Frequently Asked Questions
Our works and services involve many questions. What are the legal obligations? How long do the works last? What do you need to arrange yourself?
On this page you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. Is your question not here? Please feel free to contact us.
General questions
New to the world of electric charging or curious about the basics? Here you will find all the essential information about leasing charging stations, the required charging capacities and the meaning of terms such as load balancing and CPO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lease charging stations?
Yes. In addition to purchasing, we also offer leasing and Charging-as-a-Service. With leasing, you pay a fixed monthly amount for hardware, installation, software, and maintenance. This is a convenient way to spread out the investment or switch to OPEX instead of CAPEX. We’ll recommend the right financing model based on your situation.
How many kW of charging station do I need?
For home charging, we generally use 7.4 kW (1-phase) or 11 kW (3-phase). For workplace business charging stations, we recommend 22 kW so that a car is fully charged during the workday. For public fast chargers, we talk about 50 kW (DC) or more. What power you really need depends on the type of cars, the charging time and your electrical installation.
What is load balancing at charging stations?
Load balancing dynamically distributes available power to multiple charging stations. This allows more vehicles to charge at the same time without having to weigh down your electricity connection. Specifically, if three cars charge simultaneously on one 22 kW connection, they each get about 7 kW. Smart software prioritizes cars based on departure time or priority. This saves significantly on grid connection costs.
Who pays for the charging station in an apartment building?
That depends on the arrangements within the VME (Association of Co-owners). Often the resident himself pays for the connection of his own charge point and the electricity consumed, while the VME invests in the common infrastructure (cable ducts, main cabinet, management software). We help with the analysis and work with the syndicator to establish a workable model that is fair to all.
Should my company have mandatory charging stations?
Yes, in many cases it does. Since Jan. 1, 2025, non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces are required to provide at least 2 charging stations. In addition, for new construction, all parking spaces must be prepared for charging infrastructure (cable ducts, power supply). Failure to comply may result in denial of a use or building permit. We will guide you to become compliant.
What is a CPO (Charge Point Operator)?
A CPO (Charge Point Operator) is a company that installs, manages, and maintains charging infrastructure. An EMSP (E-Mobility Service Provider) provides charging services to end users, such as charging cards, apps, and billing. Evolut-ion is a certified CPO and EMSP in Belgium, which means we combine both roles under one roof: from hardware to management and the user app.
What subsidies are there for charging stations in Belgium?
How long does it take to install a charging station?
A standard installation of one to four charging stations is usually completed in one day. For larger projects - for example, a vehicle fleet or VME building with 10+ charging points - we charge 2 to 5 days for installation and connection. Preparation (study, earthworks, cabling, hardware delivery time) runs 3 to 6 weeks in advance.
What does a charging station cost for a business?
The cost of a commercial charging station ranges from €1,500 to €4,500, depending on the type, power rating, and installation. For larger projects, the cost per charging point decreases due to economies of scale. In addition to the hardware, there are costs for installation, collision protection, any necessary road markings, software, and the option of a maintenance contract. Contact us for a customized quote. We’ll assess your situation on-site.
How many charging stations do I need for my business?
It depends on the number of electric vehicles, the charging pattern and the available power on your electrical outlet. A rule of thumb: for a fleet that charges at night, one charging point per two to three vehicles is sufficient. For visitor car parks, we often calculate one charging point per 10 spaces. We come on site, analyze your situation and draw up a concrete proposal. Thanks to our smart control, load balancing and extra combi with our own notification and reservation tool, we increase the efficiency of each charge point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is load balancing at charging stations?
Load balancing dynamically distributes available power to multiple charging stations. This allows more vehicles to charge at the same time without having to increase your electricity connection.
Can I reimburse employee home charging sessions?
Yes. Our management software supports automatic reimbursement of home charging sessions. Employees charge their company car at home, and the cost is automatically recovered based on the CREG rate or an agreed upon rate.
Are you working with OCPP?
Yes. Our charging stations and management software work according to OCPP 1.6 or 2.0. This gives you freedom in your choice of hardware and ensures that you are not tied to one supplier (no vendor lock-in).
What is a CPO (Charge Point Operator)?
