What the UK’s evolving EV landscape means for property managers

Support for public charging infrastructure

The government has confirmed that business rate relief for public charging points will continue, easing concerns that charging operators would pass new costs onto users. This commitment encourages ongoing investment in the public charging network.

However, public charging remains, on average, three times more expensive than home or workplace charging. Research from ChargeGuru in 2024 indicates that 70% of flat dwellers rely on public chargers, and 74% say access to charging influences their choice of residence. Because of this, affordable private charging is essential for making EV ownership accessible to all. This is where property managers play a key role, as tenants increasingly expect convenient charging solutions at their homes or workplaces.

Road usage tax becoming a potential barrier for EV adoption

Under the new proposal, EV owners will also now pay a mileage-based road tax of 3p per mile, which could add roughly £250 per year for the average driver by 2028. This measure aims to compensate for the drop in fuel duty revenue as more motorists transition to electric vehicles.

Despite this additional cost, EVs generally remain cheaper to operate than traditional petrol or diesel cars, particularly for drivers with access to home charging. Ensuring convenient charging at home or work is therefore critical to keeping EV ownership financially viable.

The risk of a growing EV divide

Residents without home charging, particularly those living in flats or apartment blocks, remain dependent on public infrastructure. Introducing mileage-based road taxes could disproportionately affect these groups, adding financial pressure to those already reliant on public charging.

These changes highlight important equity issues. Urban residents, renters, and lower-income households are likely to be impacted the most. Ensuring accessible EV charging is therefore critical to creating a fair and inclusive transition to electric mobility.

Why property managers are at the heart of the solution

While government grants make EVs more attainable, practical barriers like charging availability could slow adoption. Property managers who proactively integrate EV charging infrastructure can differentiate their offerings, improve tenant satisfaction, and help ease affordability concerns.

Installing EV chargers not only supports sustainable transportation choices but also enhances a property’s reputation for environmental responsibility. Encouragingly, our ChargeGuru data shows that 81% of property managers, developers, and landlords understand the process of installing EV chargers, and 86% are aware of available government funding.

Turning policy challenges into opportunities

Although public charging will continue to expand, home charging solutions are becoming increasingly crucial. Rising costs or new taxes may slow public network growth, but accessible private charging can fill the gap. Property managers, alongside the EV industry, are pivotal in making this a reality.

Business rate changes or road taxes are unlikely to impact property managers directly. However, they may see increased demand for at-home charging from residents taking advantage of grants or switching to EVs. By anticipating these needs and integrating charging infrastructure into property strategies, managers can support a smoother transition to electric mobility while demonstrating responsiveness to sustainability trends and resident expectations.

Installing EV charging provides an opportunity to showcase forward-thinking property management and environmental leadership. Partners like ChargeGuru are helping simplify the process, making EV infrastructure a scalable, practical solution for property owners and residents alike.

Harry Macgregor, Business Development, ChargeGuru UK