Property sector can play 'crucial role' in accelerating electric vehicle roll-out

Scotland’s property sector can help accelerate the drive to net zero by supporting the rapid roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charge points, new research suggests.

Property adviser Knight Frank’s Electric Vehicles Report argues that the increased adoption of EVs could be a “significant positive” for out-of-town shopping centres, which have been particularly challenged by the pandemic.

The need to top-up cars provides an incentive for their owners to visit and spend time at locations where charging points are available, the study notes. Customers charging an electric vehicle are said to spend up to 50 per cent longer at a retail site, which can translate into average increased spending of about £80.

The number of registered EVs in Scotland rose 115 per cent between the third quarter of 2018 and Q3 2020, taking the total number to 22,095 at that point. This was slightly ahead of the 103 per cent increase seen across the UK over the same period.

Customers charging an electric vehicle are said to spend up to 50 per cent longer at a retail site. Picture: Peter Devlin

There are a number of hotspots for EVs in Scotland, with nearly one-quarter registered in Renfrewshire. Edinburgh has the second highest number of EVs, closely followed by Stirling.

Simon Capaldi, office agency partner at Knight Frank Edinburgh, said: “EVs are growing in popularity and, in time, will become mainstream, which will have consequences for both occupiers and landlords in Scotland.

“With COP26 set to arrive in Glasgow later this year, Scotland has a unique opportunity to show how we are tackling the challenge of climate change and building a more sustainable future. EVs will be a crucial part of that story and the property sector has a crucial role to play in supporting their greater adoption.”

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