As a Retail and Hospitality business in the UK you can attract new customers and turn your parking lot into a new revenue stream with EV chargers. This guide provides a comprehensive guide for businesses of all sizes to navigate the setting up and maintaining EV charging infrastructure.
1. Find a qualified installer
Choosing a reputable installer is crucial for setting up your EV infrastructure for success.
Look for installers with:
- A proven track record in commercial EV charging installations, specifically within the retail and hospitality sectors.
- Knowledge of regulations and subsidies available to you
- Reliable aftercare and maintenance
Need help finding a reputable installer?
We have a network of qualified installers and are happy to refer you to one in your area.
2. Compare Hardware
Investing in high-quality, reliable hardware is essential.
Look for EV chargers with:
- Durability and warranty. Seek out UK and European manufactured chargers that are known for durability and backed by substantial warranties.
OCPP Compliance. You can connect these chargers to 3rd party billing systems like Tap Electric and collect payments on chargers from your customers. - Most modern chargers are OCPP compliant, but not all.
- Internet connectivity. The three main types of charger connectivity are wired ethernet, wifi, and 4G and each charger model varies on which ones they support. For chargers that support 4G, some have a built in eSIM whereby the data is included in the cost of the charger, while others need an external SIM card that will incur an additional cost. If the latter, you can check with your platform provider, as they will often provide you with a SIM.
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The Tap Electric charger management platform can support any OCPP charger for free. Our platform is already integrated with multiple charger brands that fit the above criteria such as Easee, Zaptec, Ratio and Alfen. You can find our complete list of integrated chargers here.
TIP: Offset the cost of premium hardware in your tariff
Installing premium chargers offers better efficiency and longevity, ultimately benefitting your business and customers. To offset the higher price point, you may charge a slightly higher tariff.
3. Check your Infrastructure subsidy eligibility
The UK government is offering over £2 billion in grants and incentives to help businesses provide charging infrastructure for EV drivers.
When applying for grants, make sure you work with an experienced, reputable installer. Installation companies will typically help you with your application and some even manage it for you completely.
Check out our Grants and Incentives for EV charging
Our detailed guide breaks down available key EV grants and incentives, how they work and simple steps to get started.
4. Ensure a strong Internet signal
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Poor internet is the single biggest cause of frustration for EV drivers trying to pay for their charging.
A stable internet connection is fundamental for charger operation, payment processing and a positive driver experience at your location.
Ethernet (i.e. a wired connection) is often the most reliable option, but wifi or 4G can suffice depending on the installation location.
Ensure your installer conducts a thorough assessment during charger installation and, if needed, consider additional installations like WiFi extenders or 4G masts to stabilise your connection.
5. Choose your Charger Management Software
Selecting the appropriate charger management software is crucial for:
- Access control. Who can charge at the location?
- Tariff setting. How much should the driver pay? Consider the structure of your energy tariff, and make sure that the software can model this tariff.
- Payments. Collecting money from drivers and automated payouts to the your bank.
- Reporting: Gain insights into how your chargers are being used, energy consumption and revenue.
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Beyond the basics, consider the value-added features and pricing models of different charger management platforms. Tap Electric, for example, is free for owners to use and we charge a small fee to drivers only when they use your chargers. This can greatly reduce costs for both business owners and its customers.
6. Set your energy tariff
You can leverage your charger management software and your energy tariff together to better optimise your energy costs.
Local businesses often do this using peak and off-peak tariffs. This encourages charger use at different times by offering lower prices during periods of low demand (off-peak) and higher prices during periods of high demand (peak).
Retail businesses that only operate during the day may consider adding an idle fee to their charger. This fee kicks in after the car is detected to be full/stopped charging. This encourages people to move along after their car is finished charging to ensure you are maximising your revenue and the chargers are being used fairly by customers. With the Tap Electric app, drivers receive a push notification when their battery is full and the idle fee is kicking in.
7. Optimise your Energy Management:
Using the right charger management platform can help you get the most out of your EV infrastructure.
Evaluate the necessity of energy management software to efficiently balance EV charging demands with the overall energy usage of your retail or hospitality establishment. If your location is equipped with solar panels and generating renewable energy, this should be integrated into your strategy.
Ideally, EVs should have the option to charge directly from solar panels or on-site batteries to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.
You may require an external device to monitor and measure the building’s energy consumption and production, which can then inform your charger management system. Examples of such devices include the Charge m-8 Libra, or charger-specific solutions like the Easee Equalizer.
Tap Electric’s suite of energy management tools seamlessly integrates with these devices, optimizing energy usage and supporting a balanced and sustainable EV charging ecosystem tailored to the needs of the retail and hospitality sector. This ensures your energy infrastructure aligns with operational demands while enhancing the experience for your customers and guests.
Try the Tap app
Attract new customers and earn more with your EV chargers?
We’re happy to help you with your switch to electric! Contact our sales team today for a free, no obligation call to get started.