A CPO is a company that installs, manages and maintains charging infrastructure. Evolut-ion is a recognized CPO and EMSP (E-Mobility Service Provider) in Belgium.
How many charging stations do I need for my fleet?
That depends on the size of your fleet, the charging pattern and the available power on your electricity connection. Load balancing allows multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously without overloading the grid. We make an analysis based on your situation.
What does a charging station cost for a business?
The cost of a business charging station ranges from €1,500 to €4,500 depending on the type, power and installation. Please contact us for a customized quote.
Fleet
Electrifying a company vehicle fleet presents specific challenges. Find out here how to automatically reimburse employee charging sessions, how to comply with the latest parking legislation, and how to use smart management to save costs.
VME / Apartment Building
Charging together in a co-ownership requires a fair and safe approach. We answer questions about the distribution of installation costs, mandatory collision protection under the AREI and how our software ensures a flawless settlement between residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is collision protection for charging stations mandatory?
Yes. Since November 1, 2022, this is required by law according to the AREI (Book 1, Chapter 7.22.5). All newly installed or replaced charging poles must be protected against collisions. We install charging poles and collision protection in one project.
How much does installation in a Co-Owners' Association (VME) cost?
The price depends on the number of charging stations, the distance from the electricity box and the hardware and software chosen. An individual business charging station costs between €1,500 and €4,500. For a VME project, we look at costs per common section and/or per individual charge point separately.
What if the electrical box is too weak?
This is often solved with load balancing: the available capacity is dynamically distributed among the active charging points. Grid reinforcement is then not immediately necessary. We analyze your electrical installation and see which solution fits.
Can an individual resident install their own charging station?
Yes, but best in consultation with the VME and on a centrally managed platform. Otherwise you get fragmentation of vendors, problems with load balancing and possibly non-compliant installations. One collective solution reduces costs and works better for everyone.
How is electricity billed per resident?
Our management software measures per charge point and per user. Each resident gets their own tariff and an individual overview of their consumption. Billing can run automatically through the software, separate from the shared meter.
Is a charging station mandatory in new buildings?
From January 1, 2025, new obligations will apply in Belgium. Existing non-residential buildings with parking lots of more than 20 spaces must provide at least 2 charging poles. For new buildings, preparations for charging infrastructure are mandatory.
Who pays for the charging station in an apartment building?
It depends on the arrangements within the VME. Often the resident himself pays for the connection of his own charge point and the electricity consumed, while the VME invests in the common infrastructure (cable ducts, main cabinet, management software). We help analyze and establish a workable model together with the VME.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does parking marking cost?
The price depends on the type of marking, material and surface area. Contact us for a free quote - we will come on site for an analysis.
On what substrates can lining be applied?
On virtually all hard substrates: asphalt, concrete, clinker, epoxy floors and industrial floor coatings. We choose the right material for each substrate.
Is pretreatment of the substrate necessary?
Pretreatment is not always required, but depending on project and substrate, substrate preparation is regularly recommended. Both ball blasting and diamond sanding are often used to roughen the substrate and improve adhesion with the chosen type of paint. Evolut-ion gives the right advice in this and performs the pretreatment itself, tailored to the lines.
Can lines or entire areas be provided with anti-slip (coating)?
Yes. Often the areas where motorcycles or bicycles enter the underground garage are provided with a strip in anti-slip. There are various solutions and applications, for example, a fully encrusted casting system for ramps of parking towers and entrances of underground garages.
What does PMMA stand for?
PMMA stands for polymethyl methacrylate. PMMA lining - also often named as cold plastics - is a highly durable, 2-component plastic resin that cures quickly and is often used for high-performance road markings or parking lots. PMMA is also often used as waterproofing and surface protection for parking roofs.
How long do parking markings last?
Road paint lasts 6 to 12 months with normal use. Epoxy lasts 2 to 3 years on heavily used floors. PMMA is the most durable and can last for years, even with heavy traffic.
Can lining be installed along with charging poles and collision protection?
Yes, and we recommend it. We install charging poles, install collision protection and paint lines and EV logos in one project. One point of contact, lower total cost.
How long does it take to line a parking lot?
