Shared Charging Stations: Solving the EV Dilemma in Apartment Complexes

Shared charging stations offer a practical solution to the growing electric vehicle (EV) dilemma in apartment complexes. Discover how KotiCharge is helping solve this challenge across Finland.

The EV Revolution Is Here—But Are Apartments Ready?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are booming across Europe, and Finland is no exception. According to Statista, the number of new electric cars registered in Finland continues to rise sharply each year. But while this shift is great for the environment, it presents a growing challenge for urban living: how can residents of apartment complexes charge their vehicles without dedicated private garages?

This is where shared charging stations step in as the game-changer.

Why Shared Charging Stations Matter

In cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere, a significant portion of the population lives in apartment buildings. Traditional single-user chargers just don’t make sense —space is limited, installations are expensive, and not every resident drives an EV.

Shared charging stations solve this by providing centralized, accessible, and cost-effective charging solutions that can serve multiple users simultaneously. These setups:

• Optimize the use of available space
• Lower installation and maintenance costs
• Support the community shift towards sustainable transportation

With shared infrastructure, the transition to electric mobility becomes easier and more inclusive.

Common Challenges Faced by Apartments

Still, many apartment complexes hesitate to install EV infrastructure due to concerns like:

• High installation costs
• Disputes over electricity billing
• Concerns over usage fairness
• Limited parking space
  

However, with smart technology and advanced billing systems, these issues are no longer roadblocks. In fact, Finnish companies are already making EV infrastructure both smart and shared.

KotiCharge: Making Shared Charging Easy for Apartments

At KotiCharge, we’ve created a flexible and future-proof EV charging solution tailored for apartment buildings and shared use.

Here’s how KotiCharge is addressing the key pain points:

• Smart Charging: Our system allows users to charge during off-peak hours and optimize for spot pricing, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective.
  
• User-Based Billing: No more confusion over who pays what. Each user is billed individually, even when using shared charging stations.
  
• Invoicing for Company Cars: Need to charge a work EV at home? We support direct invoicing to employers.
  
• Idle Fee Management: Prevent misuse by applying idle fees when vehicles are fully charged but not moved.
  
• Easy Setup for HOAs: Housing cooperatives (taloyhtiö) can integrate KotiCharge with minimal investment and maximum transparency.

Our solution is scalable, meaning you can start small and grow the charging infrastructure as demand increases.

Want to learn more about how it works? Check out our KotiCharge Services for full details.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Smart Cities

Installing shared charging stations isn’t just a convenience—it’s a step toward smart, sustainable urban development. When buildings offer shared EV infrastructure, they:

• Encourage more residents to choose electric vehicles
• Reduce CO₂ emissions
• Increase the property value of apartment complexes
• Future-proof the building for upcoming environmental regulations

How to Get Started with Shared Charging Stations

If you’re a housing manager, board member, or even a resident who wants to bring shared EV charging to your building, here’s a quick guide:

1. Survey Resident Interest: Gauge how many current or future EV drivers are in your building.
2. Contact a Service Provider: Look for experts like KotiCharge who offer scalable shared charging station setups.
3. Apply for Grants or Municipal Support: Many Finnish cities offer subsidies for EV infrastructure.
4. Install and Educate: Once installed, educate residents on how to use the system and monitor fairness and usage.

It’s not only possible—it’s happening.

External Inspiration: Case Study from Norway

Finland can also take inspiration from neighboring Norway, where EVs make up over 80% of new car sales. In Oslo, shared charging stations in housing cooperatives have dramatically increased EV adoption and decreased friction among residents. Learn more in CleanTechnica’s case study.

Final Thoughts

The demand for electric vehicles is rising—and apartment complexes need to keep up. Shared charging stations present a scalable, community-friendly, and cost-effective solution. With providers like KotiCharge making it easier than ever, there’s no reason to delay.

Make the shift. Empower your residents. Charge smarter.