the installation of charging points and pre-wiring in residential and non-residential properties.
For instance, new or renovated parking areas in non-residential facilities must provide one charger per five spaces, pre-wiring for 50% of the spaces, and dedicate 15% of the area to bicycles.
Furthermore, by 1 January 2027, non-residential buildings with over 20 parking spaces must install one charging point for every ten spaces.
With the GEIG, Germany has adopted a stringent approach to meeting both national and European objectives, aligning itself with other EU countries.
For example, in Spain, the Royal Decree mandating the installation of charging points in non-residential parking areas came into effect on 1 January 2023.
Under this regulation, such buildings must have at least one charger per 40 spaces, up to a maximum of 1,000 spaces, with an additional charger required for every 100 extra spaces.
For buildings owned by the General State Administration, one station must be installed per 20 parking spaces, up to a maximum of 500, or from 40 spaces in the case of public parking.
Additionally, there is an obligation to provide at least one charging point within the premises or within a 300-metre radius.
However, Spain faces challenges related to the lack of dissemination of the Royal Decree and the absence of an enforcement regime.
“Unlike Spain, in Germany this law covers both residential and commercial buildings,” explained Daniel Yanev, Team Lead Consulting at M3E Group, to Mobility Portal Europe.
For example, every new commercial property with more than six parking spaces, whether indoor or outdoor, must be equipped with at least one charging point, regardless of whether the parking is publicly accessible.
Germany also faces its own challenges
According to Deutsche Umwelthilfe, there are over 160 million parking spaces in Germany.
However, the GEIG does not apply to buildings predominantly used by small and medium-sized enterprises or to those where the costs of charging infrastructure exceed 7% of the total renovation expenses.
A Federal Government estimate suggests that approximately 12,000 parking spaces should be equipped with charging points by 2025.
Nevertheless, a comprehensive compliance review has yet to be conducted.
According to Yanev, some reports indicate that “the provisions of the GEIG are not being implemented in all buildings.”
The expert further noted that 23% of tenants and 46% of owners of multi-family residential buildings have access to an indoor or outdoor parking space that allows for the installation of charging points.
