Steam Mill, Chester
Installation of Easee EV Charging Points at Steam Mill Offices
Project Overview
As part of a broader refurbishment program at Steam Mill Offices, Steam Mill Street, Chester, the installation of 4 Easee EV charging points marks a significant enhancement to the building’s sustainability and tenant convenience. Managed by Electric Spinach LTD and integrated with intelligent software, this installation provides a seamless and highly functional solution for both users and building management, ensuring an optimal experience for all stakeholders, including tenants, building managers, and owners.
The collaboration with Electric Spinach during the design phase was a key factor in the project’s success, helping to avoid common issues that often arise when EV charging infrastructure is installed purely to meet planning requirements, without a clear strategy for ongoing management and functionality.
Design and Implementation
The installation of the 4 Easee EV charging points was completed with a user-centric design, ensuring ease of use and long-term operability. By involving Electric Spinach LTD early in the design process, the project benefited from a comprehensive approach that considered not just the installation but also the future management and operation of the charging points. In this particular instance, Electric Spinach was not the primary installer but instead worked with the third-party Electrical Installer to ensure the correct EV infrastructure was installed. Our specialist engineers fitted the EV Units and completed the EV Installation and commissioning. This proactive design strategy mitigated potential problems often faced when building contractors install such systems without a view to their ongoing usage or management.
This project also highlighted the importance of integrating future-proof systems. The use of dedicated software enables easy monitoring, billing, and data management, ensuring the EV charging points remain operational and convenient for users while also supporting building managers and owners with detailed reporting and control.
Functionality and Software Integration
One of the standout features of this installation is the use of backend management software, a sophisticated platform that facilitates several critical functionalities:
1. Rebilling for Usage: The software allows building managers to track and rebill electricity consumption directly to tenants using the EV charging points. This ensures clear and fair distribution of costs based on actual usage.
2. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Data: The integration of Fuuse also supports the collection and reporting of ESG data, which is increasingly important for companies and building owners to meet sustainability targets. The ability to track energy consumption, carbon savings, and other metrics makes the system a valuable tool for sustainability reporting.
3. Tenant Engagement: The ease of use of the system ensures tenants can quickly and efficiently charge their vehicles without complications. The software enables tenants to monitor their usage and view billing information, providing transparency and accountability.
These features create a robust solution that works not just for the immediate EV users but also for the ongoing operational needs of building managers and the reporting needs of the building owners.
Collaboration with Electric Spinach LTD
The involvement of Electric Spinach LTD was instrumental in the smooth execution of the project. Their expertise ensured that potential pitfalls typically associated with EV installations—such as lack of coordination between building contractors and long-term management—were avoided. By having Electric Spinach involved from the design phase through to installation and management, the project was delivered with a clear plan for future use, ensuring that the building managers have the tools and support needed to operate the system efficiently.
Impact on the Building and Tenants
The installation of the Easee EV charging points significantly enhances the building’s amenities and its appeal to tenants. As more businesses and individuals shift towards electric vehicles, providing on-site charging becomes a valuable asset.
Tenants now have access to a reliable, easy-to-use EV charging infrastructure, which adds to the overall convenience of working at Steam Mill Offices. The environmental benefits of the charging stations, coupled with the Fuuse software’s ability to track ESG data, align with the growing emphasis on sustainability in commercial real estate.
For building management, the installation simplifies a previously complex process of handling rebilling and data management, allowing them to focus on broader operational tasks. The system's integration ensures they can offer a modern, sustainable feature to tenants without increasing their workload or overhead.
Ongoing services and costs
Electric Spinach LTD is supporting Steam Mill with the EV annual management service.
Our annual management program for maintaining and ensuring compliance of electric vehicle (EV) charging points with the smart charge regulations came into effect in July 2022. The program ensures that the charging points meet requirements from the manufacturers, building regulations, and insurance obligations.
Here's a breakdown of the costs based on the number of sockets to be inspected:
• 1-5 sockets: £195.00 plus VAT per socket.
• 6-10 sockets: £175.00 plus VAT per socket.
• 11-20 sockets: £155.00 plus VAT per socket.
• 21+ sockets: £135.00 plus VAT per socket.
The program provides a comprehensive support package throughout the year to help with both preventive and reactive maintenance, an annual inspection and report ensuring that your EV charging infrastructure remains compliant and functional.
Conclusion
The installation of the Easee EV charging points at Steam Mill Offices, managed by Electric Spinach LTD with software, exemplifies a successful and forward-thinking approach to integrating EV infrastructure into commercial buildings. By involving Electric Spinach early in the process, the project avoided the typical issues of EV installations designed purely to meet planning briefs. Instead, it delivered a solution that is functional, easy to manage, and future-proof.
This project represents a best-in-class example of how to enhance tenant experience, support sustainable practices, and provide building managers and owners with the tools they need for effective ongoing management. It adds significant value to the Steam Mill Offices and positions the property as a leader in sustainability and modern amenities.