Car parks and parking operators
Why parking operators are central to UK commercial EV charging rollout
Parking operators hold a strategic position in the UK's EV charging landscape, offering critical sites and operational expertise essential for scaling public charging networks amid government-backed initiatives.
Why this topic matters now
The UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, driven by ambitious government targets and increasing consumer adoption. Central to this shift is the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure, particularly in urban and suburban areas where off-street parking is limited. Parking operators, who manage a significant proportion of public and private car parks, are emerging as crucial facilitators in this infrastructure rollout. Their sites offer ready-made locations for EV chargepoints, often with existing electrical capacity and controlled access, making them attractive for both public and commercial charging deployments.
Recent large-scale projects funded through the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme underscore this trend. For example, Char.gy’s contracts to install thousands of on-street and public chargepoints in West Northamptonshire and the Isle of Wight demonstrate the scale and ambition of current efforts to expand charging availability. These initiatives highlight the importance of partnerships with parking operators who can provide the necessary land and operational frameworks to support such deployments.
What UK EV infrastructure teams should understand
For infrastructure planners, installers, and operators, recognising the strategic value of parking operators is essential. Car parks offer several advantages over on-street charging:
- **Space and power availability:** Car parks often have more space to accommodate multiple chargers, including rapid and ultra-rapid units, and may have existing electrical infrastructure that can be upgraded.
- **Controlled environment:** Unlike on-street locations, car parks are managed environments where access, security, and maintenance can be more effectively controlled, improving user experience and operational reliability.
- **Commercial opportunities:** Parking operators can integrate EV charging as a value-added service, potentially generating new revenue streams and attracting EV drivers who may spend time and money on-site.
- **Planning and permissions:** Working with parking operators can streamline planning and permitting processes, as these entities often have experience navigating local regulations and community engagement.
The recent £176 million contract awarded to EZO to deploy 250 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers across four Midlands councils illustrates the scale at which such partnerships can operate. This contract will serve over two million residents, indicating the critical role of managed parking facilities in meeting regional EV charging demand.
Commercial signals behind the trend
Several commercial signals point to parking operators becoming central players in the UK EV charging ecosystem:
- **Government funding and tenders:** LEVI-funded projects and large council contracts increasingly favour sites that can deliver high-capacity, reliable charging. Parking operators’ controlled environments align well with these requirements.
- **Market demand:** As EV adoption grows, drivers seek convenient, reliable charging options. Car parks in retail, leisure, and commuter locations are natural hubs for charging, encouraging parking operators to invest in or partner for EV infrastructure.
- **Operational expertise:** Parking operators bring experience in site management, customer service, and technology integration, which are valuable for the complex logistics of EV charging deployment and maintenance.
- **Integration with broader mobility services:** Parking operators are exploring synergies with car clubs, shared mobility, and fleet services, where EV charging is a critical enabler.
The contracts awarded to Char.gy in West Northamptonshire and the Isle of Wight, involving thousands of chargepoints, reflect a commercial environment where scale and operational reliability are paramount. These projects demonstrate how parking operators and infrastructure providers can collaborate to meet both public sector objectives and commercial viability.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor several developments to anticipate future opportunities and challenges:
- **Expansion of LEVI and other government schemes:** Continued funding rounds will likely prioritise sites with proven operational capacity, favouring parking operators with established networks.
- **Technological advancements:** Innovations in charger technology, payment systems, and grid integration will influence site selection and operational models.
- **Policy and regulatory changes:** Local authorities may introduce new requirements for EV charging in parking facilities, affecting planning and investment decisions.
- **Commercial partnerships:** Increasing collaboration between parking operators, chargepoint manufacturers, and energy providers will shape the market landscape.
- **Data and user experience:** Enhanced data analytics and user interfaces will become critical for optimising charger utilisation and customer satisfaction.
EV Signals perspective
From the vantage point of EV Signals, parking operators represent a vital nexus in the UK’s commercial EV charging rollout. Their role extends beyond mere site provision to encompass operational management, customer engagement, and integration with broader mobility ecosystems. For companies involved in EV infrastructure—whether installers, fleet operators, or commercial landlords—engaging with parking operators early in the planning and procurement stages can unlock significant advantages.
EV Signals’ planning application lead feeds and commercial EV charging insights highlight the growing volume of projects involving managed parking sites. These signals suggest that parking operators will increasingly influence where and how EV infrastructure is deployed, particularly in urban and suburban contexts where on-street options are constrained.
Understanding the commercial and operational dynamics of parking operators can help infrastructure teams anticipate market shifts and position themselves effectively. As the UK’s EV charging landscape evolves, collaboration with parking operators will be a key factor in delivering scalable, reliable, and user-friendly charging networks.
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