lease News from the LMP legal industry
Cars and parking spaces in a private block of flats are among the advantages of being a renter. Whether it's your parking rights, parking restrictions, who pays for lighting and security, etc.Please read HERE for more informationin this regard.
For now, however, we'd like to update the laws and grants offered to rental companies in relation to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Read the link to government legislation here:The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charging Points) Regulations 2021for all the in-depth content you're looking for, but let's try to cover what you need to know in this article.
Did you know that from 15th June 15 all newly built homes in England will need to be fitted with electric car chargers, as will newly built workplaces and buildings undergoing major refurbishment? oh, and don't forget the supermarkets!
Any new building development with associated parking spaces must have access to charging stations for electric carsbuilding codes.
However, there is always a footnote, and in this regard it doesnotApplication for work:
- the subject of a construction notice;
- complete plan application; or
- Initial notification before this date if work on site starts before June 15, 2023.
New build developers can get grants from several entities, but in this article let's talk mainly about existing buildings with residential parking lots.
More specifically, what is changing in the manufacturing of smart electric vehicle charging stations that will have a positive impact on both residents and property managers?
From June 30, 2022, all manufacturers of EV Smart Chargepoints will have to take on the costs that will make so many happy when it comes to service charges and who pays what! That is, who says that the manufacturer does not add the additional costs to the buyer under the guise of retail price. This should be kept in mind in the future.
The government's transitional words on the move to zero-emission cars.
Together we embrace the new opportunities for clean growth, green jobs and public health benefits from improving air quality; and that this transition could also increase energy security and help balance power grids as we make the clean energy transition.
Rental companies that work with advanced EV charging station manufacturers will see their residents working with them to ensure their needs are met. EV car sales are exploding, change is happening!
EV CHARGING POINT MANUFACTURERS GUIDE
A slight oversight could be how manufacturers are promoting themselves by introducing new rules. Note that they cannot use the OZEV logo which is for government use only. However, they can state that their gear is OZEV approved, so it's worth updating websites and marketing material on this.
We are now a digital world and charging stations for electric vehicles are no different, which is why there must be security around cybercrime.
Manufacturers must either comply with cybersecurity requirements inThe Electric Vehicles (Smart Charging Points) Regulations 2021or provide answers to the following questions:
- How does the charging station ensure adequate encryption of the communication between the charging station and the charging station operator?
- How does the charging station operator ensure that its communications and functions are appropriately encrypted?
AS A MANUFACTURER, HOW DO YOU REGISTER YOUR CHARGING POINTS FOR OZEV CHARGEPOINT CONVEYING SYSTEMS?
On April 1, 2022, the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles (OZEV) reformed its funding systems. The EV charging station subsidy replaced the Electric Vehicles Homecharge Scheme (EVHS).
There's a wealth of evidence to be presented for the grant, and every other government incentive is the same, but it's worth planning aggressively for.
Britain plans to phase out petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.
The strategy papers from the COP26 global conference say collective governments agree that all sales of new cars and vans will be zero-emissions by 2040 or earlier, or no later than 2035 in leading markets.
In real estate and urban development and infrastructure, it is better to take action than to react!
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE EV CHARGING POINT MANUFACTURER SUPPORT SCHEME
The following documents are required for each model in order to be approved for the support program via the OZEV:
- Warranty document*
- Declaration of Conformity Certificate
- User Guide
- Cybersecurity statements (see above) of the charging station.
*What is required for the warranty document:
warranty document
To be approved by OZEV, the warranty document must contain:
- a statement confirming that the minimum service life of the charging station is 3 years from the date of installation
- a statement confirming that the warranty is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of installation
- a statement confirming that all on-site assistance, repairs and replacements will be provided free of charge
- a statement confirming that the warranty covers both parts and labour
- an explanation of the procedures for the customer to obtain support from the manufacturer, including contact details for the manufacturer (or the third-party provider providing support)
- a list of supporting documents required by the customer in order to obtain support from the manufacturer
- a list of the exclusions and provisos that render the warranty inapplicable
The list may seem exhaustive and the endless loops to jump through, but as manufacturers come on board with a desire to grow while complementing a greener world,
Their acceptance of the grant through the required evidence will only put them on a better path to move forward.
