The question of “who pays for what” paralyzes many VME projects. Co-owners without an EV do not want to contribute to infrastructure they do not use. EV drivers do not want to pay an unfair surcharge because they are the first to invest. Here are four models that we see working in practice.

Model 1: User financing (the most commonly used)

Only co-owners who actually want a charging point pay the associated cost. The shared infrastructure (main cable, distribution box, potential platform costs) is divided among all participants — not the entire VME. Advantage: fair and legally sound. Disadvantage: initial participants pay proportionately more (because infrastructure costs are shared among fewer people).

Model 2: VME financing with individual billing

The VME bears the infrastructure costs (from reserve capital or via a project levy). Each user only pays for their actual consumption via individual metering. Advantage: the entry barrier disappears, no “first mover penalty.” Disadvantage: requires a sufficient majority (typically 4/5) as it affects the costs of non-users.

Model 3: Third-party financing

An external party (some energy suppliers, specialized charging CPOs) finances and operates the infrastructure in exchange for a usage fee per kWh. The VME pays nothing upfront; users pay a slightly higher rate during the contract period (typically 10–15 years). Advantage: zero investment. Disadvantage: higher kWh rate and contractual commitment.

Model 4: Hybrid

A combination where the VME finances the main infrastructure (cables, distribution box) as a shared added value, and users pay for their own charging station and connection piece. Often the pragmatic compromise when opinions are divided at the General Assembly.

What the Civil Code says about this

Since the 2018 legal amendment (and 2024 additions), every co-owner has the right to install a charging station at their own expense, provided the syndic and VME are informed. The VME may not refuse this right; it can only impose reasonable conditions regarding technical execution. This strengthens the position of EV drivers but does not solve the financing question.

What to establish in advance

Three matters to include in the management contract or internal regulations:

  1. Who owns which component? (Main infrastructure = VME, individual station = co-owner.)
  2. What happens when an apartment is sold? (The station usually remains and is taken over.)
  3. How is the rate indexed annually? (According to the supplier price or fixed.)

See also

Need help working this out for your VME? Schedule a consultation — we provide expert advice without sales pressure and deliver a legally and technically sound proposal.