Technological advances in vehicle design, changes to global public policy and a shift in social awareness are all transforming how we drive and how we park. There is an unstoppable evolution towards the use of electric vehicle technology (or EV technology), and the abandonment of fossil fuels for automotive use. Here we explore why car parks must adopt EV technology sooner rather than later.
Countries all over the world are moving in favour of EV technology at an increasing pace, as they prepare for the progressive disappearance of new petrol and diesel vehicles. For many governments, this is a major contributing factor to reaching their reduced CO2 emission targets.
The latest target date to complete the transition to EV technology is 2040, for countries including France and Singapore. The Netherlands, Slovenia and Denmark, among others, have pledged a date of 2030 and, for many countries, the date remains fluid in favour of an earlier transition. This has certainly been the case for the UK, which has revised its EV technology switch from 2040 to 2035.
The Switch Is the Finish Line, Not the Start
At present, only a tiny fraction of the world’s car parks offer capacity for electric vehicles, but it’s vital that car parks managers view these transitional deadlines as the finish line, not the starting point.
Sales of electric cars are soaring, with an increase of 220% year on year in December 2019, but there are currently around 12,000 charging locations in the UK for more than 330,000 registered electric cars (including PHEVs).
This is a disproportionate figure, which shows that managers of car parks need to increase momentum and play their part in making the switch to electric vehicles possible.
There is no doubt that electric vehicles are the future of private road transport, and the requirement for more than just a handful of token charging bays at car parks, is imminent. Now, is the time to plan your investment, to strategise, engage stakeholders and, above all, implement changes, so that car parks can begin to accommodate the increasing number of electric cars, vans and bikes.
EV Technology in Car Parks Could Support Wider CO2Reduction Initiatives
Whilst EV technology in car parks is essential for keeping the country moving as we switch to using only electric vehicles, it is vital to understand the wider impact of this transition. Across the world, research is underway into how large car parks in particular could benefit communities, businesses, and homes when fitted with adequate EV technology.
One such concept, researched by Professor Graham Town from Sydney’s Macquarie University, explores the possibility that large car parks such as those at shopping centres, if fitted with bidirectional charging facilities, could store energy, balance the electrical grid and support a wider switch towards 100% renewable energy use.
Added value opportunities such as these could help push forward the shift to EV technology, and car parks owners must be ready to respond with the implementation of scalable, smart and easy-to-use charging infrastructure.
Support and Financial Incentives
Implementing a scalable strategy of change for your car parks doesn’t have to be scary. Support and consultation are available and so too are financial incentives designed to make this global shift change achievable.
Chargers, such as those innovated by Wallbox, are registered with the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) and are eligible for an installation grant of up to £350 per charger, or £10,000 for the purchase and installation of 20 charging units.
From where to mount your new EV technology, to getting the most from the management platform, working closely with an innovative manufacturer and its network of installers will mean that you are supported from start to finish, through design, costs, installation, and the ongoing management of your charging infrastructure.
As we evolve towards the use of only electric vehicles, scalability will be essential to enable your charging capacity to grow with your customer’s needs. Working in a consultative capacity with a knowledgeable and innovative provider can make this process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
For more information on Wallbox charging solutions and how they could meet the requirements of your parking lot, contact us today.
