With the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) on UK roads, EV drivers need more public EV charging stations. Our recent research underlined this growing demand, with 70% of UK EV drivers saying there are currently limited public EV charging options where they live.
For organisations such as property developers, landowners and retail & hospitality businesses looking to seize this prime commercial opportunity and capitalise on increasing demand, now is the time to install EV charging facilities at your site. But before diving in, it's imperative that any organisation looking to enter this market fully understands the installation challenges of what is a complex infrastructural undertaking.
Of course, an effective EV charging installation is only possible if managed well from the very start. Before you sign on the dotted line with any EV charging installer or charge point operator (CPO), it's best to do your research. There are regulations to navigate, costs to consider, and site location is critical. Working with an EV charging installation specialist is a must.
This article covers the main challenges of EV charging installations, explaining how landowners and property managers can create effective, convenient and profitable public EV charging stations.
Focus on optimal site selection and accessibility needs
Our recent whitepaper found that only 5% of EV drivers never use public charging. With such a low statistic, the high demand for public EV charging is plain to see. If you can get the site location right, your EV charging stations will be a success.
However, your EV charging stations must match EV drivers in your location. Prioritising customer experience is a must to ensure they will keep returning to your site to charge again. Here are some areas you must consider when establishing your charging facilities...
Adequate space for infrastructure
There must be adequate space for the EV driver to charge their car. Most current charging bays are suitable for passenger cars. It is important, however, to consider all road users, including larger vehicles such as vans and motorhomes that will also need to use EV public charging stations. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the access needed for higher, longer, and wider electric vehicles.
Accessibility for people with disabilities
EV charging should be available for all EV drivers without exception. People with disabilities need different access to charging stations. For example, they may need to leave their car via wheelchair. Therefore, extra space needs to allow for this.
The need for accessible EV charging is also a standard in law. PAS-1899 details all the specifications of charging stations for people with disabilities. For example, touch screens must be at a certain height. Also, different charger connections must be available on-site.
Monitor regulations for public EV charging stations
Following local and government regulations is essential. Nobody wants to receive a fine, penalty, or bad press for non-compliance. Compliance for EV charging is still in its infancy. However, there are some essential areas to consider, such as:
- Obtaining permits and local regulations
- Following electrical code compliance and parking regulations
- Conducting environmental impact assessments
Staying compliant
Ensuring your charging site is legal can be challenging and sometimes confusing. For example, you don’t need planning permission to install a public rapid chargepoint in England if it is no more than 2m high. In contrast, this height restriction is 1.6m in Wales.
This strict height rule requires planning permission for rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations. The knock-on effect of having different regulations across the UK can impact the rollout.
Regulations are being regularly reviewed, and new ones are being introduced. The intention is to keep improving and make charging easier for drivers. An example of which is the recent requirement that any charger of 8Kw or above must have contactless payment built-in. Luckily, specialist EV installation companies can inform you of new rules and regulations and changes to existing ones.
Putting the right electrical infrastructure in place
It’s important to know that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when implementing EV charging. Every site is different, needing a different solution. Before installing any EV charging station, you must have the proper electrical infrastructure on the site. Partnering with a qualified EV charging installation team is a necessity.
As more people install EV charging stations, there will be more pressure on the electrical grid. More charging stations means we will need more power in specific locations. Electric capacity on site can also be an issue when you bring more power to a site. For example, if you want to install rapid chargers that demand high amounts of energy from the grid.
Giving the best user experience for EV drivers
Delivering the best user experience is also a priority for charging stations. Creating a positive user experience can help to retain and attract new customers to your site, and it’s important to note that public EV charging stations are not only for public use. Companies and fleet operators also want to charge commercial EVs at public sites. Offering the best customer experience for every EV driver is essential.
Unfortunately, some situations at charging stations can be off-putting for EV drivers. For example, our research discovered 77% of EV drivers had problems accessing a charge point. The main issues were:
- Damaged infrastructure
- Inadequate payment options
- Software incompatibility
Preparing before these problems happen can help you offer the best user experience. Setting up your public EV charging station right the first time minimises these challenges. Here are some ways in which you can do this.
Set up a maintenance system
Natural wear and tear will happen, as with any service used by the public. Regular monitoring and general maintenance are necessary once your EV charging station is live. Many installers and operators offer maintenance programmes to keep your infrastructure in good working order.
Promote easy-to-use interfaces and payment systems
Spend time making sure that you select interfaces and payment systems that are as user-friendly as possible. EV drivers want to arrive, set up charging and leave when it is complete. Nobody wants to spend hours navigating a complex dashboard or several payment apps. Also, provide adequate signage to help people use the charging station easily.
Use the right type of EV charger
Every EV charging site will be different, depending on the needs of the EV drivers who want to use it. Installing the most suitable public charging will make a huge difference. This article explains the different types of public EV chargers. You can use it to guide you on what might suit your location.
Counting the costs
Site operators, property developers, and landowners sometimes delay installing EV charging. The two main reasons are high upfront costs and uncertain returns on investment. However, once there is an understanding of the consistent long-term financial benefits gained from working with a Charge Point Operator, those initial worries can be significantly avoided.
As a Charge Point Operator, we can help you identify the optimal charging infrastructure models for your location. We offer end-to-end support, from design, specification and installation, to operating. The best part is, with our fully funded solution, we do all the investing on your behalf whilst you receive a fixed amount or a share of the revenue, so you can set aside any concerns about costs. Our customised system means you get the best possible EV charging infrastructure.
There are many areas SMS looks at to ensure you get the most income from EV charging stations:
- The location of the site
- Traffic in the area
- Local population density
- Amenities in the local area
- The most suitable EV chargers for the site
- Other competitors in the area
Also, it is possible to leverage government incentives, depending on your business situation. For example, the UK government offers EV Charge point grants for landlords, and there is also a Workplace Charging Scheme. You can find out more in this short guide about grants for EV charging stations.
Next Steps: Installing Public EV Charging Stations
Working with an experienced company makes the installation process smoother. The right partner will give you the best installation and guide you on the rules and regulations. You’ll also be confident that your site is in the right location so that you can give EV drivers the best experience.
A customised setup will help you retain customers and attract new EV drivers. Additionally, future-proofing your site will allow you to adapt your charging station. This futuristic approach will make you more money as the EV charging network grows. Your site will offer cutting-edge EV charging to eager EV drivers.
Be part of the EV transition. At SMS, we assess land and property for EV charging infrastructure. We help managing agents, site operators, property developers, and landowners make the right decision.
Ready to start offering public EV charging? Book a FREE consultation with our expert EV charging consultants to learn more.