Why Car Dealerships Should Have EV Charging Stations
Car dealerships are at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution and as sales continue to rise it’s essential to have adequate charging facilities.
EV charging stations are needed so dealerships can fully charge the models before they are delivered to customers, who will also want the option to charge their EVs at the dealership after they take delivery. Just as important, having EV chargers on-site sends a clear message to new customers that the dealership is committed to EVs.
More people every month in the UK are choosing to move to electric. At the end of August (2023), there were around 850,000 fully electric cars on UK roads and a further 530,000 plug-in hybrids.
And “electrified vehicles”- everything from mild hybrids to full EVs – accounted for 38% of new registrations in that month, while battery electric (BEV) car registrations were up 72.3% for a 20.1% share of the market total. Plug-in hybrid sales rose by a similar 70%, according to trade association the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It’s also the case that car manufacturers are calling on dealerships to install adequate charging infrastructure and the need to future-proof the business should be front-of-mind as the industry makes the rapid transition to EV.
Agile planning with the right EV charging partners will help to ensure that your dealership business adapts to new demands and evolves with the changing market. Car dealerships can prepare for vehicle delivery for new owners but also would be able to expand their service and maintenance offering, adding new revenue streams.
Increase opportunities to sell your electric cars
Currently, the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles will be prohibited from 2030. The Energy Performance of the Buildings Directive already requires new buildings, and renovations, to be pre-wired to install EV charging points. And for now, there is a range of grants available to assist transition.
All this means it’s the perfect time for you to act. Take the opportunity to boost your revenue while supercharging your net-zero credentials. You’ll get ahead, and stay ahead.
Apart from clearly demonstrating your commitment and expertise in EVs for new customers, there will be many customers who have got value from your advice and knowledge, along with the potential for additional services and so will be returning when they want to replace their current EV model. Building long-term relationships with customers will be increasingly important in the new electric age.
Attract eco-minded customers
Offering EV charging facilities is a talking point for new customers, particularly eco-minded car users. It’s an opportunity to provide expert knowledge and advice on EV technology while also explaining the benefits of EV charging stations. Dealerships can advise customers about the green benefits and costs savings of both moving to electric and choosing smart charging technology.
With on-site EV chargers, dealerships can provide drivers with information on how charging works. Your sales professionals will be able to open the conversations around various features, from power requirements to smart charging and convenience, which can increase trust and loyalty as well as sales. They can also relieve the “range anxiety” by showing customers how to find charging stations.
Staff convenience
EV charging stations will also encourage employee to move to green commuting, providing a convenient and reliable charging solution for those who drive EVs. And at the same time, dealerships can help to reduce impact on the environment while improving employee satisfaction.
If you switch to electric, you will reduces your vehicle carbon emissions by more than 50%, and cut your tailpipe emissions to zero. The twin win with electric vehicles is that they are a highly visible way to reduce your emissions, and impress your customers while improving employee attraction and retention when you make the switch to EV.
Electric fleet vehicles are more efficient, use more affordable fuel and cost much less to maintain. The initial outlay on a new electric vehicle is approaching parity with conventional cars, and can often be offset by grants. We can help calculate your exact ROI.
Enhancing loyalty and ESG
In an increasingly tough commercial environment, car dealerships need to find ways to stand out and installing EV chargers is a positive step that can set you apart from competitors. The service distinction can attract a loyal customer base that wants both comfort and conscientiousness.
EV charging services send a clear signal to customers that you are forward-thinking, socially responsible, and dedicated to offering modern facilities. At the same time, the move to EV charging will enhance your dealership’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies. It demonstrates commitment to sustainability, reducing carbon footprint, and supporting the transition
Stay ahead of the competition
EV charging solutions on-site are a clear differentiator and even more so if you choose to install public “destination charging” facilities that provide an additional revenue stream as well as a contact point for attracting potential customers.
Added benefits of solar and battery storage
As energy prices continue to rise, it’s worth considering the installations of solar PV panels to generate the electricity needed for the EV charging stations as well as battery storage to “harvest” the power when it’s not directly needed, selling tit to the Grid or using it at peak times.
Speak to a member of our EV specialist team who will guide you through the process of selecting, installing, and integrating EV charging stations.
We can provide your car dealership with full support throughout your EV enquiry from initial estimate and site survey through to installation, OZEV grant application (if applicable), ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Whether you’re looking to install one or two EV charge points, or a larger scale system covering your customer parking bays to in the showroom, we can provide an EV solution tailored to your individual car dealerships needs.
All of our chargers are packed with great features including contactless payments if you want to generate extra revenue from your EV system and are all OZEV approved.
If you’re installing electric car charging points at your business to be used by your employees, your workplace could receive up to £14,000 towards the cost of your commercial EV charging stations with the government’s Workplace Charging Scheme. Your grant can only be used on OZEV approved equipment. You’re in luck – that’s our speciality.