Do you want to design a charging station for electric cars and would like to install a public washroom?
Or maybe you already have an active EV hub and are experiencing the most common limitation: people stop to charge but cannot find public washrooms and it affects the overall experience negatively.
Today, electric vehicle charging stations are no longer simple “charging points”: they are rest areas, service spaces and true mobility hub. In modern EV hubs, especially high-power ones, charging time becomes time actually experienced by users: minutes of waiting that become an integral part of the travel experience. It is precisely in this dwell time that public washrooms are no longer a minor detail and become a strategic element of the infrastructure. Comfort, safety, accessibility and hygiene directly contribute to the overall quality of the EV hub and to the perception of the service provided.
With this guide, at SANO2 SOLUTIONS we support you in choosing the most suitable public washrooms for EV charging stations, focusing on self-cleaning solutions, accessibility and context integration.
A GUIDE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN EV CHARGING STATIONS
Public washrooms for EV charging stations: why they now are a “must” and not an “extra”?
Users of EV charging stations expect an easy and smart experience: they arrive, plug in the vehicle, wait and then continue the journey. However, those minutes of waiting time – especially along major transport routes, in shopping centres car parks, in suburban areas and high-power EV hubs – highlight immediate needs that affect how the service is perceived overall.
When there are no public washrooms, users notice immediately. When they exist, but are dirty, vandalised or unavailable, the impact is even more negative: the station is perceived as incomplete, poorly maintained and less reliable. A self-cleaning public washroom which is correctly integrated into a charging station communicates care, quality and a conscious design of the rest area.
Which concrete advantages do SANO2 SOLUTIONS public washrooms offer to EV charging stations?
SANO2 SOLUTIONS self-cleaning public washrooms offer benefits for both operators and users:
- Hygiene granted 24 hours a day,
- Reduced water and energy consumption, in line with the environmental value of electric cars,
- Safe and easy washroom access, with no physical contact, via contactless payment,
- Reduction in operational costs and faster recovery of the initial investment,
- Respect of European laws on safety and accessibility.
Why is a self-cleaning public washroom particularly recommended for EV charging stations?
In EV hubs, waiting becomes part of the experience and the quality of public washrooms matters. Self-cleaning public washrooms guarantee a high hygiene standard after each use, reduce dependence from human intervention and maintain continuous service even at night or in high-traffic contexts. Furthermore, these solutions align with the values of electric mobility thanks to their low water and energy consumption, and the use of durable and sustainable materials. A concrete example is the installation carried out in Zwickau, Germany, where SANO2 provided a self-cleaning public washroom for TotalEnergies at a busy charging station: the facility received no complaints regarding cleanliness, and ‒ thanks to lower daily operating costs – the initial investment was recouped more quickly.
Where to place a public washroom in a charging station to enhance usage, safety and perceived quality perception?
The position of a public washroom within an EV hub directly affects usage frequency, perceived safety and the reduction of vandalism risk. Public washrooms that are difficult to find or located in an isolated area, are used less and can create operational criticalities. That is why it is crucial to install them in a well-lit area, seamlessly integrated into the overall layout of the stop.
At the same time, public washrooms in a charging station must stand out for their immediate accessibility: they should be easy to spot and to reach, thanks to clear, universal signage, and, above all, intuitive to use. Users must be able to understand and operate them without hesitation or complicated instructions. Features such as universal icons, Braille on controls and audio signals for the hearing impaired make the experience safe and accessible for everyone.
How to manage misuse and ensure continuous service of washrooms in EV charging hubs?
Charging stations, in particular those that are isolated or heavily used, can be subject to misuse and vandalism acts. In a context of continuous operation, a washroom closed due to a fault or hygiene issues represents a service disruption for users and a loss to the value of the infrastructure.
Self-cleaning washrooms are currently the most effective solution because:
- They guarantee continuous service
- They maintain a constant hygiene standard
- They reduce the effect of wrong behaviours
- They limit the need for frequent manual interventions.
Moreover, with SANO2 SOLUTIONS, washroom management is even more efficient thanks to SANO2CONNECT®: a patented system which enables remote control of the facilities’ status, checking of notifications, scheduling of maintenance and reduction of unnecessary interventions, optimising both time and costs.
Off-grid or self-cleaning washrooms: which to choose for an EV charging station?
The choice between an off-grid public restroom and a self-cleaning washroom depends on the infrastructural context of the EV hub. In some cases, extending sewage, water or electricity connections can be complex or uneconomical, especially in extra-urban areas or temporary sites.
When the priority is to quickly provide a public washroom at a charging station without water and sewage connection, SANO2 SOLUTIONS’s series S0 offers off-grid solutions, designed to function independently of water, sewage or even electricity networks.
Conversely, when utility networks are available, and connections can be made sustainably, self-cleaning washrooms represent the ideal choice in terms of service quality, brand image and operational management:
- Series S4 is suitable for medium-to-high traffic contexts, offering a solid balance between investment and performance
- Series S5 is intended for high-intensity EV hubs, extensive networks and premium contexts, where reputation, innovation and operational control are key factors.
