Charging points at risk of falling behind demand for electric cars

Despite the growing demand for electric cars, the UK’s charging infrastructure is at risk of falling behind

Despite the growing demand for electric cars, the UK’s charging infrastructure is at risk of falling behind, particularly in car parks, according to JLL’s UK Shopping Centre Car Parks report. The report, which analysed the performance of 53 shopping centre car parks, covering nearly 40,000 spaces, revealed that just 22% of car parks had at least one charging point, with an average of 0.94 points per shopping centre.

Exploring the future trends and changing dynamics in the car park sector, the report also revealed rising costs compared to last year, with business rates forming the largest component of expenditure. 

Key findings include:

Technology

At an average age of 8.6 years, compared to an expected life span of 8-10 years, the shopping centres surveyed have an ageing stock of pay machines, 20% of which still don’t accept credit or debit cardsWhilst over half of all ticket machines now have the ability to accept contactless payments, only one shopping centre car park within the survey could take online paymentsOnly two shopping centres surveyed use a digital aggregator which enables drivers to book spaces in advance22% of shopping centres had installed at least one charging point, with the average number of electric charging points standing at 0.94 per shopping centre (up from 0.89 in 2017)

Financials

Average occupancy rates across car parks surveyed stand at 67% Business rates are the largest component of total costs, accounting for 43% of expenditureAverage income per space was £1,566 a 6% increase from last year. Average cost per space was £642, an increase of 15% from last year 61% of the car park’s total income is received in the first two hours 63% of the income is received in cash, this was 87% back in 2014The car park ranks second in terms of income amongst the shopping centre tenants. In over one fifth of shopping centres the car park generated the most income

Paul Gallagher, automotive consultant at JLL, commented: “Electric vehicle charging points have increased marginally from last year, however, given the continuing year on year growth of electric vehicles as a proportion of total vehicles, consideration should be given to installing charging infrastructure to support demand.  This can help bring in extra revenue, improve the companies’ CSR, and increase dwell time as well as attract new customers.”

Kathryn Pitts, automotive director at JLL, added: “The car parking sector is in the midst of a digital revolution. With a range of new car parking apps helping people find space, we expect to see an increasing number of landlords look to use them to diversify their income streams. It makes sense that with costs rising, it is only natural that landlords should look around to see where additional money can be made.”