The Real Cost of EV Charging: Installation, Electricity, and Service Fees Explained

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent in Finland, housing companies face the challenge of providing efficient and cost-effective charging solutions for residents. Traditional approaches often involve substantial infrastructure overhauls and significant financial investments, which can be daunting for housing associations.

 KotiCharge—a Finnish company revolutionizing the EV charging paradigm by leveraging existing infrastructure to deliver smart, scalable, and affordable charging solutions. By utilizing current heating pole systems, KotiCharge minimizes the need for extensive renovations, thereby reducing upfront costs and simplifying the installation process. KotiCharge EV charging operator

Moreover, KotiCharge’s innovative approach addresses common concerns such as power-based fees (tehomaksut) by implementing smart charging strategies that optimize energy usage and prevent peak demand charges. This not only ensures fair billing for residents but also contributes to the overall stability of the electrical grid.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the real costs associated with EV charging in Finnish housing companies, exploring installation expenses, electricity pricing, and service fees. We’ll also highlight how KotiCharge’s solutions can help housing associations navigate these challenges effectively, offering both financial savings and operational efficiency.

Installation Costs: What Finnish Housing Companies Can Expect

Installing EV charging stations is a long-term investment. Costs vary depending on the building’s age, the parking layout, and the number of charging points required.

• Typical cost per charging point: Between €2,000 and €4000 depending on complexity and scale (Motiva).

• Shared vs. dedicated installations: Some housing companies install shared chargers for residents, while others offer dedicated spots, which often cost more.

• Technical requirements: Older buildings may need electrical system upgrades or a new distribution board to support multiple chargers.

KotiCharge works with housing companies to create cost-effective, scalable solutions tailored to Finnish residential environments—avoiding unnecessary upgrades and focusing on long-term usability.

Electricity Pricing: How Much Does Charging Cost Residents?

Electricity pricing in Finland varies depending on the contract type and market rates. There are two main pricing models for EV charging:

1. Fixed-rate pricing – a stable cost per kWh, regardless of market conditions.

2. Spot-pricing (Nord Pool market) – a dynamic hourly rate that reflects real-time electricity prices.

KotiCharge supports spot-pricing, giving users the opportunity to charge during off-peak hours—sometimes at less than half the cost of peak times. This model provides greater transparency and encourages smart charging behavior among residents.

In addition, KotiCharge’s system provides real-time monitoring for housing companies and residents, showing exactly how much electricity has been used and at what price.

Preventing Power-Based Fees (Tehomaksut)

With the increasing adoption of EVs, Finnish electricity providers are introducing power-based fees (tehomaksut) that charge based on peak power usage. These fees can significantly increase electricity bills for housing companies if not managed properly.

KotiCharge addresses this challenge through:

• Smart Charging: The system schedules charging sessions to avoid simultaneous high-power usage, effectively flattening the load curve.

• Load Balancing: By distributing the charging load evenly across available capacity, KotiCharge ensures that the building’s electrical system isn’t overloaded, preventing peak demand charges.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring allows for immediate adjustments to charging patterns, ensuring optimal energy distribution.

These features help housing companies avoid unexpected power-based fees, leading to more predictable and manageable electricity costs.

Ongoing Operator and Service Fees

Beyond installation and electricity, EV charging involves operating costs that housing companies need to consider:

• Monthly service fee: Typically around €5–€10 per user, covering software updates, user management, and technical support.

• System maintenance: Regular diagnostics and automatic updates ensure long-term performance and safety.

• Automated billing: With KotiCharge, each resident is billed individually based on their actual consumption—removing administrative burdens from the housing board.

Importantly, KotiCharge uses MID-certified meters, which comply with European Union accuracy standards. This ensures residents are fairly billed, and housing companies meet regulatory requirements.

KotiCharge: Designed for Finnish Housing Companies

KotiCharge is a Finland-based EV charging operator focused exclusively on residential buildings. Their platform includes:

• Automated resident billing

• Spot-price electricity integration

• Load balancing and optimization tools

• User-friendly Finnish-language customer support

• Transparent reporting for housing boards

Their mission is to make EV charging accessible, scalable, and easy to manage for housing cooperatives across Finland.

Learn more about how KotiCharge supports Finnish housing companies here: KotiCharge Housing Company Solutions

Conclusion: Clarity and Control in EV Charging

For Finnish housing companies, EV charging is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. Understanding the true cost involves more than just hardware: it includes electricity pricing models, operator service fees, and smart management tools.

With partners like KotiCharge, housing companies gain a turnkey solution tailored to their needs, helping residents charge reliably, affordably, and sustainably.