The number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations increases every year in the UK. With restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles on the horizon, the number of charging points for EVs is expected to continue growing rapidly.
If you look after a car park, then the chances are you’ve considered installing charging bays for EVs. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the basics of re-purposing your car park to accommodate electric vehicles.
What is an EV charging bay?
An EV charging bay is a dedicated parking space for electric vehicles where drivers can plug their cars in to recharge them.
In private car parks, you cannot prevent drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles from parking in EV bays, but making sure they’re differentiated from other spaces often works as a deterrent.
What kind of car parks need EV bays?
Every kind of car park, both private and local-authority managed, can benefit from EV bays. As electric vehicle ownership increases, so does the demand for spaces where drivers can charge their car.
Here are just a handful of places where EV charging stations are already being used successfully.
- Hospitals
- Schools and colleges
- Leisure centres
- Business parks
- Supermarkets
- Retail parks
- Local authority buildings
- Motorway services
Upgrading your car park to reflect the changing needs of vehicle owners ensures it remains fit for purpose and future proof.
Positioning and layout of EV charging bays
There are no rules on the layout and positioning of EV charging bays in private car parks, but these pointers from the Energy Saving Trust can help you make the most of your space.
- When considering the width of the spaces, ensure you factor in the size of the charging point and any trailing cables.
- Make sure that your charging points are not positioned in a way that would force drivers to park dangerously or across a pavement.
- It’s good practice to position charging points between several spaces so one charge point can service several bays (NOTE: the cables are 4 to 8 metres long).
- Differentiate the EV parking bays in your car park from standard spaces with clearly visible floor markings and signage.
As well as helping electric vehicle owners locate their nearest charge point, painted floor markings will deter other vehicle owners from parking in these sought-after spots.
Is there a standard EV charging symbol?
There is no universal EV charging symbol. Contractors experienced in car park marking, like Clean and Retrieve, typically have a range of options they can offer their customers.
For those who prefer something bespoke, we can work with you to create a new design. Some savvy businesses see this as an opportunity to create something new that reflects their brand.
Floor marking paint is typically applied using heat, melting the paint to form a durable bond with the road’s surface. Hot melt marking or thermoplastic paint is robust enough to weather heavy traffic without fading.
The team at Clean and Retrieve has the experience and the tools to help you adapt your existing car park or lay out a completely new car park.
We’re on hand and ready to help.