Do you like spotting the latest new cars when you’re on the road? Then you may have noticed one thing: electric driving is here to stay. In 2023, 19,6% of all newly purchased cars in Belgium were fully electric. In 2022, this was only 10,3%.
For property owners, this evolution comes charged with opportunities. Parking spots now offer a promising new source of income. And of course, catering to your tenants’ growing charging needs also boosts your property’s appeal. Let’s dive into the five biggest reasons to power up the parking lot of your office or commercial real estate.
5 reasons why you should offer EV charging on your property
1. Retain and attract tenants, customers & EV drivers
In 2023, almost one out of two new cars in Belgium were electric vehicles (EVs). Company cars were the driving force behind this surge, says auto industry federation FEBIAC. This explains the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure among professional tenants. Offering them convenient charging at work will therefore enhance the allure of your property.
Same goes for your retail customers. As the EV market grows, they’ll seek out establishments where they can charge while attending appointments or running errands.
Provide this crucial public service and become the go-to location for existing as well as new clients.
2 . Create a new revenue stream
As a property owner, you’re continually looking for new opportunities to maximize revenue.
Turn your parking lot into a valuable source of additional income with EV charging. This is where service and profit align: you can monetize these parking spaces and offer a sought-after amenity at the same time. When charging does become the new refueling, you’ll be the one powering the potential.
Depending on the extent of the modifications needed as well as your cost of electricity, a return on your investment is possible after two to five years.
Are you in the business of commercial real estate? Keep in mind the possible boost to your sales. Customers tend to linger longer in your store(s) when they’re set on a full charge.
Discover the right charging solution for your real estate >>
3. Increase the value of your property
Adding EV charging infrastructure to your property is likely to elevate your market value. Potential buyers (or renters) will consider the modernized parking lot as a plus. As commercial and office real estate is a dynamic venture, choosing to power up will further maximize your investment.
4. Stay ahead of future requirements
As many as 2 million EVs are predicted to electrify the Belgian streets by 2030, according to electromobility consultant firm Ekreo. This suggests that car chargers and car charging infrastructure may be regulated further. In Flanders, for instance, there are already requirements in place for non-residential buildings.
By investing in EV charging infrastructure now, you stay ahead of the curve and guarantee that your property will stand the test of time for years to come. Displaying sustainability leadership along the way is an added bonus.
5. Be seen as an environmental leader
In fact, it’s more than a bonus: installing EV charging stations effectively boosts your corporate image and marketing. A report from IBM in 2021 found that “84% of global consumers consider sustainability important when choosing a brand… And 62% of consumers now say they’re willing to change their purchasing behavior to help reduce the negative impact on the environment, up from 57% in 2019”. Providing EV chargers is an obvious visual cue that you’re leading the way.
Find the right EV charging solution for your property
Now that you’re aware of the benefits, let’s dive into the specific EV charging solutions that Blink has on offer for office real estate and commercial real estate.
EV charging solutions for office real estate: slow and steady wins the race
When looking at the parking facilities of an office building, it’s important to note that occupants typically park there for at least four hours or even an entire workday. Consequently, they aren’t pressed for time when it comes to recharging their electric cars. As long as they’re charged and ready to go at the end of the day, they’re content.
This tells you two things. One: you’ll need a larger number of EV chargers due to a low turnover rate. Two: you should opt for AC - or slow - charging, which requires less charging power and allows you to add more chargers on the same electrical circuit.
Recommended solution for office real estate: Host Owned
With Blink’s Host Owned solution, you invest in your own chargers, from on-site preparations to the hardware and the installation. As [EM1] a result, you get to choose your own tariffs. You will also reap the profit, minus a small fee for our continued and reliable service.
In short: you’ll take care of the funding, and we’ll take care of everything else. From the design to turn-key installation, maintenance and on-site interventions all the way to 24/7 customer service: we’ve got you covered.
Would you rather split the investment, or do you want to explore Blink-funded chargers? Depending on your project, a Hybrid Owned or Blink Owned solution is also possible. Another model we offer is Charging-as-a-service.
Discover all solutions >>
EV charging solutions for commercial real estate: a healthy mix of fast and slow
When it comes to retail customers, you have both window shoppers and determined buyers. Some spend over two hours looking around, others are in and out in 25 minutes. That makes a mix of AC and DC charging interesting for commercial property owners.
AC charging or slow charging is perfect for visitors just looking to top off. In general, 80% of charging happens at home or at work: your property can help fill in the remaining 20%.
DC charging or fast charging provides a great opportunity for EV drivers that need a maximum charge in minimum time. This can make your commercial hub the go-to fast charging destination in the neighborhood.
Recommended solutions for commercial real estate: Hybrid Owned or Charging-as-a-Service
Installing both slow and fast EV chargers in your parking lot comes with a significant investment. When you go for Blink’s Hybrid Owned solution, we’ll split the cost and share the profit. Or opt for Charging-as-a-Service: leasing the charging equipment through a financial partner saves you from big expenses upfront.
Read more about Blink’s charging solutions >>
Spotlight on EQ 200: the game-changing charger
The EQ 200 accommodates various EV models by providing a range of charging speeds, from 5 kWh to 22 kWh. Introduced in 2023, this innovative AC charger is designed for sustainable use.
Moreover, the EQ 200 is V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) ready. In the future, this will allow for a bidirectional energy flow. In other words: electric drivers will be able to use their batteries to support the grid during peak demand periods.
Why Blink is the right choice for your EV charging needs
Ready to join the EV movement? Blink is here to take care of everything. Here’s why we think we’re the perfect ally for commercial or office property owners:
We offer turnkey solutions
When we say we take care of everything, we do mean everything. From technical inspections to the installation, implementation, maintenance and hosting of your charging station: we’re with you from day one. Your EV chargers won’t become an extra thing to manage – just an extra source of revenue. If you do run into questions or issues, your dedicated Blink account manager is right there to advise you. Your visitors can count on 24/7 customer service as well.
We customize our service to your needs
Evolution in property assets is a given in real estate. That’s why we offer flexible solutions and tailor-made contracts based on your short or long-term plans. This way, you won’t feel limited in divesting a location from your portfolio. Quite the contrary: you could even achieve a favorable profit margin.
Ready to take charge? Get in touch >>
We have the experience and the knowledge
Blink Charging is an international household name in EV charging. We bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, especially when it comes to complex company policies or building structures. Want to know more about your current electricity capacity? In need of advice on the right charging solutions? Or even looking for support in developing your European charging proposition? Blink’s expertise is here to guide you every step of the way.
We’re technology-driven
Thanks to in-house software development, Blink Charging offers cutting-edge technology.
For instance, you can seamlessly integrate your chargers with self-produced energy such as solar energy. Another part of our smart energy management is dynamic load balancing, which evenly distributes the available power supply. And last but not least: our smart billing allows for personalized tariffs and automated invoices.
In short: generate new business and extra revenue
Blink Charging guides property owners in Belgium through the ins and outs of EV charging. Team up with Blink and give tenants a new reason to stay or to set up shop. At the same time, increase the value of your property and maximize the revenue it generates. You’ll get all the return without the management thanks to Blink’s flexible EV charging solutions.
Get in touch
Ready to take charge? Contact us and find out how Blink can help elevate your property.
