The Pilot Group discusses electric vehicles

The Pilot Group emphasises the need for factors and garages to prepare now for the rise of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles are on the march. Despite years of consumer concerns about the affordability of electric vehicles and the lack of infrastructure available to handle them, interest in electric cars has continued to grow throughout the last year. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, electric car sales were up 185.9% in 2020 in the UK compared to in 2019, with plug-in hybrid sales up 91.2%.

But what does this mean for factors and garages? One thing is for sure – they will need to start preparing now for the electric revolution.

Examine the capacity in the garage

Should businesses be looking to accommodate greater numbers of electric vehicles, it is important to get a capacity check done. Factors and garages can hire a local electrician to ensure that there is sufficient capacity on-site above maximum demand.

If a site is found to have an insufficient supply, it may be necessary to ring-fence power for the electric vehicle charging points, in which case a charging point supplier can install a charging point where the power is ringfenced before it goes to the existing distribution board.

Consider what charging points you need, and where

Installing charging points is the next step, as owners are likely to seek out businesses that provide charging points for their electric vehicle as they move around.

Owners should look to install basic charging points in each bay so that electric vehicles can charge while being repaired. Garages should also consider a handover bay, with a charging point that delivers the maximum amount of charge that the building allows to deliver the vehicle back to the motorist with enough power to use afterwards.