The UK’s roads are undergoing a quiet transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, with new registrations surging and now accounting for more than 10% of all cars on the road. Of course, this shift isn’t happening by chance. It’s the result of concerted government efforts to hit carbon emissions targets and improve air quality in our cities and towns.
As part of this push, the UK government has introduced a range of initiatives to encourage EV adoption. These include vehicle purchase grants, charging infrastructure investment, and reinstated plans to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. This presents an opportunity for businesses, particularly those in the retail sector.
Supermarkets: The Perfect Charging Locations
Supermarkets are uniquely positioned to capitalise on the EV revolution. With their spacious car parks and extended opening hours, they offer ideal locations for charging points. The average supermarket visit lasts between 30 minutes to an hour – a timeframe that aligns perfectly with rapid charging technology.
This synergy between shopping and charging isn’t just convenient for customers; it’s a potential game-changer for supermarkets. By offering EV charging, these retailers can tap into a growing market of environmentally conscious consumers actively seeking places to power up their vehicles while going about their daily routines.
Installing EV Chargers: Benefits for Supermarkets
1. Attracting New Customers
Installing EV charge points can draw in a whole new demographic of shoppers. EV owners are constantly looking for convenient charging locations, and a supermarket that offers this service immediately becomes more attractive. This increased footfall can translate directly into higher sales figures.
Moreover, as the number of EV owners grows, so too does the potential customer base. Supermarkets that get on with EV charger installation now will be well-positioned to benefit from this expanding market in the years to come.
2. Extended Shopping Time
Customers who plug in their cars to charge will likely spend more time in store. This extended dwell time can lead to increased spending, as shoppers have more opportunities to browse and make impulse purchases.
Additionally, EV charging can transform the supermarket from a purely functional space into a destination. Customers might choose to do their weekly shop while their car charges rather than making multiple trips for groceries and vehicle maintenance.
3. Brand Image and Sustainability
In today’s market, a company’s environmental credentials matter. By installing EV charge points, supermarkets can demonstrate a tangible commitment to sustainability. This aligns with the values of many consumers, particularly younger generations, who are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a brand’s eco-friendly practices.
Furthermore, this visible investment in green technology can help supermarkets stand out in a crowded marketplace. It’s a clear signal that the business is forward-thinking and responsive to changing consumer needs and global challenges.
4. Capitalising on Government Incentives
The UK government is currently offering significant financial support to businesses installing EV charging infrastructure through the Workplace Charging Scheme. This grant covers up to 75% of the total costs of purchasing and installing EV charge points, including VAT, with a cap of £350 per socket.
For supermarkets, this presents a golden opportunity. The potential savings are substantial, given the ability to install up to 40 sockets across each site location. However, it’s crucial to act swiftly. The scheme is set to close on 31 March 2025, and there’s no guarantee it will be replaced or extended.
As the deadline approaches, it’s likely that demand for installations from OZEV-approved installers such as Applegarth will increase, potentially leading to longer wait times and higher costs. Getting ahead of this rush ensures you can implement your charging infrastructure efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Future of Retail and EV Charging
The trend towards electric vehicles shows no signs of slowing. As battery technology improves and costs continue to fall, EVs are set to become the norm rather than the exception. This shift will create a massive demand for charging infrastructure, and supermarkets already invested in this area will be well-placed to meet this need.
Looking ahead, we can expect EV charging to become an integral part of the supermarket experience. Just as we now take for granted the ability to fill up our petrol cars at supermarket forecourts, future generations may view EV charging as a standard supermarket amenity.
Power Your Supermarket’s Future with Applegarth
The benefits of installing EV charge points for supermarkets are clear. Numerous advantages include attracting new customers, increasing dwell time, enhancing brand image, and securing grant funding for a hefty percentage of installation costs.
At Applegarth, we specialise in commercial EV charging solutions. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the process, from initial planning to installation and ongoing maintenance. We understand the unique needs of supermarkets and can design a charging solution that maximises the benefits for your business.
Don’t let your supermarket get left behind in the EV charging revolution. Contact Applegarth today for a consultation on how we can help you power up your business for the future of retail. We’re available by phone on 0151 649 8350 or via email at info@applegarth.co.uk.
