ADAC survey Wallbox in apartment buildings: Significant differences

The automotive club ADAC has compared the prices of wallboxes for multi-family houses and found significant differences. Homeowners and tenants have been entitled to a charging option for e-vehicles since the end of 2020. Anyone now planning to install a wallbox at their underground parking space should definitely obtain multiple quotes for this. A recent ADAC price inquiry with charging infrastructure providers, energy suppliers, and electrical installation companies for two sample scenarios shows enormous differences: For the installation of a single charging point, the range extends from just over 1,000 euros to 5,200 euros. In the second scenario, the entire underground garage is to be made "e-mobility ready," and 3 out of 13 parking spaces equipped with wallboxes. Here, the range is from 7,500 euros to more than 42,300 euros (all price information excluding VAT and wallbox). The most affordable offers were from charging infrastructure providers. Electrical companies tended to be the most expensive.

When planning the installation, it's essential to coordinate in advance with other owners and tenants to prepare the entire underground garage for e-charging. If additional charging points are retrofitted later, the initial installer might experience an unpleasant surprise: Due to the higher power demand, load management now becomes necessary. Here, the pioneer is highly likely to bear the costs if additional interested parties decide later to install more wallboxes and the "pioneer wallbox" cannot be integrated into the then-required load management.

Overall, the final costs always depend on the individual situation, and an on-site inspection of the underground garage by the provider is mandatory. Interested parties should implement their plans quickly, as most of the companies surveyed expect a noticeable price increase, especially in the cost items of electrical work, basic installation, cable laying, and electrical accessories.

The following tips and information will ease preparation and planning:

• Clarify with other residents and owners whether there is any interest in charging options
• Obtain quotes from energy suppliers, charging infrastructure providers, and electrical installation companies
• Ensure that all necessary items are considered in the price inquiry
• Use the checklist from the ADAC guide for owners and tenants
• Check if there are any regional or local funding programs
• For ADAC members: Request a free initial consultation from certified specialists through the regional club

Multi-family houses have usually not benefited from the KfW subsidy for the purchase and installation of private wallboxes. Many owners' meetings were unable to pass resolutions due to the pandemic and therefore could not apply for funding. Since the end of October 2021, the available funds have been exhausted, and funding is currently not possible.