The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in the UK – but what does that mean for commercial property owners? Is commercial EV charging a smart investment?
Read on for our quick guide to why EV infrastructure makes commercial sense for building owners, developers and facilities managers, and how carports can unlock extra value.
The state of the market
The UK government has committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. Meanwhile, fleet operators, tenants and consumers are transitioning to EVs at scale.
Commercial property owners now face increasing demand to support EV adoption – not only to remain relevant, but to unlock new revenue streams, support sustainability goals and meet tenant expectations.
With funding, technology and planning permissions improving, commercial EV charging has never been more viable.
What are the benefits of EV charging for commercial buildings?
Let’s break down the key reasons building owners are making the switch.
#1 To meet tenant and customer expectations
Commercial EV charging is fast becoming a standard expectation for tenants, staff and visitors. By providing it on-site, you can:
- Improve tenant retention and occupancy rates
- Increase customer dwell time in retail environments
- Add value to leases and facilities management contracts
- Enhance your property’s future resale or leasing value
- Future-proof your building against the petrol and diesel vehicle ban
#2 Reduce emissions and hit sustainability targets
Adding EV infrastructure helps reduce Scope 1* and Scope 2* emissions by supporting clean transport options for staff, customers and commercial fleets.
By installing commercial EV chargers, you can:
- Contribute to your business or tenants’ net-zero goals
- Improve your environmental, social and governance (ESG) score
- Reduce vehicle-related carbon output on-site
- Visibly demonstrate sustainability commitments to stakeholders
EV-ready buildings also support green leasing strategies and tendering for contracts with sustainability requirements.
*Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from things you burn or use (vehicles, boilers etc). Scope 2 emissions are classed as indirect emissions – e.g. others burn it. This includes purchased electricity and district heating.
#3 Monetise your parking and energy assets
Commercial EV charging points can generate revenue in several ways:
- Pay-per-use models for public or staff charging
- Premium EV bays for tenants or visitors
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with charge point operators
- Integration with solar and battery to sell excess energy to the grid
We’ll guide you on the right model, whether you want full ownership or a zero-capex model through a third-party operator.
#4 Solar carports – shelter, solar and charging in one
Solar carports are a smart, dual-purpose solution. They:
- Turn car parks into energy-producing assets
- Provide covered parking and protect vehicles
- Support EV charging using on-site renewable energy
- Reduce electricity costs by generating power during the day
Solar carports are ideal for:
- Warehouses and logistics hubs
- Office buildings with large surface car parks
- Retail parks and leisure centres
- Agricultural businesses and industrial sites
Our systems can be installed stand-alone or alongside rooftop solar.
#5 Unlock grants, incentives and asset finance
There are several ways to fund commercial EV charging installations:
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) – up to £350 per socket
- EV Infrastructure Grant – ideal for SMEs
- Lease or asset finance options with zero upfront capital
- Local authority Growth Hub funding – varies by region
We’ll guide you through the process to maximise your financial return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1 Do I need planning permission for commercial EV chargers?
Most wall-mounted or small freestanding chargers fall under Permitted Development Rights (PDR).
However, planning permission may be required if:
- You’re installing large carports
- You’re in a listed or conservation area
- You need major grid upgrades
We’ll help manage the approvals where required.
#2 Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes – commercial EV charging installations must comply with building regulations regarding:
- Electrical safety
- Accessibility (especially for public or shared sites)
- Fire protection and cable routing
We ensure all our systems meet or exceed compliance standards.
#3 How fast are EV chargers?
We install a range of charger types, including:
- Fast chargers (7–22 kW) – suitable for workplaces and retail
- Rapid chargers (50 kW+) – ideal for logistics and high-traffic areas
We’ll advise on the right mix based on site usage.
#4 Can I integrate commercial EV chargers with solar and battery storage?
Absolutely. Integrating EV with solar PV and battery storage can:
- Reduce your reliance on grid power
- Allow you to store excess energy for use during peak periods
- Optimise energy use for lowest-cost charging
It’s a great way to reduce operational costs and emissions.
#5 What are EV charging carports?
Carports are overhead structures that shelter parked vehicles – when fitted with solar panels, they generate clean power too.
Carport benefits:
- Charge electric vehicles using on-site solar
- Provide weather protection for vehicles
- Create new income from charging or solar export
- Maximise large car parks or open spaces
We design scalable, modular systems tailored to your site’s specific needs and usage.
#6 How long does installation take?
Installation timelines depend on your site and charger type. The typical process includes:
- Initial consultation and site survey
- Design, quote and funding options
- DNO and grid application support
- Full certified installation and commissioning
- Ongoing maintenance and monitoring
Standard installs are completed within a few weeks once permissions are in place.
Why EV charging makes commercial sense
The future of transport is electric – and the opportunity for commercial buildings is clear. Whether you’re running a business park, retail space, office or industrial unit, commercial EV charging can reduce costs, increase value and boost your sustainability credentials.
With grants, solar integration and flexible financing options available, there’s never been a better time to invest.
Ready to explore EV charging for your business?
At DMB, we specialise in solar panels, battery storage and EV charging solutions for businesses. We assess, design, install and, critically, maintain renewable energy for commercial clients across the UK.
Whether you’re retrofitting EV charge points or integrating carports into your new development, our team is here to simplify the process and deliver a system that pays off long-term.
