EV Charging in Blocks of Flats

What This Requirement Covers

Providing EV charging in blocks of flats presents specific challenges including electrical supply capacity, car park layout, shared infrastructure, and management arrangements. Approved Document S sets out the requirements, but practical implementation requires careful planning.

Key Requirements

Requirements Under Part S

1. At least one charge point per dwelling that has an associated parking space
2. Cable routes must be provided for every remaining parking space that does not have a charge point
3. Charge points must be rated at a minimum of 7 kW and be smart-enabled
4. Cable routes must be at least 32 mm internal diameter

Electrical Supply Challenges

1. A typical block of 50 flats with 50 parking spaces would need 50 x 7 kW = 350 kW if all charge points were used simultaneously
2. This is typically more than the building's main electrical supply can provide
3. Load management systems are essential to share the available electrical capacity between charge points
4. Dynamic load management monitors total building demand and allocates capacity to EV chargers when headroom is available

Car Park Layouts

1. Underground and enclosed car parks present additional challenges:

- Fire safety considerations for EV charging (guidance from ASFP and local fire services) - Ventilation requirements (EV fires produce toxic fumes) - Cable routing through fire compartment walls and floors (fire stopping required)

1. Surface car parks are simpler but cable routes must be protected from vehicle damage

Management and Billing

1. Charge points in communal car parks require a management and billing system
2. Options include: individual metering per charge point, pay-per-use systems, or inclusion in the service charge
3. The leaseholder or management company must agree on the charging arrangement

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Engage an electrical engineer specialising in EV charging at the design stage to assess the supply capacity and specify the load management system
2. Apply to the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) for a supply capacity assessment early; upgrades can take 3-6 months
3. Specify a load management system that can be expanded as demand grows
4. Install cable routes to all parking spaces during construction, even where charge points are not initially provided
5. Coordinate with the fire engineer on cable routing through fire compartments in underground car parks
6. Establish a clear billing and management arrangement before the building is occupied
7. Consider the impact of EV charging on the building's energy strategy and carbon emissions