5 reasons to power up your office & commercial real estate with EV charging

1. Retain and attract tenants, customers & EV drivers

In 2023, almost one out of three new cars in the Netherlands were electric vehicles (EVs). That’s 35% more than in 2022, says knowledge and innovation center ElaadNL. 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.

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 office and commercial real estate is a dynamic venture, choosing to power up will further maximize your investment.

4. Stay ahead of future requirements

As many as 4.5 million EVs are predicted to electrify the Dutch streets by 2035, according to ElaadNL. This suggests that car chargers and car charging infrastructure may be regulated further. In 2024, 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.

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

In office building parking lots, occupants typically park for at least four hours or even a full workday. Consequently, they aren’t pressed for time when it comes to recharging their electric cars. As long as they’re good 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 EV charging infrastructure, from on-site preparations to the hardware and the installation. As 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.

The EQ 200 accommodates various EV models by providing a range of charging speeds, from 5 kW to 22 kW. 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.