Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way in the space of a few short years. Once ridiculed for their short ranges and odd looks, electric cars, scooters and vans are now a familiar sight on our roads as EV technology has improved and owners and business have bought into the benefits of switching to electric.

Andy Hillier new pic2

Andy Hillier

With the EV revolution well under way on the streets, there’s a real risk that owners and operators of industrial and logistics sites could be left behind unless they act fast. Demand from occupiers for on-site EV charging is only going to increase as occupiers seek to cut their carbon emissions as well as reduce fuel costs.

As our feature shows, some industrial & logistics (I&L) operators are on top of the issue and have already started to put in place the infrastructure. Overall, however, on-site EV charging remains limited across the UK, something that could deter future occupiers and hurt future rents.

The latest chargers cost anywhere between £2,000 and £30,000 to install, depending on the type, which means investing in EV technology comes with hefty upfront fees. But it is likely to be a sound investment in the long run, given rising fuel costs and the reduction in carbon emissions.

Join us in May

We’re delighted to announce Property Week’s Industrial & Logistics Conference & Showcase will return next year. The conference will take place at the Park Plaza Victoria hotel in central London on 3 and 4 May 2023, and will bring together experts from across the I&L space to discuss the trends and challenges facing the sector. You can find out more about the conference and how to book your place on pages 4 and 5. We hope to see you there.

Andy Hillier is Property Week’s features editor