What Steps Do Facilities Managers Need To Take To Bolster The EV Transition?

By Adam Rodgers, Global Business Development Director, Easee.

As the UK accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to meet sustainability targets, facilities managers are becoming key players in this shift. With the 2030 ICE ban and deadline to reduce 68% national emissions fast approaching, there is a growing expectation for facilities managers to ensure that buildings and infrastructure are equipped to support EV adoption.

From planning charging infrastructure to managing energy consumption, facilities managers have a range of responsibilities to successfully integrate EV charging solutions.

Planning And Deploying Charging Infrastructure

One of the most immediate and visible roles facilities managers play in the EV transition is the planning and deployment of charging infrastructure. A 2024 survey found that almost half (48%) of UK employers have already installed EV chargers, with another 32% planning on investing in the same within this year. With such a fast pace of adoption, facilities managers need to carefully assess the existing building infrastructure to identify ideal locations for charging points.

This involves choosing the right types of chargers based on vehicle demand and user requirements. The type of charger chosen depends on factors such as the power capacity of the site and the level of demand from employees, tenants, or visitors. As EV usage continues to rise, an option facilities managers should consider is installing scalable technology. This will allow managers to add additional charging set‑ups to the initial circuit installed, as and when needed, offering premises the level of agility they need to meet changing demand.

Energy Management And Grid Integration

As the number of EVs on the road grows, managing the energy demand of charging stations becomes increasingly important. A step facilities managers will need to take is evaluating the electrical capacity of their buildings to determine how many chargers the building can currently accommodate, which may require upgrades to existing electrical systems.

However, there are smart technology solutions available which may minimise the need for upgrades. Load balancers divide the charge between robots connected to a single circuit equally, allowing vehicles to charge simultaneously, while ensuring that the load never exceeds the limit set when the circuit was installed. If loading against the main fuse, there is smart technology available that plugs into the energy meter to automatically balance the energy between chargers and the building, ensuring the capacity isn’t exceeded and preventing power outages.

By 2030, it is anticipated that there will be between approximately 8 million and 11 million hybrid or electric cars in the UK, highlighting the subsequent requirement for a stronger charging infrastructure, and therefore also more efficient energy management.

Facilities managers can mitigate the strain on local grids by employing smart charging systems that manage the load during peak demand periods. These solutions allow chargers to operate efficiently, ensuring the building doesn’t exceed its energy capacity. Additionally, many facilities managers are integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels into their charging infrastructure to power EVs sustainably, aligning with the UK’s broader environmental goals. Installing renewable energy tech such as solar panels can also increase EPC ratings by two bands, hereby improving prospects for the property to remain lettable by 2030 under the Government’s new rules.

Policy Implementation And Stakeholder Engagement

Facilities managers also play a pivotal role in implementing EV‑related policies and engaging with stakeholders. The UK Government offers a range of incentives to support the deployment of EV infrastructure, including the now‑extended Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which provides businesses with grants of up to £350 per socket, up to a maximum of £14,000 for 40 sockets. This scheme has encouraged many organisations to install charging points at their premises.

Furthermore, facilities managers are responsible for setting policies regarding EV charging usage, such as pricing structures (free, pay‑per‑use, or subscription models) and parking arrangements. They must also ensure clear communication with employees, tenants, and visitors about available EV facilities.

Sustainability And Reporting

Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s EV transition, and facilities managers can play a key role in helping businesses reduce their carbon footprints by facilitating EV adoption. As the UK pushes to achieve net‑zero emissions by 2050, the role of facilities managers in reducing emissions from employee commutes has become increasingly important. A recent study showed that 73% of large UK companies have already launched initiatives aimed at reducing commuter‑related emissions, with facilities managers leading these efforts.

Facilities managers are also gathering data on transportation habits, which helps shape sustainability strategies. Approximately 71% of businesses are already collecting this data, ensuring that the transition to EVs is measured and strategically implemented.

Financial And Incentive Management

The financial side of EV infrastructure is a challenge for many businesses. While 29% of businesses offer free charging, rising electricity costs mean that many are reassessing this model to manage expenses more effectively. Additionally, 70% of organisations report delays in their EV infrastructure projects due to high costs and complex local power supply upgrades.

Facilities managers must navigate these challenges by balancing costs, incentives, and potential returns on investment. They play a vital role in ensuring that businesses are making the most of available funding opportunities, such as government grants, to offset installation costs.

Conclusion

Facilities managers are essential in the UK’s push toward EV adoption, guiding the planning, installation, and management of charging infrastructure. By focusing on efficient energy use, policy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability, they are helping businesses meet their environmental goals while ensuring that EV charging is a convenient, cost‑effective solution for all users. Their proactive approach is a crucial element of a successful, green future.