EV Charging on Commercial Property

Electric vehicle charging is becoming an expected amenity at retail parks, offices and industrial sites. For a landlord it can be an income stream and a draw for tenants, if the arrangement is structured well.

The models

• Host a charge point operator (CPO): a specialist operator installs, owns and runs the chargers and pays you rent or a share of revenue. Low effort, lower upside.
• Own the chargers: you fund and run them, keeping the revenue but taking on the cost, maintenance and technology risk.
• Provide for tenants: chargers as an amenity that supports lettings and rent, rather than a direct profit centre.

Points to get right

• Power capacity: rapid charging needs significant electrical supply; check what the site can support and the cost of any upgrade.
• Lease or licence: how the operator's rights over the parking and connection are documented, and for how long.
• Parking and tenants: how charging bays interact with tenants' rights over the car park.
• Technology risk: charging tech and tariffs are evolving, so avoid locking into terms that quickly date.

Why bother

Beyond direct income, EV charging supports the letting appeal and the sustainability credentials of a site, which increasingly matter to occupiers. It can attract capital allowances on the equipment: see capital allowances.

Take advice

Structure the operator arrangement and the property documents carefully. This is framework guidance; confirm the current grants, tariffs and terms.

How can a landlord add EV charging?

By hosting a charge point operator who installs and runs the chargers for rent or a share, owning the chargers yourself, or providing them as a tenant amenity.

What limits EV charging on a site?

Power capacity is the main one; rapid charging needs significant electrical supply, so check what the site can support.