In this article we sat down with Elizabeth Warren, Director of Public Charging at Mer to discuss what retail site owners should consider when installing EV charging.
Why install EV charging infrastructure at a retail site?
Of course, the biggest benefit of EV charging infrastructure for retail site owners is the generation of passive income. With Mer there is no need to pay for the infrastructure installation, instead we operate through a profit-sharing agreement while also paying for the bay rent. Essentially, we become another tenant while also increasing the value of the site’s land, boost your sustainability goals and help to attract new customers, tenants and investors.
The public is making the switch to EVs at a faster pace than ever before. However, the charging infrastructure is still catching up, making demand high for reliable charging infrastructure. Retail sites are well positioned to take advantage of this due to there being a lot of pre-existing space available in car parks, while also having the necessary on-site facilities that EV drivers need. For instance, in our customer survey from last year we found out that 57% of EV drivers prefer to eat or shop while their car charges, therefore they are more likely to visit a site with plenty of amenities. This creates a much higher level of incidental spend on-site and attracts a group of potential customers who might have never originally visited the location.
How do you make sure the site has enough power?
Your first and primary consideration should be energy. Does the site have sufficient power and a strong grid connection to support EV chargers? In most cases, the answer is yes – but it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the site’s actual energy demand. Navigating this can be a complex task in and of itself, therefore, Mer collaborates with IDNO and DNO partners to deliver a dedicated power supply for the charging infrastructure. This means our clients don’t need to worry – we manage the entire project from start to finish independently from their existing grid connection to minimize disruption.
How do you know how many chargers to install?
A common mistake is either over installing or under installing the number of chargers. While under installing is less of an issue since more can always be brought in, over installing can be a drain on resources and result in unnecessary carbon emissions from the install alone. Therefore, Mer prefers to take a data-driven approach, drawing on our experience across Europe. We avoid overcrowding the carpark and instead analyse expected demand and plan for scalable expansion if needed. As a responsible charge point operator, we tailor our approach to match each customer’s need.
Any further advice to retail site owners?
If you haven’t already installed EV chargers at your site, now is the ideal time. People form habits and routines, and by getting involved early, your site can become a regular stop for them. This not only drives footfall but also creates an opportunity for consistent incidental spending from customers who may have not otherwise visited.
To help you navigate the complexities of installing a charging hub at your retail site we have created an EV Charging Hubs e-guide. Based on our experience working with retailers, it includes best practice insights from landowners who have installed charging hubs. Download it now.
For more information please visit the Mer website or email us at info.uk@mer.eco
