As the UK accelerates towards meeting its sustainability goals, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) has become a focus for business, home and landowners alike.
Now, for property developers and landlords of flats and apartments, installing at-home EV charging infrastructure is an essential strategy to future-proof their properties.
With current UK governmental and environmental legislation promoting green energy, this move not only aligns with regulations but also boosts a property’s long-term value and appeal.
According to the latest census, 21.7 percent of households in the UK live in flats, maisonettes, or apartments. This is equivalent to 5.4 million people, many of whom do not have a private driveway and therefore cannot install a personal home charger.
MAKING THE SHIFT
Many drivers who live in apartments feel hesitant to make the shift to EVs. In fact, ChargeGuru’s own data found that over 70% of residents who live in flats or apartment buildings report that they are or would be reliant on public charging, which is on average three times more expensive than charging at home and can be up to 10 times more.
LANDLORD BENEFITS
Almost one in five (19.6%) new vehicles sold in 2024 were fully electric, rising to one in four (28.2%) when including plug-in hybrid EV’s.
As more people adopt electric cars, demand for at-home charging is inevitably increasing. Apartment complexes, which historically have lacked the infrastructure for charging EVs, must be prepared for inevitable EV regulations as well as market demands in order to remain competitive.
Our data found that a total of 74% of flat residents said that having somewhere to charge their car or living near a public charger is (49%) or will be (25%) a deciding factor when looking at renting or buying. However, 55% of flat residents say there are no electric vehicle charging points in their building.
By installing EV chargers in communal or private spaces within an apartment complex, property developers can meet this demand and future-proof their investments. Additionally, property managers can benefit from fully funded solutions that equip apartment buildings with the necessary infrastructure to support EV adoption without any cost to the building owner.
Moreover, properties that offer EV charging facilities are increasingly viewed as more desirable, attracting both tenants and buyers who prioritise sustainability and convenience. As the market for electric vehicles expands, properties with charging infrastructure will likely see a surge in demand, potentially allowing owners to increase rents or sales prices.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Integrating EV charging alongside other energy-efficient technologies can significantly reduce operating costs for landlords and/or tenants while optimising energy consumption.
One of the most notable advancements being made by some chargepoint operators in this area is smart charging technology.
Smart chargers allow for the scheduling of charging sessions during off-peak times, when energy costs are lower. This reduces the overall energy expenditure of tenants, property owners, or both – helping to reduce strain on the national grid.
Additionally, EVs can play a pivotal role in supporting the power grid in the future through bi-directional smart charging. This technology, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), enables the flow of electricity between EVs and the grid, allowing EVs to act as mobile energy storage units.
V2G technology can provide grid operators with crucial flexibility in managing electricity demand and supply. EVs can store excess energy during times of low demand and release it back to the grid during peak periods, effectively smoothing out fluctuations and alleviating pressure on the infrastructure. This not only ensures a more stable and efficient power grid but also supports the integration of renewable energy sources, which still produce energy during off-peak times.
Many apartment complexes are now also installing solar panels to harness renewable energy, which can be used to charge EVs or power the shared areas within the building. By pairing solar panels with EV chargers, landlords can further reduce their reliance on ‘purchased’ energy from the grid and lower costs of operation. In addition to reducing energy bills, solar integration enhances a property’s green credentials, making it even more attractive to those eco-conscious tenants.
HELP AND SUPPORT
Many residents of flats and apartments do not realise that there are options available, which their landlords can help with. It is important that we, as an industry, educate residents and help them engage with their property manager or landlord, as any installation will need their buy-in and approval. There are also grants available to both residents and landlords, provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
OZEV grants can knock £350 off the cost of purchasing and installing a domestic charging point and are available for people who live in a rented property or own a flat with dedicated off-street parking. Landlords or property managers can also claim up to an additional £500 per-bay (for up to 60 bays per building) towards the cost of installing infrastructure for residents via the EV infrastructure grant for residential car parks. Final thoughts
It is crucial that landlords and property managers are taking an active role in improving their green credentials, as properties with these sustainable technologies will be increasingly sought after and therefore more valuable. Not only does this make the property more attractive & financially lucrative, but it positions landlords at the forefront of sustainability, helping to stay ahead of future regulations and market trends.
Denis Watling is Managing Director of ChargeGuru UK
