In this spotlight, we'll break down what regulations make charger installations mandatory on commercial parkings, focusing on EU directives and how they're implemented in Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland. We'll also outline what incentives or subsidies exist to help commercial players (like retail chains or business centers) offset the costs of installing charging infrastructure. Essentially: what are authorities requiring, and how can businesses comply in a cost-effective way?
EU Directives: The Baseline Rules for Charger Deployment
The push for EV charger mandates largely stems from the European Union's policies, which member states must adopt. The key laws are the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
Under the revised EPBD (approved in 2024), all EU countries must introduce requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new and existing buildings. Specifically for non-residential buildings (commercial and office):
- New or majorly renovated non-residential buildings with over 5 parking spaces must install at least 1 charging point per 5 spaces (20%), or lay conduit for 50% of spaces to support future chargers.
- By January 1, 2027, all existing non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must have 1 charger per 10 spaces (10%), or wiring ready for 50% of them.
- Chargers must also be "smart" capable – able to manage loads intelligently and possibly support bidirectional charging.
AFIR complements EPBD by setting requirements for public road infrastructure (e.g., chargers every 60 km on highways) but is less directly related to commercial parking mandates.
Poland: Leading with Early Compliance and Requirements by 2025
Poland has proactively implemented mandates ahead of EU deadlines. Its Act on Electromobility, updated in 2021 and 2024, includes:
- Existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces (owned by large enterprises): By January 1, 2025, at least one active EV charger must be installed, and 20% of spaces must be "EV-ready" (pre-wired with conduits).
- New commercial buildings (≥11 parking spaces): At least one charger must be installed during construction, and 20% of spaces pre-cabled.
- Exemptions: Small and medium-sized businesses are exempt. If charger installation costs exceed 7% of a renovation budget, exemptions may apply.
These rules spurred installations across the country, including in malls and business parks. The conduit requirement ensures sites can expand charging capacity easily in future.
Czechia and Slovakia: Implementing EU Mandates by 2025–2027
Czech Republic:
While there wasn't a strict national law as of early 2024, the EPBD is expected to be transposed by 2025. Czechia has started aligning its Building Act and related regulations.
- New buildings with >10 spaces: Must include at least 1 charger and 50% of spots pre-wired.
- Existing buildings with >20 spaces (by 2027): Must provide chargers for at least 10% of spaces.
Past rules from 2020 required ducting for new office buildings, but enforcement was weak. The new directive tightens these requirements.
Slovakia:
Slovakia plans to implement the EPBD but has not yet adopted national legislation as of 2024.
- New commercial buildings with >5 parking spots: Will need 20% with chargers or 50% with conduit.
- Existing large buildings >20 spots (by 2027): Must provide chargers for 10% of spaces.
Some large malls and businesses are adding chargers voluntarily, anticipating these rules and taking advantage of EU funding.
Both countries are also requiring a percentage of parking in new residential buildings to be pre-wired, supporting the growth of EV charging at home.
Available Subsidies for Installing Chargers on Commercial Sites
EU Funding (CEF/AFIF):
The EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility offers co-funding for EV charger projects, especially near transport corridors. Large businesses near highways or city centers may qualify for up to 50% or more in installation support.
National Recovery and Resilience Plans:
CEE countries have allocated EU post-COVID recovery funds to support EV infrastructure:
- Slovakia: Targeting 6,000 public chargers by 2026 with co-funding of 50–70% depending on location.
- Czechia: Through its Modernisation Fund, has offered up to 60% co-financing for fast chargers.
- Poland: Offers 50% for AC chargers and 70% for DC fast chargers via environmental protection funds.
Poland's Heavy EV Infrastructure Support:
In 2024, Poland announced a 3 billion PLN (€650M) program supporting e-mobility infrastructure. 2 billion PLN is earmarked for charging infrastructure, potentially reimbursing up to 100% of the cost for publicly accessible chargers.
Eligibility often depends on whether chargers are open to the public. For private-use chargers (e.g., workplace only), smaller grants or tax incentives may apply.
Tax Incentives and Depreciation:
- Czechia and Slovakia: Allow accelerated depreciation of charging infrastructure (as short as 2 years).
- Poland: Permits full deduction of EV charging infrastructure costs in the year incurred.
VAT exemptions were temporarily in place for charging services in Poland but should be reviewed with a tax advisor for current status.
Utility or EU-backed Loans:
Utilities like ČEZ offer "turnkey" charger installations with long-term payment options. The European Investment Bank and green bond programs also fund such infrastructure upgrades.
Looking Ahead and Recommendations
EV charger mandates are becoming the norm across CEE. For commercial property owners and operators, this is both a compliance requirement and a business opportunity.
Recommendations:
- Be proactive: Start planning and budgeting for EV infrastructure now to avoid last-minute rushes and high costs.
- Install more conduit than required: It's cheaper to prepare for future growth now than retrofit later.
- Use available grants: Apply early for national or EU co-funding programs.
- Market your charging capacity: Attract EV-driving customers or tenants and use it to enhance your ESG profile.
- Think smart: Use load-balancing chargers to avoid expensive electrical upgrades.
Conclusion
CEE governments are aligning rapidly with EU mandates that require EV charging infrastructure in commercial parking. Poland has already mandated chargers for large enterprises by 2025, and Czechia and Slovakia will enforce EU-based mandates by 2027.
The good news is that financial support is widely available – from grants and tax benefits to subsidized loans – helping businesses afford these upgrades. EV charging is no longer optional for commercial sites. With smart planning and timely action, businesses can meet these new standards while also gaining competitive advantages and contributing to sustainable transport.