Lifeline for fuel retailers ahead of new legislation

Fuel retailers worried about new rules forcing them to install electric vehicle charge points have been thrown a lifeline.

Charging firm InstaVolt is offering to install rapid chargers on forecourts for free, saving operators from having to make significant capital expenditure, and instead making its money from the sale of electricity used by drivers.

Under the new Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill, which received its first reading in the House of Commons last week, large fuel retailers and motorway services will have to install electric vehicle chargers on their premises.

A report by consultancy firm Rapleys has indicated that the cost to the industry of installing electric charging points could easily exceed £250m. A further report from distribution network operator UK Power Networks Ltd suggested that the cost to install a rapid electric vehicle charger on one site alone would be a minimum of £60,000.

Industry expresses concern about costs

The industry has expressed concern about the cost of such a move and a lack of clarity over the definition of the term ‘large retailers’. But electric vehicle charging firm InstaVolt is quashing fears with an offer to install them for free.

The company, headquartered in Basingstoke, Hampshire, installs and maintains rapid electric vehicle chargers at no cost. It even gives landowners who house the chargers a rental income for the use of the small amount of land required. The model has already proved successful for councils and business parks across the UK, with the company already working with partners across a number of sectors including local authorities, national gym chains and forecourt operators.

InstaVolt offers to install chargers for free

CEO Tim Payne said: “Some businesses we speak to can’t quite get their heads around the idea of us installing chargers for free. We’ve had a few councils turn us away initially because they think it’s too good to be true; installing charging points at no cost to the taxpayer.

“We want to reassure fuel retailers that the implications of the new Automated Vehicles Bill needn’t cost them a penny. We can handle everything from obtaining planning permission to upgrading the chargers as technology evolves. What’s more they can actually make a rental income from it.”

Tim adds that putting electric vehicle chargers on forecourts can actually bring more benefits to fuel retailers and motorway services.

Increased footfall and dwell time

“Retailers can expect to see increased dwell time, as drivers typically spend half an hour waiting for their vehicle to charge, spending money as they do. Drivers are actively seeking EV charge points too so forecourts can benefit from increased footfall.”

InstaVolt signed a multi-million pound deal with US charging giant ChargePoint earlier this year to purchase more than 200 of its electric vehicle rapid charging solutions. The chargers can be upgraded as battery technology evolves, effectively future proofing the assets and providing reassurance to drivers for years to come.

Unlike many other charging points, InstaVolt’s are available for all electric vehicle drivers to use on a pay-as-you-go, no subscription basis. Drivers simply tap their contactless debit card and charge up.

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