Most landlords happy to install an EV charger for tenants - but who should pay?

By FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL

Updated:

Freehold landlords with a suitable property would be happy to install an EV charger if a tenant requested one, new research shows.

Direct Line found 86 per cent of freehold landlords would install a charger. 

This brings a boost to EV drivers who live in rented flats and are usually disadvantaged by having to rely on more expensive public charging.

As well as benefiting the tenant, a wallbox charger would bring a boost to landlords who could see an increase in the value of the property, but there was disagreement over who should pay for the home chargepoint. 

A fifth of landlords told Direct Line that they'd be willing to cover the cost of the installation for a tenant who requested it

A fifth of landlords told Direct Line that they'd be willing to cover the cost of the installation for a tenant who requested it 

A fifth of landlords told Direct Line that they'd be willing to cover the cost of the installation for a tenant who requested it - a further help for tenants who want to charge an electric car put don't want to rely on public charging.

Direct Line surveyed 1,004 residential landlords, of which 625 were freeholders. 

Two in five said their reason for installing a chargepoint was to keep their tenant happy.

However 35 per cent of landlords were less kind-hearted, expecting the tenant to pay, with another 30 per cent expecting to go halves and share the cost.

This is despite the fact that 40 per cent of landlords say their reason for installing a charger is to increase the value of the property, while another 40 per cent want to make the property more attractive to tenants.

A mean-spirited 15 per cent of landlords said would allow the installation so they could charge more rent. 

It's important that landlord and tenant have a clear written agreement in place for when the tenant moves out, covering what happens to the charge point, who's responsible for maintenance and repairs cost.

As well as benefiting the tenant, a wallbox charger would bring a boost to landlords who could see an increase in the value of the property

Understandably just over a quarter if landlords (26 per cent) would be concerned about the additional cost and maintenance associated with installing a charging point.

At the moment landlords aren't required to carry out an annual service on an EV charge points - unlike boilers - even though this helps to increase the life of a charger.

By charging at home with a smart charger EV drivers can take advantage of off-peak rates. Smart chargers automatically stop and start charging in line with domestic tariff changes, like when rates drop overnight because less people are consuming energy

By charging at home with a smart charger EV drivers can take advantage of off-peak rates. Smart chargers automatically stop and start charging in line with domestic tariff changes, like when rates drop overnight because less people are consuming energy

Cord shows how people who don't have access to home chargers get stung with higher costs

Cord shows how people who don't have access to home chargers get stung with higher costs 

Charging grants available to tenants and landlords 

The previous Conservative government opened up The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant to those who own or rent properties without off-street parking but do have access to adequate street parking.

The grant offers £350 - or up to 75 per cent (whichever amount is lower) -  off the cost of purchasing and installing a wallbox home charger, helping to drive down the cost of EV ownership by supporting drivers and families looking to switch to electric.

An electric vehicle infrastructure grant (up to £30,000 or 75 per cent off the cost of the work, with the amount depending on how many parking spaces the work covers) is also available to landlords. 

Landlords can use an infrastructure grant and a charge point grant on the same property. 

The future of renting with home chargepoints -  a surge of young EV owners are coming

ChargeGuru recently survey 1,254 consumers and property managers, with 53 per cent living in flats unaware that private charging solutions are available to them.

This meant that a total of 70 per cent of respondents reported that they are, or would be, totally reliant on public charging. 

Currently only one in ten flat dwellers drive an EV, but the landscape is set to change dramatically. 

Over half (53 percent) are hoping to switch to an EV in the coming years, with 27 percent intending to do so within the next one to two years. 

This figure rises to 34 percent among 25 to 34-year-olds, indicating a growing trend towards electric mobility among younger generations.

3 tips to save money home charging

1. Cut price home charging – lower standard tariffs

The Standard Variable Tariff drops to 22.4p/kWh on July 1 – the lowest price in almost two years. 

EV drivers who charge at home will be able to enjoy greater savings, even if they're charging on-peak.

But smart charging gives you even greater savings, as you can schedule your car to charge during off-peak hours and take advantage of specific EV tariffs.

2. New EDF EVolve Sept25 tariff has launched

The EDF EVolve Sept25 off-peak rate is now 10p lower than the Direct Debit Standard Variable price.

EVolve Sept25 gives customers five hours of off–peak (12 to 5am) electricity overnight for home and car – 35 hours of off–peak energy a week.

EDF promises the EVolve Sept25 tariff will never mean customers will pay more than the Ofgem price cap, with savings of £200 a year compared to a standard variable standard variable tariff with a standard electricity meter.

3.  Ohme and Octopus Go

Intelligent Octopus Go is a smart EV tariff that works in tandem with a smart charger such as Ohme dynamic wallbox chargers.

Using Intelligent Octopus Go charging a typical EV for 6,800 miles of driving would cost £127.50. 

Even using the new Standard Variable Tariff rate for the same mileage would cos £382.50. Petrol on the other hand would cost £1,100.

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