How to integrate electric charging into real estate: new construction and renovation

The integration of e-mobility into real estate has become a key strategic lever, driven by the dual need to enhance asset value and comply with increasingly stringent sustainability standards.

Installing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is no longer just an option, but a crucial step to comply with European regulations and meet exponentially growing market demand. As a result, the property acquires a decisive differential value, becoming more attractive and competitive.

The approach to implementation, however, requires distinct strategies depending on whether new construction or rehabilitation of an existing building is involved.

Integration in new construction

The design and construction phase is the ideal time to integrate the charging infrastructure efficiently and with minimal cost. Acting at this stage prevents complex and costly future modifications.

• Planning and prearrangement: the greatest savings are achieved by including prearrangement in the initial design. Before starting work, it is essential to provide conduits for running electrical cables from the meter room to the individual parking spaces. This simple expedient eliminates the need for future masonry, demolition or structural adjustments.
• Electrical sizing: the electrical system design must be sized to support current and future charging demand. This involves calculating adequate power for the connection and for the main control and protection panel, preparing for possible power increases.
• Centralized solutions: installing a centralized infrastructure is the most elegant and secure solution. A Load Management System dynamically distributes available power among charging vehicles, ensuring that the facility never exceeds contracted power and avoiding blackouts.

Adaptation of existing buildings

Introducing charging points in already constructed buildings presents greater technical challenges, but European regulations are designed to facilitate implementation.

• Preliminary technical diagnosis: the first step is an analysis of the capacity of the existing electrical infrastructure. It is critical to check whether the power at the meter is sufficient to support the new loads. If inadequate, it will be necessary to request a power increase for the general connection.
• Cable route design: it is crucial to plan the most efficient and safe route to carry the power line from the main meter to the parking space, preferably using existing conduits in common areas to minimize visual and structural impact.

The European framework of reference

European legislation is driving the transition by establishing clear requirements to promote electric mobility in the building sector. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is the cornerstone of this strategy and imposes clear obligations in all member states.

According to the EPBD, for new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations with more than ten parking spaces, it is mandatory to install charging provision (conduits) in every single parking space. This ensures that each parking space is "EV-ready" and can accommodate a charging point in the future without structural intervention.

In addition, the legislation promotes the "rightto plug" by facilitating the installation of charging points by individual owners or tenants in existing buildings, removing bureaucratic and condominium barriers.

A strategic investment for the future

Beyond legal obligations, integrating charging points is a powerful competitive advantage. Sustainability is an increasingly crucial factor in real estate choices, and implementing this infrastructure is not an expense, but an investment that increases the value of the property, accelerates its sale or rental, and improves its image, propelling it into an inevitably electric future.

Powy: your partner for simple and compliant integration

Are you designing a new construction or renovating a property? Powy turns regulatory and technical complexity into a turnkey solution. With more than 2,100 charging points installed between Italy and Spain, we offer a complete service from regulatory advice and design to installation, energy management and maintenance.

Our solutions are customized to ensure full compliance with European regulations, optimize operating costs and maximize the value of your real estate assets.

Contact us for a consultation and find out how to future-proof your real estate project.

FAQ: Is it mandatory to install electric vehicle charging stations in new construction?

In Europe, new buildings must provide charging points for electric vehicles, according to the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). In residential buildings, it is mandatory to install at least one charging point and provide wiring for 50 percent of the parking spaces, facilitating future installations. In nonresidential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, from 2025 it is required to have one charging point for every 10 spaces or prepare wiring for half of the parking spaces.

About Powy

Powy is a company that owns, develops and operates Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with a growing presence in Spain as well.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy