LEISURE & RETAIL FACILITIES CHARGED UP


Michelle Machesney, EV Solutions Director for TSG UK, explains how technology is helping to scale-up charging infrastructure installations to meet demand at key commercial locations, from hotels and restaurants to shopping centres and gyms.


In 2030, the sale of pure internal combustion engine cars (petrol and diesel) will be prohibited, swiftly followed by hybrid vehicles fi ve years later (in England – Scotland will ban hybrid vehicles in 2032). It will mark the end of an era for an engine which has dominated our roads for well over 100 years; and a huge step towards a more sustainable low- carbon future.


We can already see evidence that consumers are embracing EVs well before the 2030 target, with over 515,000 plug-in vehicles (including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) on the road as of May 2021. In 2020, new EV registrations rose 66% on the previous year.


This demand together with government commitments is putting pressure on car manufacturers to move away from traditional fuels. What we need is the charging infrastructure required to support this growth and make EV driving a viable option for everyone.


Become an EV charging destination There is no doubt that EV driving requires a certain change of mindset for most people. Charging needs to be easy and fi t around a variety of lifestyles. There is a place for EV charging points at most public places; hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, supermarkets, gyms and spas, to name a few.


“Smart EV chargers benefi t from being connected to a ‘back end’ system, meaning settings


can be easily confi gured to suit individual needs.”


Becoming an EV charging destination is good for business, adding value by providing opportunities to charge while using the facilities. These customers are likely to stay longer and if they have a good experience, they will come back. EV drivers are loyal to good charging experiences; if you get yours right then repeat business will keep coming.


What features should you look for in


an EV charger? Leisure and retail facilities lend themselves to offer customers both fast and rapid charging options. For


46 | TOMORROW’S FM twitter.com/TomorrowsFM


customers spending a few hours in the spa, gym or shopping centre to those passing through, offering the option of 7kW to 175kW will cater for all demographics. Reliability is an important factor in fostering customer loyalty and cost must also be factored in. Individual businesses can choose whether to offer free charging or not, but many EV drivers are happy to pay a fair price for a convenient service.


EV technology is developing at a pace and charging solutions need to be able to adapt. Upgrading systems is, of course, possible, but when


starting from scratch, it’s best to choose a supplier that can create a future proof system with agnostic hardware. ‘Smart’ EV chargers benefi t from being connected to a ‘back


end’ system, meaning settings can be easily confi gured to suit individual needs.


Take control of your EV charging project The process of installing a public EV charging point has been made much easier in recent times, with technological developments increasing transparency for stakeholders and streamlining services. Specifi cally designed platforms provide suppliers, engineers and facilities managers with a project management ‘hub’, enabling installers to self-certify their works, upload pictures and automatically generate documents to ensure that each party is kept informed. This level of integration is ideal for facilities managers looking for full project management with a single supplier, from site design and supply through to installation and maintenance.


www.tsg-charge.com/


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76