Charging stations
A charging station is a publicly accessible facility for charging electric cars and plug-in hybrids. A station can have one or more charging points, and it is the number of charging points, not the number of stations, that is the useful measure of capacity. For property development, particularly retail, office and residential projects, proximity to charging stations has become an increasingly important quality factor.
Charging is usually divided into two groups. Normal charging uses alternating current (AC), typically 3.7 to 22 kW, and suits parking over several hours. Fast or ultra-fast charging uses direct current (DC), from 50 kW upwards, with state-of-the-art ultra-fast chargers at 350 kW. Enova defines fast chargers as stations that deliver at least 22 kW. Common connector standards are Type 2 for AC charging and CCS Combo for DC charging; CHAdeMO is being phased out, while Tesla uses both its own connector and CCS. The national database Nobil, operated by Norsk elbilforening on behalf of Enova, collects information about all charging points in Norway and parts of the Nordic region, and is used by both mapping and navigation services.
For developers, charging capacity is a topic in both zoning and TEK17. TEK17 section 8-8 requires all parking spaces in new residential and commercial buildings to be prepared with cable ducts and space for electrical charging infrastructure, and municipalities often set stricter requirements in the zoning plan. Preparation (cable ducts, space in the fuse box, dimensioned electrical capacity) is considerably cheaper to install during construction than to retrofit. Larger installations, particularly fast charging stations along main roads, also require clarification with the grid company about power draw and can trigger the need for a new transformer. The regulation on alternative fuels for the transport sector (AFIR) from 2024 sets EU-wide requirements for roll-out along the TEN-T network and affects which points are prioritised.
Although charging stations are often thought of as infrastructure for electric cars, they are relevant to commercial property in a broader way: a shopping centre with reliable fast chargers gets shoppers who stay longer, and an office building with charging capacity recruits employees with electric cars more effectively. For retail property, charging stations are becoming just as ordinary an offering as available parking was ten years ago.
In Placepoint, charging stations are shown as a Transport and communications map layer over the map, so you can assess both coverage and distance from a property.
How the dataset appears on the map
The dataset is part of the map layer Transport and communications:
From Placepoint's glossary: Charging stations
More information: Nobil: charging point database, DiBK: TEK17 section 8-8, Enova: charging an electric car
English: EV charging stations.
Frequently asked questions
What are charging stations?
Charging stations are facilities for charging electric vehicles. In property development, access to charging infrastructure has become an increasingly important factor, particularly for commercial property and retail properties.
What does TEK17 require about charging infrastructure?
TEK17 requires new residential buildings and commercial buildings to make provision for charging electric cars. The requirements vary with building type and are being developed continuously as electrification progresses.
Where do I find an overview of charging stations?
Plugshare, Nobil and Enova SF are good sources for an overview of charging stations in Norway. Placepoint also shows charging station locations as a map layer.
Why are charging stations important for commercial property?
Proximity to fast charging stations is an attractive factor for buyers and tenants of commercial property, offices and retail properties. It can increase a property's tenant appeal and value.
Are charging stations only relevant for commercial property?
No, blocks of flats can also benefit from central charging installations in a garage or parking area. Charging preparation (ducting and electrical capacity) is cheapest to install during construction.