The 2020s has been a uniquely exciting time for electric vehicles, as both the adoption of cars and the installation of public and home chargers have exponentially increased.
The latter part is thanks to the hard work of electricians who have taken courses to learn how to install charging stations effectively for any homeowner or building manager who wishes to get ready for the future.
One of the most significant pieces of news that might increase the rate of installation is the Power Promise, an initiative by car manufacturer Ford that would provide a free wall box home charger to anyone who buys one of their new EVs.
Whilst the scheme itself is limited primarily to new car buyers within a fairly restrictive timeframe, the existence of the scheme could potentially increase the number of charging stations installed and even create a virtuous cycle of EVs and charge points.
Here are some of the reasons why.
Every Little Helps
There are three main concerns among people considering an EV instead of either a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid car: cost, range anxiety and charging access.
A free charging station installation helps with all three of these issues by providing a safe, effective way to charge cars at home, and once a wall box is installed the first time, it will not need upgrading for a long time and is far easier and less expensive to do so when required.
Most people who own a car need it for their daily lives and even the slightest benefit might be the tipping point to convince them to buy. If one person buys that contributes to a wider ecosystem, inspiring other people to buy and that creates a larger market for charger installations.
Follow The Leader
Ultimately the Power Promise involves just one manufacturer, albeit a very major one, but if it successfully increases the sale and adoption of EVs, then other manufacturers will invariably take notice.
There have been other incentive schemes, both within the industry and led by the government, but if the attention and publicity translate to success, then it could inspire other manufacturers selling in the UK to make major efforts to court buyers.
In some respects this is nothing new; incentives such as added equipment and providing optional extras as standard is as typical a part of the business of selling cars as part-exchange and finance options.
Reduces Complexity
Whilst petrol and diesel cars are not necessarily simple, the century of widespread use means that people understand what to expect when they buy one, including how to refuel it, what warning signs to check for and how to maintain a full service history.
An EV has different infrastructure requirements and this can be complicated for first-time buyers, as they not only need to choose the right car but also a compatible charging station to install at home, something that not only adds cost but also requires additional planning to ensure you have chosen a compatible unit.
Including one free or with a significant discount streamlines that decision-making process, reduces choice anxiety and can lead to someone making the decision to book an installation.