Why developers need to factor EV charging into new apartment builds
It’s essential that UK developers and building planners factor in EV charging in the development of new apartment buildings. As it’s predicted that 350,000 homes will have an EV charger installed in homes and domestic driveways by 2025. Factoring this into new builds effectively future-proofs them ahead of customer demand. In this guide, we’ll explain the top reasons that developers should consider installing EV charging stations for apartments.
Increased demand in electric vehicles
Electric Vehicles have skyrocketed in demand in the UK in recent years. As of May 2023, there are over 780,000 fully EV vehicles on the road across the country and 365,000 plug-in hybrids.
Currently, over 20% of all new cars sold are Electric Vehicles, when you compare to 2016’s figures where just 0.4% of vehicles were plug-in electrics, you can see the stark rise in EV adoption.
As more residents adopt EV, it’s important that there is sufficient infrastructure to provide convenient home charging.
Government Regulations and Environmental Targets
Exciting developments are underway in the UK to promote greener transport. The government has allocated over £3 billion to support the zero-emissions vehicle sector, and this investment has resulted in making electric vehicles more affordable and efficient. In fact, many electric vehicles can travel over 200 miles on one single charge.
To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicle adoption, the government has set a target of phasing out petrol and diesel cars, banning the sale of new models by 2035. This bold move has encouraged drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles to support a cleaner and greener future.
In order to make charging more accessible the government have earmarked £500 million to support local authorities in expanding their electric vehicle infrastructure.
The focus on expanding the electric vehicle charging network doesn’t just fall on local authorities, but on housebuilders too as in 2022, the government updated the Building Regulations to include requirements for electric vehicle charging points. This means that incorporating charging infrastructure into new buildings has become a priority. By integrating electric vehicle charging points into your development plans, you not only align with government regulations but also cater to the increasing demand for EV charging facilities.
Building Regulation Changes
The most important piece of legislation relating to Electric Vehicle charging points is Part S: Infrastructure for the Charging of Electric Vehicles which mandates the need for the installation of charge points as part of Building Regulations Part S.
Part S outlines that all new build residential buildings with associated parking must have access to electric vehicle charging points, this also applies to buildings with more than 50% of the property refurbished. The general rule for all residential buildings is to have a charging point available for each plot, although there are a few exceptions. For example, if your development doesn’t have any associated parking then there is no requirement to install an EV charging point, or if parking spaces are covered (undercroft or underground) then a cable only solution is required.
For new build commercial buildings with 10 or more car parking spaces, a charging point must be set up for one of the car parking spaces and cable routes must be provided to at least 20% of the other spaces and charge points must provide 7Kw to an untethered charger. There’s an average cost cap of £3,600 for the entire installation of a charge point and if the cost exceeds this limit, you’ll only need to install the cable routes.
It's important to note that Part S came into effect on 15 June 2022. However, it doesn't apply to works where an initial notice was registered before 15 June 2022, as long as the work started before 15 June 2023.
Understanding and complying with these regulations will ensure that your development meets the necessary requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Future proofing with EV charging for apartments
Providing EV charging for apartments will effectively future proofs them against the rising demand for electric vehicles. Properties with electric chargers are likely to be more desirable as residents will be able to charge their vehicles conveniently at home rather than relying on public charging points where costs can be excessive.
Future-proofing your development by providing charging points can add long-term value to your property and will make your development appear future-forward and eco-conscious. By integrating charging points into your development, you’ll be anticipating the shift in market trends where EV charging becomes the norm.
Zaptec’s EV charging solutions for Apartment Developments
Choosing the right Electric Vehicle charger for your development can be a difficult decision. Here at Zaptec, our choice of EV charger is flexible for your needs and the needs of your potential residents.
The Zaptec Go is compact, stylish and smartly designed, unobtrusive when installed with a customisable cover, making it a great aesthetic choice for luxury developments. Installation is simple and the unit works with any electric vehicle. This EV charger is best suited to house plots with off road parking.
The Zaptec Pro offers an intelligent, scalable charging solution. Ideal for developers The Zaptec Pro is flexible and easy to install, with state-of-the-art technology for balancing charge loads. This solution is ideal for apartment blocks and shared residential car parks.
If you’re looking for a flexible charging solution for your development, or have any questions, simply contact our helpful team today.