HSB invests big on large-scale electric car charging together with ChargeNode

HSB Mellersta Gotaland has made a conscious and long-term investment in electric car charging. Now they share their experiences and what to consider when thinking about installing electric car charging. Read what Arvid Fasth, Head of Property Development at HSB, has in mind.

How did you think about electric car charging when you were designing the new office?
HSB consists of several businesses with different patterns of behaviour, while parts of the property are leased to external parties. We were looking for a solution that suited our open parking space and could act as dividers, but also the varying need for shorter and longer charging sessions. Some operations can charge throughout the night, others during shorter times of the day. By setting a departure time, the system adapts accordingly.

What requirements did you have for the provider and what functionality was a must?
We have been working with ChargeNode since 2020 and use their solution in all offices and our own properties. It was a must to use a system that works for our business and that we can reach when things mess up.

HSB Mellersta Götaland has been working with ChargeNode for several years. How do you think the collaboration works?
Despite many parties involved and an industry in constant development, we have had a smooth cooperation. Our main customers and members are BRFs and there the system works very well. The boards ask for a solution that requires minimal time and commitment and a support that is available should any problems arise. This has made the collaboration work well.

What tips would you like to give a BRF who is thinking about installing charging?
Above all, think about how you can create an attractive BRF and at the same time meet future needs. Pay less attention to the current situation and how many electric cars are in the association at the moment. Statistics suggest that a large part of the fleet will be electrified in the foreseeable future. Therefore, the association should ensure that there are conditions for members to acquire an electric car.

What are the most common mistakes a BRF makes in the process?
That the board has a firm idea of the need. Involving the members is usually given the most fair picture. How do they think ahead with the choice of car and access to charging? It is also easy to get caught up in what the age distribution looks like in the association today, without thinking about future buyers of apartments.

Power charges are becoming increasingly common among energy companies and the requirement is for everyone to introduce power tariffs until 2027. ChargeNode's charging system with departure times allows the charge to be distributed over time which helps to keep power peaks down, how do you see this? Is it a question that gets enough space in the choice of supplier?
This issue should definitely be further elucidated. It is often said that we sometimes have power shortages in Sweden and not electricity shortages. With this feature, all property owners can both save money and contribute to community benefits.

Any tips for BRF who are thinking of installing electric car charging?
• Think long term
• Take advantage of the beneficial contribution that exists now
• Many people advocate an association with a “green” mindset. By offering electric car charging, all members can contribute to the green transition and a better future.

HSB Mellersta Gotaland

HSB was founded over a hundred years ago and today every tenth Swede lives under their roof. HSB Sydost is one of several regional associations that works to build and manage housing in collaboration with its members to create good accommodation. HSB Sydost covers Kronoberg, Kalmar and Blekinge counties and has around 18,000 members who have priority over 800 tenancies and 211 condominium associations with approximately 11,000 condominiums. Customers also include private property owners and smaller companies such as HSB Mellersta Götaland who assist in real estate-related matters.

About ChargeNode

With a conviction to contribute to a more sustainable future with electric car charging, ChargeNode was founded in 2016. Three years later, the first prototype was installed. Today, ChargeNode is a leading player in large-scale electric vehicle charging in Sweden and continues to develop a charging system with hardware and software that simplifies electric vehicle charging for both installers, plant owners and users. With an experienced team of specialists and partners, ChargeNode is driving the transition to a more fossil-free society.