Getting European buildings up-to-speed with Electro-mobility

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) follows and acts to complement the still ongoing implementation of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (AFI) Directive, which, among other things, mandates the installation of minimum numbers of charge points in the public domain (namely in urban areas and along core European networks), and sets uniform charging connector specifications for both normal- and high-power charging across the Union. While symbolically important for consumers and industry, in practical terms, the new EPBD is set to have marginal implications for electro-mobility infrastructure roll-out. Member States have an opportunity to prevent such an outcome, by embracing an ambitious yet coherent approach to implementation and thereby helping to address persisting consumer anxieties regarding range and interoperability of electric charging infrastructure. By ensuring adequate and future-proof pre-equipping of new and renovated buildings, policy makers can help to meet the mobility needs of tomorrow while adding value to properties. In this regard, this paper provides an analysis of the electromobility infrastructure-related obligations, contained in the EPBD’s Article 8, and goes on to provide a number of recommendations targeted at national governments as they prepare for transposition.