Can I install an electric charging point at our flat in France?

Reader question: I live in a flat that I own, but it is part of a larger building that has other flats. Can I install my own electric charging point in my car parking space?

Usually, yes, in fact there is a general legal principle that owners of flats, and even tenants, have the right to an electric charging point, called ledroit à la prise.

However, you may need permission and the process also depends on whether you would be open to a group installation of several charging points for the wider building, or whether you want your own charging point for your sole use.

A collective installation may also be less expensive, as you would not have to directly pay for it yourself, though others will be able to use the charging points too.

Group installation

It may be preferable to push for group installation of several charging points. Installing several points at once can help to:

• Ensure that the electrical system is consistent

• Reduce installation costs

• Make it easier to add additional charging points

It is usually in the owners’ best interests to organise a group installation, rather than having to consider multiple individual requests at different times.

The ease of installation also depends on the age of the building:

• New buildings (for which planning permission was submitted after January 1, 2017): Parking spaces must be pre-equipped for charging point installation

You should start by speaking to the management syndic for your building and perhaps one of the other flat owners who is a member of your building’s conseil syndical committee. The proposal will have to be added by the syndic to the items for discussion at the next annual meeting of the co-owners.

A technical study will need to be carried out to assess the existing electrical provisions, and draw up a plan for the work required.

Usually, a simple majority vote among the co-owners present is required to commission the technical study and then to agree to the installation.

‘Right to an outlet’

If a group installation is not possible, you can invoke your ‘right to an outlet’, which is laid out in decree no. 2011-873 of July 25, 2011.

This enables all residents of new or existing group housing (such as a block of flats) to have an electric vehicle charging infrastructure (une infrastructure de recharge pour son véhicule électrique) installed.

However, if the socket will be for your sole use, it must be paid for by you, and must be located in your own car parking space. The charging point must have a power rating of 22 kW or less.

The first step is usually to make an official request by sending a registered letter (lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception) to your syndic.

The letter must include:

• A detailed description of the work

• A technical plan for the work

• An electrical connection plan

To ensure that this is accurate, you must get one or more qualified professionals to assess the work, and estimate its cost, beforehand. Note that this process is also possible for people who only rent a flat, but in which case they have to address their request to the owner of the flat who will send it on to the syndic.

The building syndic has three months to respond to your request, and can only object if they have a serious and legitimate reason. For example, if it is technically impossible to carry out the work, or if a similar project is already being planned for the space.

In contrast to group requests, individual projects do not usually require a general meeting vote and the other co-owners are simply informed of it.

Funding help for charging points

There are some government funding options if you wish to install your own charging point.

Read more: What are options to install electric car charge point at French home?

Read more: What aid is available for electric cars and charging points in France?

These include:

• A reduction in VAT of 5.5% if your home is more than two years old

• The Advenir programme: This pays for 50% of the cost of installation, capped depending on the case. To qualify for the money, the work must be carried out by an IRVE-certified professional

• Tax credits for the purchase and installation of an individual charging point, up to 75% of the cost of the work, up to a maximum of €300

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