How important is to integrate additional services beyond public washrooms in EV hubs?
Alongside the public washrooms, it is increasingly useful to consider adding complementary services, designed as part of a coordinated system, capable of tangibly enhancing the user experience during the charging wait.
SANO2 SOLUTIONS supports you in designing a complete EV hub, helping you to coherently integrate all the necessary facilities to enhance comfort and the overall quality of the charging station.
These service areas may include lounge and relax rooms with benches and vending machines, covered and fully fitted outdoor areas, equipped modules designed for travellers and tourists, or even solutions such as PO boxes for shipping and pick-ups. Solutions that turn stopping time into a useful experience, helping to enhance the perception of the rest area positively.
The price of public washrooms for charging stations: what really matters?
The cost of public washrooms in electric charging stations does not fall within a standardised figure. It depends on the technology selected (e.g. self-cleaning), features provided, the level of customisation, local regulations and the complexity of the installation site.
For this reason, every SANO2 SOLUTIONS project begins with a specific analysis of the context and the customer’s objectives, with the aim of proposing a sustainable and efficient solution that is consistent with the overall design of the charging station.
Fill in the form below to receive an immediate, targeted and transparent quotation.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about SANO2 SOLUTIONS washrooms
What facilities and types of washrooms can you provide?
We understand that each context has specific needs and requires bespoke solutions. That is why our range includes:
- Washrooms that can be integrated into existing premises, ensuring maximum adaptability to the space available.
- Precast freestanding outdoor structures
- Washrooms without connections when sewer, water and electricity are not available
Our solutions are designed to meet every need: whether you need several washrooms in a single room or individual washrooms, we at SANO2 SOLUTIONS we have the ideal project for your space.
Once you have defined the structure, choose the most suitable type of washroom: without connections, traditional or self-cleaning, at SANO2 SOLUTIONS you will find each of these solutions and all the support you need.
I do not have a drainage, water or electricity. Can you provide me with washrooms without plumbing?
Absolutely! Our S0 range of off-grid toilets is designed for areas that are far from water, sewerage and electricity. SANO2 SOLUTIONS’ Bathroom Zero allows you to install a prefabricated bathroom, that is accessible to the disabled, more durable than a chemical toilet and more versatile than a traditional bathroom. Bathroom Zero has a waste water tank to compensate for the lack of a sewer connection, a water storage tank connected to a rainwater collection system, and two photovoltaic panels to generate the electricity needed to light the bathroom. Plumbing-free solutions are highly valued by users for their added value as eco-friendly and sustainable bathrooms.
When it comes to materials, fittings and finishes, you are spoilt for choice! Visit the design page of our projects!
What kind of access can I install in the washrooms?
Entrance and exit systems for the washrooms depend on the needs of the customers and the area, which is why we offer several options.
Access can be free or paid, coin-operated or contactless with Nayax readers (you decide how much to set!).
Again, you can choose the access system by reading a QR code, a tax code or a EuroKey.
Do you want to buy a public washroom privately or do you want to respond to a public tender with your washroom project?
Whether you want to buy a public washroom as a private individual or you need a public washroom project for a tender, perhaps as a construction company, architect or town hall technician, at SANO2 SOLUTIONS we design public washrooms of all types, from those without plumbing to self-cleaning models.
As a global company, one of our main values is to respect the context, the regulations in each country, but above all, to respect the needs of the customer.
Tell us about your project, SANO2 SOLUTIONS will come to you and find solutions for all your needs.
Do you build Accessible Washrooms? Can I choose the equipment?
At SANO2 SOLUTIONS we design, build and install Accessible Washroom And Unisex Washroom. Accessibility is a core value for us and has always been a part of our offering. As an international company, when we design and build washrooms for people with disabilities, we always take care to comply with applicable regulations: each country has its own dimensions, equipment, access and measures designed specifically designed for safe use by people with reduced mobility.
Our public washrooms are fully customisable, you choose the layout. For example, we can include instructions in Braille or record voice commands in the washroom, we can install the hand shower next to the washroom or include SOS buttons easily accessible from the seat.
You can rely on our experience in the industry and our knowledge of public disabled washroom regulations.
Can I get a maintenance contract for my washroom? How do you manage washrooms?
Of course you can! We guarantee the maintenance of our self-cleaning washrooms through our All In maintenance service, which is an integral part of our offer. In addition, we can offer a range of maintenance packages on request, depending on your specific needs.
Our All In maintenance service includes:
- Routine maintenance: cleaning and replenishment of consumables, typically twice a month
- Predictive maintenance: thanks to our powerful remote control tool we can intervene before components fail, reducing the time the washroom is inefficient.
- Technical maintenance: carried out by specialised technicians, it involves checking all the automatisms, usually once a month.
- Telephone support: active on working days, we provide assistance and intervene on the washroom, thanks to remote control, solving most of the problems.
Do you have a guarantee on your washrooms? For how many years?
Yes, all our washrooms are covered by a guarantee. By law, the warranty on manufacturing defects is one year, but we at SANO2 SOLUTIONS have decided to extend it to 2 years to give you greater peace of mind and security in your investment.