Why Healthcare Facilities Should Have EV Charging Stations
There’s a growing need for healthcare facilities to install electric vehicle charging facilities and a range of benefits to be gained from this positive move.
The facility can demonstrate its commitment to environmentally conscious practices, while meeting the rising demands of patients and visitors with electric vehicles, while reinforcing its ESG (Environmental. Social and Governance) policies, particularly around net zero targets.
The NHS is driving change, and has pledged to meet its Long Term Plan commitment for 90% of the NHS fleet to use low, ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles by 2028, and go beyond this with the entire owned fleet of the NHS eventually reaching net zero emissions.
Getting ahead of the curve
All parts of the healthcare sector will need to provide electric vehicle charging facilities as the unstoppable transition to EV gathers pace. 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).
Cost effective solution
EV charging stations are a cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities that adopt electric vehicles. Total cost of ownership and fuel costs are cheaper than petrol or diesel cars and vans, which helps to reduce operating costs.
Staff, patient, and family convenience
Installing EV charging stations means that doctors, nurses, and administration staff can use the standard facilities to charge their vehicles with minimum fuss. At the end of a long shift, they will be sure to have a full battery from a rapid charging station.
EV charging stations will encourage employee green commuting, providing a convenient and reliable charging solution for employees who drive EVs. And at the same time, healthcare facilities can help to reduce impact on the environment while improving employee satisfaction.
All healthcare facilities have as their primary concern the need to promote better health and by offering EV charging services, they can promote a positive message around low-emissions travel to patients and staff.
Visitors and patients can also take advantage of a fast charging facility, which could be source of revenue, with fully controlled “destination charging” that meets needs at an acceptable cost.
EV charging stations definitely improve the patient experience. Convenient and reliable charging for patients who own electric vehicles helps them to travel to and from appointments with none of the anxiety over a drained battery. Patients would have the added benefit of being able to “charge and go” using their EVs after appointments.
Many patients will also be more environmentally conscious and healthcare facilities can reflect and support their values. EV charging stations at healthcare facilities not only help eco-friendly patients but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
Public health benefits
The provision of EV chargers has another important positive effect – supporting the move away from petrol and diesel fuels that are a serious and increasing concern for public health. While EVs are not completely pollution-free, they produce significantly fewer emissions than fossil-fuel cars, vans and lorries.
The health impacts of vehicle-generated air pollution are severe: short-term exposure over hours or days can lead to a range of health effects including lung function, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, exacerbation of asthma, increases in respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions and mortality.
Prevention is the most effective way to manage rising health issues linked to poor air quality, and the provision of EV charging stations is an important element in the effective strategies that improve public health. Put simply, improving air quality helps prevent disease, promote health, and supports the community.
Expert help
SaveMoneyCutCarbon EV charging solutions are designed to scale on demand, effortlessly adding new charging stations as needed so healthcare facilities can future-proof their infrastructure by installing EV now, and at the same time ensure that they are prepared for the increasing demand for charging facilities.
Carbon emissions reduction is a priority, and every healthcare facility has the opportunity to contribute significantly to net zero by supporting the use of EVs. Installing EV chargers is an obvious next step towards a cleaner environment.
To find out more about how to join the EV revolution by installing charging stations at your healthcare facility, speak to a member of our EV specialist team who will guide you through the process of selecting, installing, and integrating EV charging stations at your premises.