A standard outdoor parking lot is usually finished in one day. Larger projects or multi-story parking garages take several days. The parking lot is available again quickly - road paint is passable after only 20 minutes.
Which paint is best for my parking lot?
It depends on the surface and use. Road paint is advantageous for outdoor parking lots on asphalt. Epoxy is better for heavily used parking lots. Thermoplastic is ideal for durable symbols and pictograms. We recommend based on an on-site analysis.
Lines & road markings
Do you have an Etrel charging station in need of maintenance or repair? As an authorized partner, we have direct access to original parts and technical expertise to get your INCH or DUO chargers back up and running quickly, no matter who the original installer was.
Legislation
The rules around charging infrastructure are changing rapidly. From the mandatory collision protection according to the AREI to the new charging station obligation for parking lots from 2025: we summarize here the standards your installation must meet to be fully ‘compliant’ and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take action?
Now. The lead time for a charging station project is on average 1 to 2 months (without grid reinforcement) : study, quotation, request any grid reinforcement from Fluvius, order hardware, installation. Companies that wait until just before an inspection risk delivery problems and higher costs due to scarcity. The earlier we start, the more room for a thoughtful solution - not a quick band-aid.
What subsidies are there for charging stations?
What happens if I don't comply?
Failure to comply may result in a denial or revocation of the use permit or building permit. For new construction, a file can be blocked until the charging infrastructure is provided. In addition, you risk commercial damage: tenants and customers are increasingly choosing buildings with charging infrastructure. It pays to be proactive instead of waiting for an inspection.
How many charging stations will be required starting in 2025?
For non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces: a minimum of 2 charging stations. For new construction, that number increases depending on the total number of spaces. For publicly accessible parking lots of more than 100 spaces, the requirements are progressively increased toward 2030 and 2035. We advise companies to provide more than the legal minimum now, so you don't have to expand again within 3 years.
Is my company required to install charging stations?
Since Jan. 1, 2025, existing non-residential buildings with parking lots of more than 20 parking spaces are required to provide a minimum of 2 charging stations. For new construction or major renovations, all parking spaces must be prepared for charging infrastructure (cabling up to the parking space). Residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces are subject to a similar preparation requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my existing Etrel charging station serviced by you?
Yes. Even if another installer installed your Etrel charging station, we are happy to take over the maintenance, software updates and any repairs. We start with a one-time check-up: we check the installation, perform available firmware updates and, if desired, set up a maintenance contract. That way, you're worry-free the rest of the way.
What is the difference between a service partner and the manufacturer?
A service partner like Evolut-ion is closer to you - locally in Belgium, with faster intervention times and Dutch- and French-speaking support. Because we buy directly from Etrel, we have direct lines of communication with the manufacturer for complex issues. For most questions - installation, maintenance, software updates, repairs - you are helped faster and cheaper through us.
Do you offer service contracts on Etrel charging stations?
Yes. We offer maintenance contracts with preventive maintenance, priority interventions and response time guarantees. Packages are available for both private installations and business fleets. A contract is particularly interesting for those who depend on their charging infrastructure - for example, leasing companies or logistics sites.
How long does an Etrel repair take?
For an initial intervention, we aim for diagnosis within 48 hours. For repairs for which parts are in stock, we usually solve the problem in one visit. For specific parts that need to come from Slovenia, we count 1 to 3 weeks of delivery time. During this period, we can often provide a temporary solution so that your charging infrastructure remains operational.
Where can I get my Etrel charging station repaired in Belgium?
Evolut-ion buys directly from Etrel. That means we have direct access to original parts, technical documentation and factory support. Whether your charging station was installed by us or another installer - we perform repairs, maintenance and upgrades for Etrel models (INCH, DUO, INCH PRO).
Etrel service & repair
As a specialized partner for Etrel hardware in Belgium, we offer support that goes beyond installation. Whether it's a failure on an INCH Pro or upgrading a DUO charging column, we have the right spare parts and factory knowledge to keep your chargers in top condition.
Contact
We'd be happy to visit you to hear your story and offer a solution tailored to your business.
Please contact us via email: consult@evolut-ion.com, call us at +32(0)495 70 33 21 or use the form below.
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