Five things to keep in mind when the housing association invests in electric car chargers
EV charging specialist Fredrik Hegland shares a checklist of five key factors to consider when introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging to housing associations and co-owned properties. By making smart choices, you can future-proof your site for EV adoption and optimise energy use to save money.
1. Choose a Charger That Utilises Available Capacity
To find the right EV chargers for your housing association or co-owned property, look for a system that makes the best use of the existing power capacity in your building. The most efficient EV charging solutions harness surplus energy that is already available.
“Many assume they don’t have enough power capacity, but in reality, electricity demand drops significantly at night when residents turn off lights and appliances. This unused capacity can be directed towards EV charging,” explains Hegland.
Even housing associations operating at maximum capacity during peak hours will typically have excess power available overnight. Selecting an EV charging system that can dynamically allocate this available power ensures efficient and cost-effective charging.
2. Look Beyond the Initial Investment Cost
When investing in an EV charging system, it's easy to focus solely on the upfront price. However, the cheapest option may not be the most cost-effective in the long run.
Low-cost charging solutions may lack scalability, meaning they cannot support additional charging points in the future. Furthermore, systems that do not optimise power usage may need to be replaced sooner than expected, resulting in additional expenses.
“You need to consider ongoing operational costs, not just the initial outlay. A budget-friendly option might seem attractive, but what will it cost to maintain over time?” says Hegland.
3. Select a Charger That Accounts for Peak Demand Tariffs
The UK has introduced demand-based energy pricing models, where electricity costs vary depending on peak usage. This means that consuming too much power at once can push your entire property into a higher pricing bracket, significantly increasing your electricity bill.
“An intelligent EV charging system that manages peak demand can prevent unnecessary tariff increases. In some extreme cases, a single car charging at the wrong time can push the entire property into a higher tariff, leading to an additional £8,000 in monthly electricity costs,” Hegland warns.
Choosing a system with smart load balancing ensures that charging is spread out efficiently, preventing expensive spikes in energy consumption.
4. Opt for a Smart, Internet-Connected Charging System
An internet-connected EV charging system offers multiple benefits, including remote updates and troubleshooting.
“The majority of EV charging issues stem from user errors rather than technical failures. A connected system allows providers like Zaptec to diagnose and resolve problems remotely, saving residents from unnecessary electrician call-out fees,” explains Hegland.
With a smart EV charger, most issues can be fixed in minutes via remote assistance, reducing downtime and minimising costs.
5. Ensure the System Tracks Individual Usage
For larger housing associations, managing electricity costs can be complex. Some basic EV charging systems lack consumption tracking, leading to equal cost distribution across all residents, regardless of individual usage.
Investing in a high-quality EV charging solution allows for detailed usage reporting. Systems such as Zaptec’s provide automated consumption reports per user, enabling fair cost distribution and reducing administrative work for the housing association’s board.
“This automation ensures that the board doesn’t need to manage the billing process manually, saving both time and effort,” concludes Hegland.