A Guide to EV Charging in Leasehold Developments
An easy to understand guide to EV charging in leasehold developments.
How to install and manage EV chargers in leasehold developments.
As EV adoption rises, leasehold developments face unique challenges when introducing EV charging infrastructure. To make the process clearer, here’s a helpful Q&A covering the essential steps, considerations, and common queries for leasehold properties.
Can EV charging be installed in a leasehold development?
Yes, EV charging can be installed in leasehold developments, but the process requires coordination between leaseholders, freeholders, and managing agents. Permissions, infrastructure considerations, and cost-sharing agreements must all be addressed.
What are the key steps for installing EV chargers in a leasehold property?
- Engage Stakeholders: Inform freeholders, managing agents, and fellow leaseholders of your plans.
- Assess Infrastructure: Conduct a feasibility study to determine electrical capacity and infrastructure requirements.
- Get Permissions: Seek written approval from the freeholder or managing agent as specified in your lease agreement.
- Choose a Charging Solution: Decide between shared or individual chargers and whether funding will be sought through grants.
- Appoint an Installer: Work with an OZEV-approved installer for grant eligibility and expert installation.
- Agree on Costs: Establish who will pay for the installation, maintenance, and ongoing energy usage.
- Install and Activate: Proceed with installation and activate the chargers for use.
What permissions are needed to install EV chargers in leasehold properties?
You will likely need permission from the freeholder, managing agent, or landlord. Check your lease agreement for clauses about alterations or electrical work. Written consent is usually required, and additional planning permissions may apply if significant structural work is involved.
What factors should leaseholders consider before installing EV chargers?
- Infrastructure: Does the building’s electrical system have enough capacity for EV chargers? Upgrades may be needed.
- Space: Are parking spaces suitable for charger installation, and how will shared spaces be managed?
- Costs: Who will pay for the installation and ongoing maintenance?
- Usage: Will the chargers be for individual or communal use, and how will energy consumption be billed?
- Aesthetics: Will the installation align with building aesthetics or require planning approval?
Are there grants available for installing EV chargers in leasehold developments?
Yes, landlords and property owners can access grants through the OZEV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords or the OZEV Infrastructure Grant for Landlords. These grants can cover part of the installation costs, including essential infrastructure upgrades. Find out what EV charging grants are available for you here.
What are the benefits of shared EV chargers in leasehold developments?
Shared EV chargers can be more cost-effective and space-efficient than individual units. They benefit all residents, reduce installation complexity, and centralize energy usage billing. However, a fair usage policy must be implemented.
What if my leasehold development doesn’t have enough electrical capacity?
If the building lacks capacity, you can apply for the OZEV Infrastructure Grant for Landlords, which covers costs for upgrading cabling and electrical systems. Alternatively, explore solutions like load management systems to distribute power effectively.
Who pays for the installation and maintenance of EV chargers in leasehold properties?
This depends on the agreement between stakeholders. Costs may be split among leaseholders, covered by the freeholder, or funded through grants. Maintenance and operational costs are typically shared if chargers are communal.
How can energy usage be managed and billed in shared EV chargers?
Smart chargers with integrated metering systems can track energy usage for each user. Costs can then be billed directly to individual leaseholders or pooled into a service charge. Discuss billing arrangements with the managing agent or installer.
What if not all leaseholders want EV chargers installed?
Engage in open discussions to address concerns and highlight benefits such as increased property value and sustainability. Emphasize grant availability to reduce costs. Managing agents or freeholders may also mediate these discussions, with the support of a trusted partner such as Roam to find a solution.
How long does it take to install EV chargers in leasehold developments?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the project. For a single charger, installation can take a few days, but larger communal setups requiring infrastructure upgrades may take several weeks to months, including the permissions process.
Are there legal obligations for freeholders to provide EV charging?
Currently, there are no legal obligations for freeholders to install EV chargers for retrofit schemes. However, rising demand and government incentives are encouraging freeholders and managing agents to explore options proactively.
On the other hand, any new build sites would require EV chargers from day one as part of Part-S building regulations.
How can Roam help leasehold developments with EV charging?
Roam offers end-to-end support, including free consultation and free feasibility studies, free grant applications, stakeholder coordination, and installation services. We ensure a seamless process tailored to the unique needs of leasehold developments. With £165 million investor funding, we have a unique proposition in the residential sector to install fully funded EV chargers to qualifying sites.
We offer fully funded and client-funded models. With fully funded, Roam covers the cost of installation and maintenance, while client-funded allows you to purchase the infrastructure outright.
We conduct an on-site survey to evaluate your infrastructure and determine the best placement for chargers. This ensures a smooth installation with minimal disruption to your operations.
Maintenance and servicing are included in Roam’s fully funded option. For client-funded models, we offer a range of maintenance packages to suit your needs.
Installation time depends on the size and complexity of the project, but most installations are completed within a few days. We aim to minimize downtime and disruption to your business.
With a 99% uptime rate, Roam ensures that drivers have access to working chargers as often as possible. Our team works round-the-clock to maintain station performance.