Installing a charging station in a single-family home is technical work. In an apartment building, it is primarily a process of convincing co-owners, respecting legal requirements, and choosing an infrastructure that is future-proof. Nine steps.

Step 1: Gauge interest

Begin with a survey among co-owners. How many already have an EV? How many are considering one within 2 years? If <20% interesse heeft, gaat u richting individuele oplossing per geïnteresseerde. Als >40%, move towards collective infrastructure.

Step 2: Agenda item at the General Meeting

Include two separate items at the general meeting: (a) approval for a study of charging infrastructure (no cost, only a decision to investigate), and (b) potential approval of a budget for a request for proposal. Split these, as some co-owners may want an investigation but are not yet ready to release a budget.

Step 3: Site survey by installer

Without knowledge of the current grid connection, available space, and cable routes, a quote has no value. A professional installer will spend 1 to 2 hours on-site and deliver a report with options within 2–3 weeks.

Step 4: Choice of management model

Three models are possible:

  • Individual: each co-owner has their own station installed, with a separate meter.
  • Collective, individual billing: shared infrastructure (cabling, main connection), but each user pays for their own consumption via individual metering.
  • Fully collective: the VME pays for everything and passes on costs via general expenses (rarely chosen, as it creates an uneven distribution).

In 90% of cases, model 2 — collective with individual billing — is chosen.

Step 5: Second General Meeting with a concrete quote

Decision with a sufficient majority (usually 2/3 or 3/4 depending on the articles of association). If in doubt: consult a notary regarding the correct majority.

Step 6: Permits and grid operator

For larger installations: urban planning permit (often subject to notification rather than a full permit), and an application to Fluvius/ORES for capacity. Lead time is 6–12 weeks.

Step 7: Installation and commissioning

The installation itself is brief: 1–3 weeks of work depending on the scale. More importantly: the final checks and the connection to the management platform.

Step 8: Communication to co-owners

A user guide including: how to register your RFID card, where to view your consumption, how billing is handled, and who to contact in case of problems. Do not underestimate this — lack of clarity here will cost you 6 months of support queries.

Step 9: Annual review at the General Meeting

Annual feedback: number of charging points in use, total consumption, any incidents, and proposals for expansion. This is part of sound management.

Total lead time: 6–12 months

Do not underestimate this during planning. Even with cooperative co-owners, the process takes much longer than for a single-family home.

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Are you a property manager or chairman of a VME exploring the possibilities? Schedule a consultation — we have guided dozens of residences through this process.