SPECIAL FEATURE
EV CHARGING
CHARGE AHEAD WITH THE EV OPPORTUNITY AND CEF Did you know that one in seven cars sold in the UK this year had a plug? [1] A decade ago, EV numbers in the UK were below 9,000. Now, the UK is one of Europe’s largest markets for ultra-low emission vehicles. That’s why the UK’s leading electrical wholesaler, CEF, is helping electrical contractors take advantage of the business opportunity offered by the growing EV market.
E
very electric vehicle needs easy access to power. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) recently highlighted the need for at least 2.3 million new electric vehicle charging points to be installed around the UK by 2030.[2] As every electrical charge point must be professionally fitted, that represents a huge opportunity for electrical contractors. CEF has committed resources to become a one-stop shop for all things EV; to be the place that professional electrical contractors look to when they opt to make the growing EV market a bigger part of their business. In providing expertise, advice and a complete range of products and accessories, CEF is helping contractors win EV business by plugging into this once in a lifetime electric changeover.
Knowledge is power
The EV opportunity for contractors Installing EV charge points in homes, workspaces and public places all over the UK presents a massive new business opportunity for electrical contractors. CEF is committed to providing the knowledge, resources and products they need to take advantage of this growing demand. While there are plenty of places for an electric vehicle driver to research models, range and calculate the running costs of EVs, CEF is focusing on helping its electrical contractor customers understand and benefit from the growing EV opportunity. It has dedicated resources to help would-be EV charge point installers find out what they want and need to know.
Although a growing market, CEF recognises that EV is new for its customer base of electricians and contractors. So, it’s investing heavily in training and communication tools to help them quickly get up to speed with everything they need to know about EV. CEF’s Renewable Energy Solutions and EV expert, Bradley Raphael, explains: “We know that our customers already greatly value the advice and expertise they can get in any of our 390 stores. Our colleagues are always happy to explain new products and recommend the best way to do things. We want to make sure that’s the case with all things EV.” CEF is playing an important role in helping its customers understand the EV opportunity and aims to show that
The Plug into EV website is packed with information
The EV market continues to grow With a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles due to come into force in 2030, sales of electric vehicles have seen increasing growth in the UK over recent years. By the end of May 2021 there were nearly 260,000 pure-electric cars on UK roads and more than 535,000 plug-in models if you include plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).[3] By 2030 it’s anticipated that the UK EV market will grow to 10 million vehicles and require 2.3 million charging points in homes, workplaces and public locations.[4]
PLUG IN TO EV WITH CEF 44 | October 2021
EV Charging – CEF.indd 44
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27/09/2021 09:06
