As more consumers move to driving electric vehicles, retailers are embracing the opportunity offering charging points can hold. Here we explore the value and challenge of investment.
In retail, staying in front isn’t just about products. It’s about being plugged into innovation. And right now, one trend is charging ahead – electric vehicles (EVs).
Road transport accounts for 12% of planetary emissions [BBC], and the move to electric from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles is going to prove vital to meeting climate goals.
Positively the consumer appetite is growing, more than half of motorists aged 16 to 49 have said they are likely to switch to all-electric vehicles within the next decade [National Statistics], meaning retailers must consider evolving consumer needs as they revitalise their sites.
As more of us switch to electric cars, the demand for accessible charging points is growing alongside it. For retailers, this offers a great opportunity – as well as some challenges to overcome.
Installing EV charging points can boost customer satisfaction, drive footfall, and help meet sustainability goals. However, navigating the complexities of grid connections and installation can be daunting.
Here we explore the benefits and barriers to installing EV charging at retail locations – and how to make the process smoother and more cost-effective.
The scope of EV charging at retail locations
EVs are no longer a niche market. In the UK alone, ZapMap and the RAC found that one in 10 supermarkets now offers EV charging. And the trend is picking up speed, with over 600 new charging locations added in 2023 – a 59% increase on the previous year.
Today, EV chargers are now available at over 1,600 supermarkets, up from just over 1,000 in 2022. Even more impressive, over half now feature rapid or ultra-rapid charging, something EV drivers are increasingly demanding.
Why should retailers invest in EV charging?
It’s not just a tick-box exercise for retailers. It’s a powerful business move. Giving your customers quick and easy access to EV charge points taps into a growing market. And as EV adoption continues to grow, having charging facilities will soon become a basic expectation, like in-store coffee shops, Wi-Fi, or great service.
However, the advantages of installing EV charging points go beyond meeting consumer demand. Here are a few key benefits:
- Increased foot traffic and customer loyalty
EV drivers often plan shopping trips around charging availability, knowing they can power up while they shop. Installing charging points encourages repeat visits, increases foot traffic, and builds brand loyalty. Offering ultra-rapid chargers can up the game further, as drivers are frequently prepared to travel to locations where they can charge quickly and efficiently.
- Meet sustainability and ESG goals
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals are having more say in business decisions. EV charging points signal a firm commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. It’s a win-win. Upgrading your electrical infrastructure offers the opportunity to replace outdated equipment with more efficient, eco-friendly alternatives. It also helps make real progress toward carbon-neutrality targets and responds to the growing demand for sustainable practices from environmentally conscious consumers.
- Encourage longer shop times
Customers who charge their vehicles while shopping are likely to spend more time (and money). Fast charging can take 30 minutes or more, which provides ample time for shoppers to browse, use in-store facilities and add more items to their shopping basket.
- Take advantage of government incentives
The UK government is offering various grants and support schemes to encourage the installation of EV charging points, reducing your upfront costs and increasing long-term returns.
The charging challenge
While the benefits are clear, the process isn’t always easy. Retailers often face hurdles like grid connections, power availability, and navigating the complex systems of Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).
- Power availability: Retailers know all about supply and demand – and power grid constraints can be one of the biggest barriers. The UK has a significant backlog of projects waiting for connection, with some areas, like west London, facing delays that could stretch for years – putting the brakes on charging ambitions.
- Complex grid connections: Getting grid connections approved can be time-consuming and complex. Each DNO has its own rules, from application forms to payment terms, making it tricky for retailers and charge point operators (CPOs) to wade through without specialist help.
- Land rights and legal issues: Another challenge is securing the land rights for substation installations and other infrastructure. Legal processes can vary by region, and delays can throw off timelines. Without expert guidance, this can lead to higher costs – and plenty of frustration.
- Construction and technical challenges: Choosing the right contractors, managing technical designs, meeting construction timelines, and a host of other variables and site requirements all play a crucial role in the success of EV charging installations. Without a clear strategy, these can cause expensive delays.
‘Get connected’ with ESP Utilities
We are one of the UK’s largest and longest-established independent utility network operators, with over 20 years in the industry and over 1m connections – powering households, new developments, and a range of industrial and commercial operations.
To help retailers and Charge Point Operators (CPOs) tackle the challenges of installing EV charging points, we’ve created ‘Get Connected’.
We handle the entire grid connection process, from assessing grid connection viability and managing points of connection (POC) to liaising with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) – reducing complexity and avoiding costly delays.
Our in-house legal team speeds up the land rights process, often completing it in under 12 weeks, compared to the usual 12 to 18 months. Plus, we can help you save money by managing contractor and equipment procurement, with our tendering service typically reducing construction costs by up to 20%. We also challenge questionable POC offers, saving clients millions.
In short, we’ve energised over 350 EV charging sites, providing a trusted, experienced, efficient, and effective partner for retailers ready to tap into the power of EV charging.
Visit espug.com/ev-made-easy to find out how ESP can support you with your EV projects.
The demand for EV charging will only grow, and for retailers, the opportunity to capture this market is ripe.
However, the complexities of grid connections and installation can be a significant roadblock. Experienced specialists can help retailers overcome the hurdles and connect to the grid faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost.
By embracing the EV revolution now, retailers can reap the rewards of a rapidly evolving market, driving not just cars – but their business – into the future.
To find out more visit EV Made Easy : ESP Utilities Group LTD (espug.com)
