Car park operators are increasingly finding that installing EV charging stations is a smart move – it not only attracts more drivers and boosts revenue, but also helps them meet sustainability goals and comply with new regulations.
As electric vehicles keep popping up everywhere, car park operators are starting to feel the heat from drivers who expect reliable charging options while they're parked. Installing EV charging stations in car parks doesn't just make these locations more appealing to customers—it can actually give operators a revenue bump, too.
Meeting that growing demand also helps car park businesses show they're on board with sustainable transport. It's a good look.
Operators wanting to add value and keep things simple can use platforms that take the headache out of managing charging stations and flexible pricing. That way, it's easier for both the business and its users.
And just a heads up: new non-residential car parks with more than 10 spaces are legally required to have at least one EV charging point. So, getting ready for compliance now is pretty important.
Adding EV charging points can open up new revenue streams, make the user experience less of a hassle, and help your facility stand out. Operators get to meet modern demands and support a more sustainable, future-ready way of getting around.
EV charging brings in direct fees for power, possible subscription models, or even premium parking rates. Car park operators can earn something from every charging session, which stacks on top of the usual parking fees.
Some providers offer partnerships or revenue sharing, which helps reduce those scary upfront costs.
Longer vehicle dwell times mean drivers stick around while charging, so occupancy rates go up. That’s especially good news for retail car parks—longer visits can mean more shopping, which is a nice bonus.
Operators might also snag government grants or incentives to help cover installation costs, making the investment a bit less daunting. Offering charging in high-demand spots draws more drivers, too, so your customer base gets a boost as EVs keep catching on.
If you want more on this, check out how to market your EV chargers to increase customers and revenue.
Having EV charging available is a real convenience for drivers who count on public or workplace chargers. Car parks with charging can attract repeat customers—they'll see you as reliable and ahead of the curve.
A better user experience means more loyalty, and happy customers tend to spread the word.
EV owners can top up while they shop or work, which just saves time and makes their visit feel worthwhile. Features like app-based bookings, real-time availability, and contactless payments smooth things out even more.
Longer charging times sometimes encourage EV drivers to check out nearby shops or restaurants while they wait. In busy cities, customers are a lot more likely to pick car parks with dependable charging.
More on customer convenience and extended dwell times is available from industry sources.
With EVs on the rise, having charging stations can really set an operator apart from those who just offer basic parking. Being early to the party shows your car park is modern and sustainable—not just to drivers, but also to corporate and commercial tenants.
Car parks with charging can land partnerships with retailers or event spaces, making them the first choice for lots of facility users.
This can be a pretty big deal for businesses looking for sites with solid sustainability credentials.
Operators who invest in EV charging early can build a reputation for innovation and environmental responsibility. That's only going to matter more as regulations get stricter and the public leans into green mobility.
For more on how EV charging helps future-proof parking facilities, check out industry commentary.
Getting EV charging stations up and running in car parks takes some honest site analysis, the right hardware, and following all the rules. These steps affect installation costs, service quality, and how much maintenance you'll be dealing with down the line.
Operators have to look at site access, available power, and how much space they've got. Stuff like current electrical capacity and how close you are to the main supply can make or break feasibility.
A site survey with a qualified electrician or installer is a must.
Think about how cars move through the lot, whether it's for staff, the public, or fleets, and how many bays you want.
Ventilation and safety are a big deal in underground or multi-storey car parks.
Don't forget clear signage and line markings—they help users find and use chargers without confusion.
EV charging stations come in different power outputs and user interfaces. The main types? Slow, fast, and rapid chargers.
Most commercial car parks go for fast 7–22 kW chargers, since they work for a wide range of vehicles and user needs.
Planning for future expansion is smart—demand's only going up, so choose an operator who can support future expansion.
Regulations shape where and how you can set up EV chargers. Sometimes you'll need planning permission, especially if you're installing outside an existing car park.
Wiring regulations, accessibility standards, and grid connection rules all apply.
The UK’s Public Charge Point Regulations set minimum technical standards, reliability, and consumer protection rules for publicly accessible charging points. Operators have to make sure signage is clear, billing is transparent, and safety checks are done before things go live.
Some local councils have extra planning advice or requirements for business and public car park installations. It's worth checking with your local planning office—this planning advisory note for businesses is a good example.
Reliability, smooth payments, and smart use of data are all crucial for car park operators running EV charging infrastructure. Each piece affects user experience, efficiency, and overall business value.
Keeping charging stations in good shape is key to avoiding downtime and getting the most out of your equipment. Regular checks should cover cables, connectors, software, and any visible infrastructure for wear or damage.
Operators do well to partner with suppliers that offer solid support - think 24/7 driver support so your drivers are never left stranded. Fast, responsive support also keeps chargers available, which means fewer complaints and less lost revenue.
Payment integration should let drivers pay for charging without jumping through hoops. Operators ought to support a range of payment methods—contactless cards, mobile apps, RFID cards, you name it.
Being compatible with common networks opens the door to more users.
Security is non-negotiable for payment systems. They need to follow the latest standards, with end-to-end encryption and strong privacy protections.
Choosing solutions that are easy to update and support remotely can help you avoid headaches down the road.
Clear pricing is a must. Charging tariffs should be obvious at each charging point and in any app. Dynamic pricing for peak and off-peak periods is fine, but make sure changes are communicated so drivers aren't caught off guard.
A robust payment setup is now just expected—and it keeps you in line with public charge point regulations.
Monitoring data gives operators a window into charger usage, revenue trends, and when upgrades might be needed.
Collecting and analysing data shows if your current chargers are meeting demand or if you need more units or faster options.
Trends reveal peak times, average session lengths, and preferred payment methods, which helps guide your investment decisions.
EV charging in car parks is moving fast, shaped by new regulations and better energy tech. Operators are starting to use data-driven chargers and looking at sustainable energy integration to boost performance.
Smart charging tech means real-time monitoring, remote management, and flexible pricing for EV charge points. Operators can balance energy demand more efficiently by tracking usage and adjusting charging rates to match what's available on the grid.
That helps avoid peak demand charges and cuts operational costs.
A lot of systems now do automated scheduling, letting vehicles charge when electricity rates are lowest or when renewables are available. Features like contactless payments, user authentication, and analytics make life easier for everyone.
Charging infrastructure is getting upgrades to meet new standards, especially with the latest EU directive from January 2025. That should mean more reliability and convenience for users.
For more on regulatory changes, see the new EU requirements for car park charge points.
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