Mr Electric, the electrical service franchise, has announced that it has been recognised as a government-approved installer of electric vehicle chargepoints, enabling its network of franchisees to install and manage charging points for homes, workplaces and public areas across the UK.
Authorised by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), Mr Electric can now help domestic and commercial customers apply for the OLEV grant scheme for the installation of an electric vehicle chargepoint, which will help to reduce the cost of installation.
The government grants are designed to support the wider use of ultra-low emission vehicles to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To ensure safe and secure charging, approved OLEV suppliers can only install electric vehicle chargepoints.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme provides up to 75 per cent towards the installation cost of a chargepoint (up to a total of £500) and the Workplace Charging Scheme, a voucher-based system, offers up to £300 per socket (up to a maximum of 20).
Accreditation
Mr Electric says it is working with the National Inspection Council for Electrical Insulation Installation Contracting, to provide an electric vehicle charging training course for all its electricians. This qualification will provide the required accreditation to install the chargepoints, as well as offering site surveys, design, installation, registration, monitoring, billing, smart control and maintenance.
Pierre Jeannes, vice-president of operations for Mr Electric, said: “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as both consumers and businesses are looking for new ways to reduce rising fuel bills. As a result of this, the demand for electric vehicle charging points is also growing and this has opened up a lucrative new business opportunity for our franchisees.
“More than 47,000 plug-in cars were registered in 2017 taking the total on the road to 137,000, which is an increase of 94% since 2013. We also have a corporate social responsibility towards the environment, and as we move into the future, we fully support the growing demand for sustainable green transport technology and aim to be at the forefront of this sector.”
Franchisees already reaping the benefits of his new initiative include Jeff Longley, director of Mr Electric Birmingham North. Longley commented: “The endorsement we received by OLEV is great news for our business, particularly as we are able to apply for the funding on behalf of our customers and deduct it directly from the overall cost.
“We are one of the first electrical businesses in the West Midlands to have achieved this accreditation and we are already working with our customers to provide a simple and cost-effective way of installing charging points. While it’s still available, we encourage people to take advantage of the funding.”
www.mrelectric.co.uk/mr-electric-franchise