In the face of certain media articles, which cause unrest among citizens, the national association e-Mobility warned against misinterpretations of regulations on charging electric cars in garages of residential buildings. The association emphasizes that internal letters of individual institutions, which are often interpreted by the public as prohibitions, do not have the legal force of administrative decisions, but are purely informative opinions. They emphasize that the electrification of traffic is part of the broader energy transition and Croatia’s obligations towards the European Union.
Everything according to the procedure
In practice, tenants often encounter unjustified resistance from co-owners or building managers, but experts point out that charging via a standard home outlet in the building’s garage is completely legal. The simplest forms of electric car charging use existing electrical infrastructure, such as standard sockets. Such charging, if performed correctly and by an authorized electrician, is considered safe and legal. It is crucial to emphasize that each outlet must be part of a valid electrical project of the building. Improvisations, extension cords and unauthorized connections are not acceptable and may pose a safety risk.
When it comes to more advanced charging via the so-called wallbox device, the law is very clear: a co-owner cannot be prohibited from installing a charger if he follows the prescribed procedure. In certain cases, it is possible to request a completely new, separate electrical connection, without the need for the consent of the other co-owners, in accordance with the Law on Property and other valid regulations. The procedure is clearly defined and is carried out through the distribution network operator, according to the association. We remind you that five years ago we wrote about successful installations of this type.
Firefighter experiences and statistics
The issue of safety and fire protection is one of the most common points of contention, but data from the field refutes common fears. Zagreb firefighters, who intervene in between 100 and 150 vehicle fires annually, state that they do not remember a case of a “real” electric car fire. Only isolated incidents have been recorded, while significantly greater safety risks are hidden in unauthorized modifications of batteries on electric bicycles and scooters. Such “do-it-yourself” installations, without professional supervision and compliance with technical rules, in practice represent a greater safety risk than properly installed charging of electric cars in garages.
Official data from the Ministry of the Interior for 2024 further support these claims. Out of a total of 744 vehicle fires in Croatia, the most common causes are old age and technical malfunctions, factors that are much less common in modern electric vehicles. Statistically speaking, self-ignition of electric cars is many times less common compared to gasoline or diesel powered vehicles, primarily due to advanced battery monitoring systems.
Education instead of blanket bans
In conclusion, the e-Mobility Association appeals to co-owners and building managers to make decisions based on verified facts, not sensationalist articles. Instead of introducing unfounded bans, the focus should be on education about proper installations and professional supervision. Properly implemented infrastructure eliminates risks, while improvised solutions remain the main cause of potential dangers.
It is emphasized that electric vehicles represent a key step towards cleaner air and more sustainable city traffic. The association says that citizens have the right to use modern technology in their homes, provided professional rules and legal procedures are followed.