Regulatory Affairs Section Network Users Department
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the international standard IEC 61851-1 electric vehicle (EV) charging is classified into the following modes:
- Mode 1 (standard charging): The EV is charged from the grid via a standard household socket outlet (e.g., Schuko), using a charging cable without any built-in communication or control device.
- Mode 2 (standard charging with protection): The EV is charged from the grid via a standard socket outlet, but the charging cable includes an in-cable control and protection device, which provides shock protection and limited communication functionality.
- Mode 3 (standard charging with protection): The EV is charged through a dedicated charging infrastructure that is permanently connected to the grid, with an integrated control circuit.
- Mode 4 (DC fast charging): The EV is charged via a permanently connected to the grid charging infrastructure with an integrated control circuit. Mode 4 allows a high-power DC current to flow from the charging device to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the vehicle’s AC/DC converter.
Based on the above distinction, for charging by methods 1 and 2, the installation of “charging infrastructure” is not required.
Therefore, the following questions and answers are applicable in cases where mode 3 or 4 charging is chosen, in which case the installation of charging infrastructure, i.e. permanently connected wall-mounted or floor-mounted chargers, is required.
A charging infrastructure may be supplied directly from the grid via a new Low Voltage (LV) or Medium Voltage (MV) connection, or it may be installed within an already electrified area and connected to the existing electrical installation of that area, with or without an upgrade to the grid’s power supply. The supply of a charging infrastructure from the grid via a new High Voltage (HV) connection is permitted if the maximum demand does not exceed 135 kVA. For higher power requirements, a Medium Voltage (MV) connection is necessary.¹ In an MV installation, the charging infrastructure can be connected either to the HV side of an existing MV/LV transformer or to a new MV/LV transformer.
Every consumer residing in an apartment within a multi-unit residential building has the option to:
- Connect the charging infrastructure to their existing individual electrical installation, with or without an upgrade to their supply; or
- Apply for a new dedicated supply exclusively for electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Additionally, all residents of an apartment building may choose to install shared charging infrastructure, and either:
- Use the building’s existing shared supply (after increasing its capacity if necessary); or
- Request a new shared supply dedicated exclusively to EV charging.
In the latter case, the application to the Network Operator and the execution of the connection and supply contracts can be carried out by a Charging Infrastructure Representation Body (CRA), following proper authorization from the participating consumers.
The procedure for installing charging infrastructure in apartment buildings is detailed in Chapter C of Part B of Law 4710/2020.
Installations to which charging infrastructure is connected must be designed, constructed, operated, and inspected in compliance with the technical requirements and specifications set out in the ELOT HD 60364 standard “Requirements for Electrical Installations”, or its equivalent European and international standards, as applicable. This obligation is outlined in Article 27 of Law 4710/2020. More specific requirements for installations intended to supply power to electric vehicles are provided in Part 7-722 of the same Standard.
For the certification of the safe and uninterrupted operation of a Low Voltage (LV) electrical installation, the Installer Solemn Declaration must be submitted to the Network Operator, in accordance with the Ministerial Decision of Government Gazette 4654/B/08.10.2021. This declaration requires the performance of inspections, tests, and measurements, the results of which are documented in the Control Protocol accompanying the Declaration. If the inspection of the internal electrical installation is conducted in accordance with ELOT HD384 and the Control Protocol is completed accordingly, the consumer must also submit a Declaration of Responsibility pursuant to Law No. 1599/1986. This declaration must be signed by a licensed electrical installer and state that: “The installation was designed, constructed, tested, and operates in accordance with the ELOT 60364 standard, as applicable, or in accordance with the equivalent European or international standard.” If the inspection is carried out directly in accordance with ELOT 60364, and the corresponding ELOT 60364 Inspection Protocol is completed, then the submission of the above Declaration of Responsibility under Law 1599/1986 is not required.
In the case of a Medium Voltage (MV) electrical installation, the installation engineer must submit the documents and drawings specified in Article 2 of the Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette B’ 844/16.5.2011), which include: a declaration that the installation was carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations, a technical description of the installation, drawings, including floor plans and sectional views of the building where the installation is located, a topographic diagram of the area, and the electrical wiring diagrams. For the LV section of the installation, the same requirements apply.
For new connections to the grid for EV charging infrastructure, a smart meter is installed from the outset.
In the case of existing installations that currently use electromechanical meters, when the Network Operator is notified about the installation of EV charging infrastructure (with or without a supply upgrade), the electromechanical meter is replaced with a smart meter at no additional cost. The smart meter provides hourly metering data and is fully integrated into the HEDNO telemetry system.
The total installed capacity is the sum of the nominal power of all charging points, as specified in their manufacturers’ technical documentation. The total maximum demand capacity is the actual maximum power the infrastructure can draw from the grid at any given time, which may be equal to or less than the installed capacity.
For example, If two charging points of 22 kVA each are installed, the total installed capacity is 44 kVA. If they are not used simultaneously (with a diversity factor of 0.5), the total maximum demand will be 22 kVA. Alternatively, the consumer may operate the infrastructure simultaneously while implementing active power management (load control), ensuring that the total power demand never exceeds the predefined limit.
Active power management (via “smart” chargers) may be implemented to limit demand at any moment, allowing for installation without increasing the agreed supply, given that the charging infrastructure can adjust its operating power to ensure that the total power drawn from the grid by the installation does not exceed the agreed supply capacity at any given time.
In installations with single-phase supplies (8 or 12 kVA), charging infrastructure drawing up to 32 A (7.4 kVA) may be connected. For the final selection of the charging infrastructure power, the installer must assess the total demand, considering all loads and their diversity factors, to ensure the total simultaneous demand does not exceed the agreed supply.
If a consumer wants supply a low power charging infrastructure via a new supply, he can choose between the single-phase 8 or 12 kVA power supply or the three-phase 15 kVA power supply. Since the connection costs are identical under the LV Participation System for all three, the three-phase option is recommended, as it offers higher capacity, better load distribution, and future scalability. This makes the installation of three-phase charging infrastructure preferable.
To maintain network symmetry, when multiple charging points are installed on a three-phase supply—especially if they are single-phase, or if charging occurs in single-phase mode on three-phase chargers—the electrician must ensure that the charging points are evenly distributed across the three phases to balance the load.