Key insights into the challenges of installing electric vehicle charging points into leasehold properties were presented at a top industry seminar.

The presentation, EV Charging Points, Legal and Practical Problems, was made by Alan Draper, Technical Director of start-up business EV Solutions Group and Roger Hardwick of Brethertons Solicitors at the Institute of Residential Property Management  (IRPM) event  attended by over 600 delegates.

It drew on a white paper Alan has written – Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Communal Living Environments – scheduled for publication by the IRPM on 19 May.

Alan said: “The presentation covered all the various obstacles property managers will face when trying to retrofit electric vehicle infrastructure into their existing portfolios.

“It addressed the legal side, the building infrastructure and electricity supply challenges and project management of the various parties involved as well as billing, service and maintenance once installation is complete.”

The event marked the official launch of EV Solutions Group. Alan, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the residential leasehold sector and, prior to that, the IT industry, set up the company with business partner and EV Solutions Group’s Managing Director, Ken Ingram.  Ken has 25 years’ project management experience in the IT industry.

The company was created to help property managers overcome the various obstacles to having EV chargers installed on their developments.

It will not only provide the end-to-end solution but also project manage the entire process within blocks of flats where installation can be complex and challenging requiring a bespoke solution.

This involves working with specialists such as distribution network operators, electrical design engineers, government agencies and contractors as well as overseeing grant applications to ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget.

The process starts with the legal aspect of reviewing leases created before the advent of electric vehicles. This is followed by an upgrade of electrical transformers and cabinets onsite to deliver additional power and then the provision of cabling across often complex locations before the chargers themselves are installed.

Every detail from how to balance the energy loads required per car to billing individuals for their usage is considered.

Work has already started on projects in Henley-on-Thames, Abingdon and Oxford with further projects expected shortly as sales of electric vehicles continue to rise rapidly.