Right to install a charging point: your practical guide

Good news! The “right to install a charging point” allows you to install an EV charging station on your parking space—even without the agreement of other co-owners. Here’s everything you need to know, simply explained: concrete steps and smart alternatives if installation proves difficult. No legal jargon, just practical advice!

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What is the right to install a charging point?

The “right to install a charging point” is a legal right under French law that allows any resident of a building—whether owner or tenant and EV user—to request, at their own expense, the installation of a charging station on a parking space in the co-owned property.In practice, this clever provision guarantees every resident in a collective building the right to charge their EV, even if the co-ownership is reluctant to install a shared charging infrastructure. It’s a bit like the “right to install a satellite dish,” but for EVs!This law, stemming from the Grenelle II Act of 2010 and reinforced by the Mobility Orientation Law of 2019, supports the national goal of energy transition and CO₂ emissions reduction.

Who is eligible?

All residents of a co-owned building can exercise this right—and that’s great! Whether you’re the owner of your home and parking space, a tenant with a private parking spot, or a good-faith occupant with access to a space, you’re eligible.

What changed with the 2021 law?

Since January 1, 2021, the law has been updated with Decree No. 2020-1720, which significantly expanded the right to install a charging point. This new regulation greatly simplifies the process for individuals.Previously, the law only applied to enclosed and covered parking in buildings constructed after 2012. Now it’s much simpler: any tenant or owner with a parking space in a secure-access lot can invoke this right, whether the space is covered, outdoor, enclosed, or not.The most appreciated change? Shorter deadlines. No more endless waiting! The property manager (syndic) now has only 3 months to oppose your project, down from 6 months previously.

Why does this law exist?

The law aims to remove barriers to EV adoption by ensuring access to charging for all. It addresses a simple issue: enabling all French citizens to switch to electric vehicles, regardless of their housing type.

How to exercise your right to install a charging point?

Prepare your technical file

First and foremost: prepare your file properly! Contact a certified IRVE installer to get a detailed quote. Your file must include a description of the planned work, a technical intervention plan, and an electrical connection diagram.

Legal tip: if the property manager or their agents block access to technical rooms needed to prepare the plan and diagram, these documents are not required at the time of notification. This is explicitly stated in Decree No. 2020-1720.

Notify your project based on your status

If you’re a co-owner, send your request directly to the property manager by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. If you’re a tenant, first get your landlord’s approval—they will then notify the property manager.

Inform the general assembly

Within three months of your notification, ask the property manager to include your project in the agenda of the next general assembly. This legal obligation is for information only: no vote is required.

Work execution

If the property manager does not oppose within 3 months, you’re good to go! Installation is carried out by a certified IRVE professional and fully funded by you.

When can the property manager legally say no?

The law is very protective! Article L. 113-16 of the Construction Code strictly limits grounds for refusal.

The only legitimate reasons for opposition

The property manager can only refuse in three cases:

If charging infrastructure already exists on your space
If the co-ownership has decided to implement a collective project within a reasonable timeframe
If the installation is technically unfeasible for safety reasons

Technical conditions required by law

Your installation must allow for individual metering of your electricity consumption and be fully funded by you, with no cost to the co-ownership.

Financial incentives worth considering!

The Advenir grant: up to €600 in aid

The Advenir program covers up to 50% of the cost of installing individual charging stations in co-owned buildings, with a cap of €600 (excl. VAT) per charging point. The installer can usually deduct the grant directly from your invoice.

The €500 tax credit

All individuals living in collective housing can benefit from a €500 tax credit for installing a smart charging station. This aid is cumulative with the Advenir grant.

Reduced VAT at 5.5%

Purchase and installation automatically benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 5.5% instead of 20%, if carried out by a certified IRVE electrician.

Limitations of the right to install a charging point

Common technical constraints

Installation may face technical obstacles. The main one: limited electrical capacity in the building’s common areas. A load study is needed to verify whether the electrical system can support an additional charging point.In older buildings, accessing technical rooms may require costly electrical upgrades or compliance work.

Budget to plan for

A standard installation costs between €1,200 and €2,500 (incl. VAT). If upgrades are needed, expect an additional €500 to €3,000, plus €100 to €200 in annual maintenance.

The smart alternative: ultra-fast public charging stations

When to choose public stations?

If installing a private station is too complex or expensive, don’t worry! Despite the push for home installations, ultra-fast public stations are often an excellent alternative.

Electra: lightning-fast charging in 20 minutes

The Electra network is a game-changer! With ultra-fast stations delivering up to 400 kW, you can recover up to 400 km of range in just 20 minutes. Just enough time for a coffee break! The network now includes over 1,300 chargers across 507 locations in France.Why Electra? Its user-friendly design makes life easier! The mobile app lets you locate available stations, reserve a slot, and pay automatically. Transparent pricing is based solely on energy consumed—no hidden fees. Regular users can subscribe to Electra+ for €4.99/month and enjoy rates from €0.39/kWh.

A strategically located network

Electra stations are located in strategic places to maximize convenience: public parking lots, shopping centers, hotels, near train stations, and along major roads in Île-de-France. This geographic coverage makes charging easy for both daily commutes and long trips.

The big advantage? No technical or administrative hassle, no dealing with the property manager, no building work, no maintenance. You get instant access to a high-performance, reliable charging solution.

Who can help with your project?

Several providers can help install a charging station:

IZI by EDF: personalized support for home charging installation
Opéra Énergie: in-depth technical approach to master all legal aspects
ZEborne: ideal for those who want a clear, step-by-step process

Our approach: evaluate all options! If private installation isn’t feasible, Electra public stations may be the perfect solution—no constraints, no admin.

Frequently asked questions about the law

Since when does this law exist?

The right has existed since the Grenelle II law of 2010, reinforced by the 2019 Mobility Orientation Law and the December 2020 decree.

Does the law apply to all parking spaces?

Since January 2021, the law applies to all private spaces in secure-access lots, whether covered or not.

How long does it take under the law?

The law gives the property manager 3 months to oppose. In practice, expect 4 to 6 months from notification to commissioning.

What if the property manager refuses unfairly?

They must take the matter to court within 3 months. Otherwise, you may proceed with the work.

Find the solution that works for you!

The right to install a charging point makes EV charging in co-owned buildings more accessible, but applying it can be tricky depending on your building’s constraints.

Keep an open mind! If private installation isn’t feasible, ultra-fast networks like Electra offer a powerful alternative. With 20-minute charging, this solution may perfectly meet your needs. The transition to electric shouldn’t be held back by charging concerns. What matters is finding the solution that fits your situation.