The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving with the surge in EV charging points. As the world seeks sustainable solutions to combat climate change, initiatives surrounding the implementation of electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure is leading the charge towards a greener future. Installing EV chargers in educational institutions has been highlighted by the UK government as a crucial step towards achieving their net-zero target.
So, why should the education sector install EV charging points?
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Economic and strategic advantages
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Environmental sustainability
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Enhanced convenience and accessibility
This article will explore why facilities within the education sector should consider installing EV charging points by highlighting the benefits they bring to each establishment.
The Benefits of EV Charging Points in Education
1. Economic and Strategic Advantages
Long-Term Growth
Installing EV charging points allows schools to explore the option of offering paid charging services. As many school buildings house community activities, such as gymnasiums or large auditoriums, there is an opportunity to provide paid EV charging services to visitors. This can help schools mitigate any impact to their budgets as the charging stations provide a long-term revenue stream.
As electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent, the demand for EV charging points will continue to grow. By installing charge points now, schools can future-proof their infrastructure while also ensuring they stay up to date with modern technological trends. By investing into strategic sustainability objectives, it allows a school to present themselves as a more modern institution, which can help secure for future projects, such as events or levelling-up grants.
Schools can leverage these opportunities to highlight their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Engaging with the press and community through events and announcements can then elevate a school’s profile, highlighting its role in driving positive, long-term change.
2. Enhancing Convenience and Accessibility
Supporting EV Owners in the School Community
The presence of EV charging points on a school's premises offers benefits to teachers and staff who drive electric vehicles. Providing a charge point at their place of work can eliminate the stress of finding one before (or during) their commute. This makes their daily travel more convenient and less time-consuming, which can improve employee morale. Additionally, parents and visitors with EVs may appreciate the ease of access to charging facilities, enhancing their overall experience when attending school events or meetings.
Non-publicly funded establishments that prioritise sustainability and demonstrate a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint can distinguish themselves from rival schools. EV charging points serve as a unique selling point for environmentally conscious families and staff who value green initiatives. In a competitive sector, this can enhance the school’s appeal to prospective students and employees.
3. Promoting Environmental Sustainability
A Greener Tomorrow
How do you scale sustainability and ensure it becomes a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix? EV charging stations installed on school grounds or a university campus provides a visible, practical example to the next generation, giving faculties the chance to explain the benefits of electric vehicles vs traditional petrol, which in turn helps to convey the positive values of sustainability.
Additionally, EV charging points offers hand-on learning opportunities as teachers dive into the benefits of electric vehicles vs traditional petrol cars. By instilling these positive values and a better understanding of the benefits of electric vehicles early in life, pupils can make more informed decisions throughout their life.
Finally, a tangible example of renewable energy demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability. Facilities are regularly used throughout the community, so a proactive approach to embracing eco-friendly habits could also galvanise efforts beyond the school grounds.
Installing EV charging points at schools offers numerous benefits; from the creation of another revenue stream to the bolstering of a school’s external profile to prospective parents and employees. A commitment to environmental sustainability brings the potential to boost a school’s reputation within the community as they take demonstrable steps towards modernising their campus.
How can Deta.e help?
Budgets are tight, and we understand investing in EV charging points may seem like a low priority. However, the right product and expertise can provide long-term social and financial benefits for the education sector.
The award-winning eVoomXT from Deta.e is a multi-user smart charging points designed for communal residential and commercial EV charging. Designed with an integrated touchscreen, the modular design provides simplicity in both installation and maintenance.
Designed for ease, staff and visitors can access the smart charge point via the app or RFID card. Optional cloud-based software allows communal parking areas to be managed by a Charge Point Operator (CPO), who can then control the operating and maintaining of the EV charging facility and billing the users.
To find out more about how our EV charging solution, the eVoomXT, click here.
Want to find out how we can support your school deploy EV Charging? Reach out to our team on 01582 544500 or email us at [email protected] so we can help you take the first steps towards evolving your campus.