Why Are Property Managers Ignoring the EV Charger Demand?
The electric vehicle (EV) wave is upon us, with more consumers ready to switch than ever before. However, it seems the infrastructure necessary to support this transition lags far behind. According to research from ChargeGuru, a chargepoint operator (CPO), only a shocking 2% of property managers are planning to install EV chargers at their residential properties this year.
The EV Readiness Gap
Despite the undeniable upward trend in EV adoption, the survey revealed that 2% of property, asset, and portfolio managers, as well as freeholders, plan to install EV charging facilities on their sites by the end of this year. What’s more, many of these property managers are underestimating the timeline required to install EV chargers, believing it to be merely a three-month ordeal. In reality, the process involves intricate steps such as obtaining consent from distribution network operators and conducting on-site assessments, often taking much longer than anticipated.
Financial Constraints or Lack of Foresight?
Cost ranks as the top barrier, with 53% stating it as the main deterrent to installing EV chargers. Interestingly, ChargeGuru notes a yearly decline in the number, indicating a slow but steady shift in priorities. “The reluctance to invest in EV charging infrastructure today is alarming,” said Denis Watling, managing director of ChargeGuru UK. “Property managers underestimate the time for installation and are not fully aware of the speed of EV adoption.”
Resolving the Infrastructure Discrepancy
Accessibility remains a heated issue, notably in apartment blocks. Some companies are spearheading innovative solutions to counteract this. Cosmic Charging, for instance, recently finished a key project at an upscale apartment in Leith, Scotland, providing residents with the option to install personal EV chargers using a newly-equipped power supply for 319 parking bays.
Looking Forward: Strengthening EV Infrastructure
As the demand for accessible home charging solutions intensifies, proactive steps need to be taken. Property managers must reassess their approach and align better with the accelerating EV wave. According to Current News, there is a nationwide urge for better alignment in EV infrastructure development.
In the coming years, bridging this readiness gap will be a critical factor driving the success of electrification. Companies and property managers need to work hand in hand to ensure seamless transitions towards a cleaner, greener future.