FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Whilst the Electric Car Grant, a new discount scheme, recently announced by the government is a positive step towards cleaner air and reaching the UK’s net zero targets as it encourages more people to switch to cheaper Electric Vehicles (EVs), FM firm, Sussex Facilities Management is sounding a note of caution.
Mark Jackson, Managing Director of Sussex Facilities Management said: “This shift could put real pressure on commercial buildings, especially workplaces, and the availability of charging points is only part of the picture. Without the necessary power infrastructure behind them, they risk becoming nothing more than showpieces.”
The incentive seems to focus on smaller EVs with smaller batteries, which will require more frequent top-ups. Staff and visitors who have taken advantage of the scheme will increasingly expect to plug in their vehicles at work.
However, many buildings simply aren’t prepared. Installing too many chargers could:
- Require more electrical supply than is currently available
- Slow charging speeds across the chargers
There are options to boost power capacity, such as installing solar panels or other renewable solutions. However, installing these measures or upgrading the incoming supply to cope with the increased electrical demand could be very costly.
Jackson added: “Businesses should start planning now to accommodate staff and visitors’ charging needs, avoiding a far bigger headache down the line.”
Reviewing your electrical capacity, understanding how many chargers can run at once, clarifying who pays for electricity used for car charging and visitor charging policies are good starting points before any investment is made.
