Becoming a fully-accredited EV charging point reseller could be easier than you think.
Green mobility is the future of transport in the UK. While the number of new petrol and diesel cars finding their way onto our roads continues its decline, the size of the Electric Vehicle (EV) car parc is expanding dramatically.
With ‘Zap-Map’ data showing half a million registered EVs on our roads and only 23,700 charging points to keep these zero emissions vehicles moving, there is a need to grow the UK’s charging infrastructure – rapidly.
The explosion in EV uptake offers ambitious electrical contractors an opportunity to break into the profitable, rapidly-expanding, futureproof charging point reseller and installer market. It also provides another service that can be offered to existing customers.
innogy eMobility UK, a division of European electric utility powerhouse E.ON, is supporting the growing number of electrical contractors that have identified the long-term growth potential within EV.
Once a company has been identified as a viable charging point reseller and installer, innogy eMobility UK provides the training to equip the electrical contractor for success in the EV field. And this comprehensive training package is free.
“Once we’ve checked the electrical contractor meets the requirements of becoming an EV reseller and will be able to deliver the volume of sales that our business is familiar with, it’s a streamline process to train them for business installations,” explains innogy eMobility UK Technical Manager, Luke Williams.
“The first step for a prospective reseller and installer is to undertake our AC or DC training. This is currently taking place on MS Teams but as restrictions ease we will resume face-to-face training.
“The training allows them to understand the products we offer, the installation requirements, how to configure them and how to successfully commission them.
“All partners must also complete a City & Guilds Electric Vehicle Charging course which is mainly theory based but builds on the installation expertise and insight we provide.
“Gaining the City & Guilds qualification is crucial because it allows the installer to claim installation grants from the Government’s OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) scheme.”
And that’s the beauty of the current EV revolution.
Not only is the Government incentivising consumers and fleet operators to switch to ultra-low emission vehicles, it’s also supporting the businesses that are providing the early market products and skills to expand the UK’s EV infrastructure.
OZEV has ring-fenced £900 million to position the UK at the global forefront of ultra-low emission vehicle development, manufacture and use.
Once an innogy eMobility UK-trained reseller has received their certificate of qualification and letter of accreditation, they can register as an OZEV-authorised installer and apply for Government grants via its Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) or Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme (EVHS).
“Once a business has chosen an OZEV installer to install their charging point, the installer can apply for a Government grant on the customer’s behalf,” says Karl Anders, Managing Director of innogy eMobility UK. “The installer can then invoice the customer for the price of the installation – minus the grant amount.
“The scheme, which offers up to £350 per socket (and up to 40 sockets per company) towards the upfront purchase or installation fee, rewards EV customers for their commitment to a green mobility future. And it ensures installer business remains buoyant because the Government is offsetting some of the customer’s initial costs. It’s a win-win situation for all parties.”
As well as training, innogy eMobility UK can provide its resellers with expert guidance on how to manage the daily operating requirements of the charging point, encompassing the optimisation of charging hours and tariffs – on commercial premises. This further expands the electrical contractor’s service offering and creates a recurring revenue stream.
Recognising that electrical contractors joining the EV market may need a little extra support when they first enter the installation field, innogy eMobility UK operates an ‘open door’ policy around its training. It also grants its accredited resellers access to a reseller partner portal that contains a raft of support and marketing material.
Luke Williams says: “For the first couple of installs, I always make myself available to give guidance during the process – if our new partner feels its required. We don’t just leave the installer to fend for themselves.
“We recognise the importance of having a competent network of resellers representing the innogy brand, that can deliver at volume and maintain the very highest standards of customer service.
“I’m always available to oversee any stages of the customer delivery and fitment process or to answer any questions the reseller may have.”