EPBD IV: What the new EU directive means for charging infrastructure

On May 29, 2026, the EPBD IV — the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive — must be transposed into national law in all EU member states. It is the fourth and most ambitious version of the European directive that determines how energy-efficient our buildings must be. The ultimate goal: a completely emission-free built environment by 2050.

What is the EPBD?

The EPBD has existed since 2002 and is regularly revised. The directive sets out what energy performance buildings must achieve — both new construction and existing buildings. Think of insulation requirements, energy labels, obligations regarding solar energy, and building automation. With the fourth version (EPBD IV), approved in 2024, significant changes are being introduced. The directive introduces the Zero Emission Building standard (ZEB), stricter renovation requirements for the worst-performing buildings, and — for the first time on this scale — requirements for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Charging infrastructure: from preparation to obligation

Charging infrastructure was already present in the previous version (EPBD III), but limited: mainly pre-cabling for large new construction projects with more than ten parking spaces. EPBD IV goes much further. The main changes:

• New construction must be equipped with at least one active charging point and pre-cabling for half of the parking spaces.
• Existing utility buildings (offices, shops, schools) must have at least one charging point per five parking spaces by 2027.
• Renovation projects that address more than 25% of the building envelope are subject to the same requirements as new construction.
• The threshold is also lower: the obligations apply to more building types and smaller parking facilities than before.

In short: EV charging is evolving from an optional extra to a standard facility — just like electricity, water, or ventilation.

Not just charging stations

EPBD IV goes further than just charging infrastructure. The directive also mandates solar energy for new utility buildings, with a phased expansion to existing government buildings and by 2030 to all new construction. Battery storage now counts towards the energy label, provided it is combined with solar panels. And building automation (BACS) has been mandatory since January 1, 2026 for non-residential buildings with heating or cooling systems above 290 kW. The bigger picture is clear: buildings are becoming energy systems. And those who invest smartly combine charging infrastructure with solar energy, storage, and energy management into one integrated whole.

Our vision

In the new EV City magazine we shared our view on EPBD IV. Not a theoretical story, but six concrete statements that we respond to honestly based on our daily practice. The core of our position:

• The real challenge is not in installing charging points, but in smartly managing energy in buildings. Load balancing, power distribution, alignment with building usage, and room for future growth — that is where the difference is made. Those who integrate EV charging today as a strategic building choice are building buildings that are ready for tomorrow.
• We also believe that the residential and semi-public market will grow fastest in the coming years. Apartment buildings, company parking lots, employer sites — that is where the greatest opportunities and greatest complexity lie. Syndics, co-owners, grid capacity, shared infrastructure: it requires a partner who thinks beyond just the hardware.
• Future-proof for us does not mean building everything out to the maximum, but smart phasing. Making the right choices today so that expansion remains logical and feasible tomorrow.

👉 Read the full article in EV City magazine (edition 01, p. 76-79)

Powerland as your full-chain energy partner

At Powerland, we never approach charging infrastructure as a standalone product. We combine EV charging with solar panels, battery storage, and energy management into one integrated energy system. For new construction, renovation, and existing buildings. EPBD IV confirms a direction we have been committed to for years. Curious about what this means for your project? Contact us.