Attract high-value customers, increase dwell time, and generate a new revenue stream. We install monetised EV charging networks for retail parks, supermarkets, and shopping centres.
The way we drive is changing, and so is the way we shop. EV drivers are statistically among the most desirable demographic for retailers—they have higher disposable income and are loyal to locations that allow them to “graze charge” while they visit.
If your retail park in Norfolk doesn’t offer charging, you are leaking customers to competitors who do. At Yare Electrical, we help retailers turn their car parks into profit centres. We provide an end-to-end solution: from the initial load survey and civil groundworks to the installation of smart, revenue-generating chargers that pay for themselves.
Turn Your Car Park Into an Asset
The Business Case: Dwell Time & Footfall
Installing EV chargers is not just a “green box-ticking exercise.” It is a strategic commercial decision that directly influences shopper behaviour.
1. Increasing Dwell Time
An EV driver who plugs into a 7kW or 22kW charger needs to stay for at least 60–90 minutes to get a meaningful top-up. This captures the customer at your location for longer. Instead of a quick “dash and grab,” they are more likely to visit multiple stores, stop for a coffee, or have lunch while they wait for the battery to fill.
2. Destination Loyalty
EV drivers plan their trips around charging locations. By becoming a “Destination Charging” site (visible on apps like Zap-Map), you attract drivers who would otherwise drive past your store. You become their primary choice for weekly shopping simply because you offer convenience.
Hardware Solutions: Fast vs. Rapid
We tailor the hardware to your specific type of retail environment. One size does not fit all.
For Shopping Centres & Retail Parks (Destination)
Recommended: 7kW – 22kW AC Dual Pedestals
If your customers typically stay for 1 to 4 hours (e.g., cinema, clothes shopping, dining), AC fast chargers are ideal. They are cost-effective to install and allow you to serve two cars from a single post. They provide a steady top-up that encourages the customer to relax and take their time.
For Convenience Stores & Fast Food (En-Route)
Recommended: 50kW+ DC Rapid Chargers
If your average visit is 15–30 minutes (e.g., a coffee drive-thru or motorway service), you need speed. DC Rapid chargers bypass the car’s onboard converter to charge the battery from 20% to 80% in under 40 minutes. While expensive to install, they command a much higher price-per-kWh from the driver.
Monetisation: Who Pays for the Power?
You do not have to give electricity away for free. We install OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliant chargers that link to back-office management software (such as Monta, Fuuse, or Clenergy).
This software puts you in total control:
- Set Your Tariffs: You set the price. If you pay 25p/kWh for electricity, you can charge customers 45p/kWh, generating a healthy margin to cover maintenance and installation costs.
- QR Code Payment: No membership cards needed. Customers simply scan a QR code on the charger to pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or credit card.
- Variable Pricing: Want to encourage off-peak visits? You can lower the charging price on Tuesday mornings when the shop floor is quiet.
Civil Works & Project Management
Installing chargers in an active car park involves digging. This terrifies many retail managers who fear disruption.
At Yare Electrical, we offer a Turnkey Solution. We don’t ask you to hire a separate groundworks company. We manage the entire civil engineering phase:
- Trenching & Ducting: We excavate trenches for the heavy armoured cabling, ensuring they are the correct depth.
- Concrete Bases: We pour the concrete plinths for the charger pedestals.
- Reinstatement: We resurface the tarmac or relay the block paving so the car park looks pristine.
- Bay Marking & Protection: We install “EV Only” bay markings and heavy-duty steel barriers (crash posts) to stop drivers accidentally reversing into the expensive charger units.
Load Balancing (Protecting Your Supply)
Retail units consume a lot of power for lighting and air conditioning. Adding 10 EV chargers could theoretically blow your main fuse.
We solve this with Dynamic Load Balancing (DLM). We install a meter that monitors your building’s total usage in real-time. If the shop’s demand spikes (e.g., all the ovens turn on at lunch), the system automatically throttles the EV chargers down slightly. As soon as the building load drops, the chargers ramp back up. This allows you to install more chargers without paying thousands for a grid supply upgrade.
OZEV Grants: The Workplace Charging Scheme
The government wants to help you install infrastructure. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations.
- The Value: You can claim £350 per socket towards the cost of purchase and installation.
- The Cap: You can claim for up to 40 sockets (a total of £14,000).
- Eligibility: You must have dedicated off-street parking for staff or fleet use. (Note: Purely public-facing charging has different rules, which we can advise on).
Why Choose Yare Electrical?
- Brand Agnostic: We are not tied to one manufacturer. We install Rolec, Easee, Zaptec, and Project EV—choosing the best unit for your aesthetics and budget.
- Maintenance Contracts: A broken charger damages your brand. We offer 24/7 remote monitoring and rapid response maintenance to keep your network online.
- Local Expertise: We are based in Norwich and understand the local grid constraints of UK Power Networks in Norfolk.
Future-Proof Your Retail Space
Don’t get left behind. Contact Yare Electrical on 01603 626400 to discuss how we can electrify your car park.