Are you ready for the transition?

Providing EV Charging as a customer service.

by Norrie Hunter

Business owners are being encouraged by ScottishPower to become electric car charger point hosts in a new ‘zero financial outlay’ scheme that aims to shift and guide support towards the transition to all electric transportation while offering potential benefits from additional revenue.

ScottishPower say that by providing this amenity for customers, businesses can further position themselves as a destination for drivers. They will also be able to play an important part in the switch towards a greener future and support local communities.

The company is now actively seeking partners in locations throughout the country to host its fully funded electric vehicle charge point programme, which will use 100% UK REGO backed green energy from ScottishPower’s renewable sources.

These sites must be open to the public 24/7 and will be assessed for viability with respect to charger numbers and type, along with location.

Andrew Mouat, Head of Smart Mobility at ScottishPower said:

“From 2030, the UK Government plans to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles meaning businesses should begin thinking about how to support their customers through this transition and be prepared for this change. Businesses have the chance to lead the way in this shift and should check whether they may be a suitable electric vehicle charge point host.”

Asked why businesses with carpark facilities or spare land should become an electric vehicle ‘host’, Mouat added:

“Becoming a host could provide an array of benefits with businesses helping to build a network of public charge points, at no additional cost to them as ScottishPower will lease the carpark spaces and fully fund, install, and maintain the electric vehicle charge points for the duration of the lease, taking the pressure off the provider.”

Latest figures show that more than 20% of new cars sold in the UK are now all-electric, an incentive ScottishPower highlights as offering businesses the chance to establish themselves as a customer’s first choice when choosing where to park due to their ability to charge their car as they head into their local town centre or park for work.

Within the process, ScottishPower can provide guidance to businesses on what chargers would best suit theirs and their customers’ needs. For example, hosts located near shopping centres and offices would benefit from long stay slow chargers whereas customers visiting supermarkets or gyms might benefit from fast or rapid chargers.

Commenting on this support, Mouat added:

“With chargers ranging from 7kw to 350kw, we can help determine which option is the most appropriate for each business, including across multi-sites.”