Electric vehicles: lead the charge!

EV car sales increased by a whopping 76.3% in 2021, and, as of January 2022, there are an estimated 400,000 electric cars (EVs) on the road in the UK and over 750,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). However, the infrastructure to support EV vehicles hasn’t grown at such a rapid rate, as there are only 18,227 charging point locations nationwide, with 32.2% of them in Greater London.

With more and more drivers shifting to electric vehicles, EV charging is becoming a must-have amenity for hoteliers. After all, EV drivers typically charge their cars at night when they are at home. Therefore, it stands to reason that they'll seek out hotels that allow them to do the same while travelling, which is why it's become a popular filter on many booking sites. But what are your options if you don't yet have this business facility?

Free equipment through a carbon reduction charity

Zero Carbon World is a charity that donates free charging stations to businesses or organisations in the hotel, tourist or leisure industry. And in doing so, they have created ZeroNet, an unrestricted national charging network. Eligible locations receive equipment worth £450 that comprises one wall mounted 32A Type 2 charging station – the European standard that can add approximately 30 miles of charge per hour - and one parking sign, which you must display.

To be eligible for one of the charging stations, you'll need to pay for any installation costs, use one of their recommended installers and remain the owner and maintainer of the charging station for the benefit of EV driving visitors to your premises. If your business has 3 phase electrics, and you provide refreshments for visitors, there may be the option of a 3 phase charging station too.

Once installed, your business will be geo-synced on Open Charge Map, a database of charging stations that feeds various websites and SmartPhone Apps, including ZeroNet. Your location will also be promoted directly to EV drivers through social media channels to help them plan their holidays, business travel and days out. However, most businesses on ZeroNet offer complimentary EV charging to customers and employees. And, if you do wish to charge a small amount, this must not be more than you would pay for WIFI access or a similar service. Therefore, as far as generating additional profits, this type of model relies heavily on the potential of increased sales in your refreshment areas or spa facilities from a new segment of customers.

Commercial solutions for income generation

Installing EV charging on your premises isn't just about preparing for a modal shift. There's also unequivocal evidence that it's a path to attracting more visitors and earning more money. However, increasing footfall, dwell time and sales isn't the only way EV charging can drive profitability.

There is also the opportunity to boost profit by earning revenue from the machines themselves by setting tariffs for charging. The additional income you can generate will depend on the type of set-up you go with and the supplier you choose.

That's why Beacon works with suppliers that offer several different business models, and we work closely with you to source a solution that's right for you, your premises and your location. This includes companies such as Alfa Power, an award winning Electric Vehicle Charge Point Operator (CPO) with a comprehensive network of EV charging points across the UK. All their stations are powered by renewable energy, which is another great benefit if you're positioning your business as a community sustainability champion.

We've also just started working with Parking and Property Management, who along with their space and car parking management services, also provide EV charging solutions. Their latest innovation being the Urban Smart Bollard that raises up from within the ground upon request and has the capacity to charge 3 vehicles at the same time.

Your next steps

Click here to find out more about the requirements to claim the Zero Carbon Planet free equipment. Alternatively, to apply, please complete this online form. To speak to Beacon about different commercial models, click the button below to request a callback, and we'll be back in touch at a date and time to suit you to discuss your requirements.

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