From May 29, 2026, Boverket requires smart charging in real estate. But the requirement does not apply to the charging box -- it applies to the entire system behind it. So you know if your charging solution is enough.
From 29 May 2026, smart charging is a legal requirement in Swedish real estate. It sounds simple — but most people who think they have a handle miss a crucial detail: the requirement does not apply to the charging box. It applies to the whole system behind it. And that's a choice you make already when choosing a charging carrier.
Boverket's regulations on sustainable mobility, which will enter into force on 29 May 2026, is based on the EU's updated Energy Performance Directive (EPBD). In addition to the requirements for the number of charging points and wiring, the regulations impose four technical requirements on all new charging points:
Above all, it is the first requirement — smart charging — that many property owners underestimate. And this is where the choice of solution matters most.
Boverket and MSB define smart charging in their common guidance on charging infrastructure: a charging system in which electric vehicles, charging stations and charging operators share data connections, so that charging can be optimised based on, for example, price and availability of grid capacity.
It is a system definition. Smart charging is thus not a feature of an individual charging box — it is the result of several parts working together: the vehicle receiving control signals, the charging station communicating via open protocols, and a charging operator with an active platform actually performing the optimization in real time.
This means that the question you need to ask when choosing a charging solution is not just “does the charging box support OCPP?” — but also “there is an active charging service behind that makes it smart?”
A charging box can be of high quality, support OCPP and meet all the technical specifications on paper. However, if it is not connected to an active charging service with a CSMS (Charging Station Management System) behind there is no optimization. The charging box does not know what the rest of the property consumes. It does not know when in the day electricity is cheapest. It cannot prioritise which vehicles should be loaded first.
It is precisely this connection — between hardware and active charging service — that Boverket's system requirements are all about.
In practice, this means that you as a property owner need to ensure two things: charging points that communicate via open protocols, and a charging operator operating an active platform that actually performs the smart steering. It is a complete solution, not a product.
The background is a concrete problem in the Swedish electricity system. Sweden has plenty of energy, but the local grids are not designed to allow everyone to charge their cars at the same time. The solution is not primarily to build out the power grids — it is expensive and takes a long time. The solution is to make charging a flexible load that can be controlled to the right time and place.
It only works if the charging points are connected and controlled by an active service. A charging box that draws full power at 5 p.m. -- when half the property is also cooking and showering -- puts unnecessary strain on the power grid. The same charge carried out at 11pm is barely noticeable. The difference is smart steering.
In parallel with Boverket's regulations, the issue of effect-based pricing has long been relevant. The government has now decided to abolish the mandatory requirement for power tariffs -- but the picture is more nuanced than it might seem. Already 30—50 grid companies apply power tariffs voluntarily and can continue to do so. A new investigation is also underway to see if the requirement can be reinstated in a revised form, with an announcement no later than April 2027.
That means the argument for smart charging remains. A property with dynamic load balancing can steer away from the most expensive hours and level the power output automatically -- regardless of the tariff model in force in the local grid. A property without that opportunity cannot.
The regulations apply in different stages depending on the type of property and whether it is a new construction or an existing building. A full review of coverage requirements by building type can be found in Boverket's charging infrastructure requirements 2026. However, the technical quality requirement — smart charging, OCPP and interoperability — applies to all new charging points regardless of building type:
From 29 May 2026 — new construction and major renovation:
From 1 January 2027 — retroactive requirements for existing premises:
The regulations are on referral until April 17, 2026. Exact detail requirements can be adjusted before they take effect. Environmental Protection Agency publishes guidance for application in conjunction with the entry into force.
It may seem that there is plenty of time. It does not - especially not for those who want to combine the installation with Charge the Car Subsidy from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The grant provides up to 50% in support, a maximum of SEK 15,000 per charging point. From February 1, 2026, companies and organizations engaged in economic activities must submit applications to Environmental Protection Agency before the start of installation — this is an EU state aid law requirement. The processing time is 3-4 months, which means that applicants in April can expect to receive notification no earlier than July-August, after which design and installation will be added.
If you delay too long, there is also a risk that competition for electrical contractors and grid connections will increase sharply towards the end of 2026, when many property owners are due to be ready by 1 January 2027.
ChargeNode's solution is a whole: charging points and charging service belong together. ChargeNodes Proprietary CSMS Platform is the active service that makes charging smart — it's here dynamic load balancing, Departure based charging and real-time optimization occurs. The platform communicates via OCPP and supports full interoperability, which meets all the technical requirements of Boverket's regulations. In addition, the system is prepared for bi-directional charging (V2G) where technically feasible.
Do you already have charging boxes from another provider installed? ChargeNode can in most cases connect existing hardware — from brands such as GARO, Zaptec, Easee, CTEK and several others — to the platform via migration of charging outlets, without the need to replace the equipment.
ChargeNode also helps you apply for the Charge the Car grant free of charge, so you don't miss out on the right to up to 50% in support.
Contact us for a free consultation, and we will review what Boverket's requirements mean for your particular property.
Boverket's regulations are not just about how many charging points your property should have — they are about how charging works. If you choose a solution without an active charging service behind, you risk ending up wrong, both legally and financially. If you choose the right one from the start, smart charging is not an expense — it is an investment that pays off every month in reduced electricity costs.
What is the definition of smart charging according to Boverket?
According to the Joint Charging Infrastructure Guidance by Boverket and MSB, smart charging refers to a system in which electric vehicles, charging stations and charging operators share data connections so that charging can be optimised based on, for example, price and availability of capacity in the grid. It's a system requirement -- not a requirement for an individual charging box.
Is it enough for the charging box to support OCPP to meet the smart charging requirement?
The No. OCPP is a prerequisite for the hardware to be able to communicate with a platform, but it does not in itself meet the requirement for smart charging. It also requires an active charging service with a CSMS that actually performs the optimization in real time. Read more about How a CSMS works.
Do the smart charging requirements also apply to my existing building?
The smart charging requirement applies to all new charging points that are installed. For existing buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, retroactive requirements apply from January 1, 2027. Exact requirements are set out in the final regulations of the Boverket after the consultation round, which closes on 17 April 2026.
Can I keep my existing charging boxes and still meet the requirements?
In many cases yes, provided that the charging boxes support OCPP and can be connected to an active charging service with smart control. Compatibility depends on the brand and model. ChargeNode offers migration of existing charging outlets and always carry out an inventory to ensure compatibility.
What happens if I miss searching for the Download the Car grant before installation?
It depends on who you are. From February 1, 2026, companies and organizations that carry out economic activities — that is, provide goods or services on an open market — must submit applications to Environmental Protection Agency before starting the installation. It is therefore not possible to apply retrospectively if you are a company or real estate company. The rule is based on EU state aid rules. The same requirements do not apply to condominium associations and associations — they can still apply after the installation has been completed. The processing time is 3-4 months regardless, so the application should be submitted well in advance.
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