Demand for charging points in private parking lots in residential communities is growing at the same rate as electric vehicle sales.
Drivers who are betting on electric mobility in Spain understand the importance of having a charging solution in the place where their vehicle spends the most time parked. However, the process of installing a charging station in the parking lot of the residential community still generates doubts in many people.
Users understand that it is most practical not to depend on public chargers to recharge their vehicles, but there are still doubts regarding the procedures, permits or factors that must be taken into account before installing a charging point in their parking lot in a communal garage. We aim to solve these doubts to facilitate and accelerate the transition to more sustainable mobility, explains Henrik Bergman, General Manager of Charge Amps Spain.
Permits and procedures: What is needed to install and start up the charger?
One of the doubts that drivers have when they decide to install a charging point in their communal garage is about the necessary permits. "Before carrying out the installation, it must be communicated to the community in writing, and it cannot be refused. In this way, the process is simplified, but it must be taken into account that this can change for complex installations in which common infrastructures such as cable trays must be used, or for communities with their own regulations, which may require the technical project", describes Bergman. "It is most advisable to consult with a professional installer about the requirements and needs of the project, as in this way all the details will be known".
It must be taken into account that the charging station must be connected to the electricity meter of the owner who carries out the installation, which will require the need to lay cable or, if it is very far away, to install its own meter for the charger. In addition, the installation must comply with the provisions of the Low Voltage Electrical Regulations (REBT) and the ITC BT52 regulations for the installation of charging points, in addition to having the corresponding Electrical Bulletin in order to be able to operate. Once all the specifications have been obtained, it can be consulted with the administration of the community about extra documents or permits.
Technical factors: advantages in the security and control of the charger
Some drivers doubt the need to install a charging station because they already have a simple Schuko type plug in their parking lot. However, it is necessary to know that these are not installations adapted for the recharge of an electric vehicle, not only because they provide a slower recharge, but mainly because of safety. They lack electrical protections, they are not dimensioned for prolonged use with the high power required, something that can cause overloads and malfunctions. From the administration of the estate it is necessary to recommend the installation of charging stations to avoid these situations, which also balances the use of electricity according to the needs of the car and the home, and reduces recharge times.
Another key factor that users must assess is the connectivity of their charging point. Having a device connected to the internet provides absolute control over it and an efficient use of the available electricity, facilitating the programming of the charge or avoiding bad uses. However, we find ourselves in the situation that the majority of parking lots in Spain not only do not have WiFi, but they do not even receive mobile coverage. In such a connected country, it is surprising that any user of an intelligent car loses all the advantages when accessing the car park, details Henrik Bergman from Charge Amps.
Connectivity in car parks is a pending task for estate administrators, who are beginning to see the need for internet in communities not only for vehicles and chargers, but also for alarm and video surveillance systems, intelligent lighting or irrigation.
Available aids: the time to install a charger is now
The Moves III plan promoted by the Government and the Autonomous Communities offers great benefits to those who take the step towards electric mobility. Along with the aid for the purchase of vehicles, subsidies are offered that cover up to 80% of the cost of a private charging station. To this must be added a discount of up to 50% on the IBI and other regional incentives that can be requested.
For those who still doubt about installing a charging point in their parking space, we recommend contacting a specialist to clear up all their doubts. Having an intelligent charger is the way to optimize the use of the available electricity and always have the car ready. Those who take the step now will get clear advantages and will amortize their investment more quickly, concludes Henrik Bergman from Charge Amps.
