Now is the time to start thinking about charging facilities at the blocks you manage, says Jamie Willsdon
In January, Future Group launched Future Fuel. The new company has introduced to the UK market, a new plug-in vehicle charging solution aimed at flat owners. Charging points have already sprung up at service stations, supermarkets and in car parks but what if the residents in your block want one at home?
Well, Future Fuel is partnering with Wallbox to deliver a simple solution that’s easy to install and which residents can use on a pay-as-you-go system based around the MyWallbox mobile phone App – which can also be accessed via the internet. Electricity used is logged. Individual residents can then pay their usage back to the block on a monthly basis so that those not using the charging points are not subsidising those that do.
Set-up is simple with no complex electrical work needed and installation won’t cost the earth due to the government-subsidised OLEV grant. This means up to 75% of the outlay could be covered, leaving only a small cost to be passed on to residents. However, warns Future Group director Jamie Willsdon, “This grant won’t be around forever, so if you’re thinking of installing charging points, now is the time to do it”.
Many developers are now installing electric charging in new blocks as standard but for anyone managing an older building, the other point to consider is that – depending on the terms of the lease – you may need a license to alter from the landlord to install Wallbox. This is formal, written consent that sets out the terms and conditions under which any alteration to the building can be carried out.
A license will typically cost around £650 and Jamie anticipates that the majority of landlords will be happy to oblige if approached.
Despite the growing interest in electric cars, the UK market is still relatively small. In 2018 there were 155,000 of these vehicles in the country, with around 4,500 more being registered every month. By comparison, there are around 30 million fuel-powered cars (source: Wired UK). However, by 2040 these will have been phased out and electric cars will be commonplace.
Says Jamie, “there is no doubt that electric is the future – and we will all have to get on board. We are fully committed to providing a simple, affordable solution for early adopters and already a number of clients are showing an interest”.
If you would like to know more, speak to Jamie and the team at Future Fuel for a free site survey.
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