For more guidance on the permitting process, please click on the government linkHERE.
CHARGING POINT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Back to the essence of a landlord or resident who needs to manage the EV charging stations of the resident who needs the EV charging station!
The financial subsidy for landlords of residential and commercial properties is coming. Yes, the Government has said through the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) that if you are accepted for the grant they will fund you up to 75% of the total cost of buying and installing an OZEV approved charging station, with a maximum of £ 350 per outlet installed.
Due to air pollution issues, sustainability issues and climate change, our residential block and private rental car parks must be ready to be remodeled. 2030 is not far away when there will be a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.
Renters WANT to be EV ready.
With the EVHS grant, residents (owners or renters) are entitled to up to £350 per person to install a charging point.
Apartment block owners can claim up to £30,000 per building, with a limit of 30 applications (per year per applicant).
Existing buildings can apply for this subsidy (through their owner or tenant - see below) as new legislation applies to new build.
Shared bays are preferred as shared space is more economical - but of course the choice is up to the applicant based on capital cost versus benefit etc.
Why now for the scholarship?
New sales have been sparked by a desire that more of us want a greener way of life, struggle with urban pollution, the cost of living and fuel prices, and the fact that we, as consumers, know what's coming around the corner.
Environmental zones are areas in a city where highly polluting vehicles are allowed to enter. So if you are a management company or live in an urban environment, it makes sense to plan ahead now.
The low emission zones are being introduced as part of a wider government strategy to improve air quality across the UK. It follows plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
WHICH CITIES ARE ENVIRONMENTAL ZONES ENFORCED?
A number of locations are planning to introduce and expand environmental or clean air zones, including (but growing all the time, so keep an eye on your city and municipality's websites):
London
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is located in London and includes all vehicles that do not meet emission standards.
Does that concern you? Check out the link to Transport for LondonHERE
Birmingham
Birmingham's CAZ operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. At the time of writing, these vehicles are roadworthy (meaning no fine!):
- A moped or motorcycle.
- A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6
- A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
- A vehicle without emissions (electric, hydrogen)
- A low-emission vehicle
Oxford
A pilot project for Oxford's Zero Emissions Zone started on February 28, 2022 and will run between 7am and 7pm all year round. For more information about the zones, seeHERE.
Bristol
Bristol's zone will start later this year. The same vehicles apply as in Birmingham above.
To check if your vehicle will be exempted or cleared for Bristol's Clear Air Zone, then use the government's verification toolHERE.
Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh und Glasgow
Low emission zones were introduced in Scottish cities in May 2022, although they are not yet enforceable (giving commuters and residents time to plan ahead).
- Aberdeen (Plan for Enforcement June 2024)
- Dundee (Plan for Enforcement May 2024)
- Edinburgh (Plan for Enforcement June 2024)
- Glasgow (enforcement June 2023 but for residents of the zone itself it will be June 2024)
These zones apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Rather than charging non-compliant vehicles for using the zone, the Scottish Government will introduce £60 PCN penalties for vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards.
Do you need help in any of these areas? ClickHERE.
Bradford
As an incentive for Bradford residents and commuters, the agency is offering grants of up to £3,200 for vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards.
Which vehicles do not comply with the Bradford Clean Air Zone, which comes into operation on September 26, 2022? Read their websiteHERE.
It is worth applying for EVHS funding for apartment buildings and resident parking spaces (including underground parking).
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE EVHS SCHOLARSHIP?
A landowner or lessee (with the consent of the landowner); You must also be registered with Companies House and/or VAT registered. If you are a private registered social housing provider you are also encouraged to apply.
See below in a little more detail:
WHAT DOES "OWNER" OR "CONSENT LEASEHOLDER" MEAN FOR THE GRANT?
To be considered a landowner (or tenant with the landowner's consent) when applying for the grant, you must be one of the following:
- Landlord of a property who rents out the property.
- Right to Management (RTM) of the Company.
- Businesses that own ownership of a leased or rented property.
- Companies that own the common areas of a building. The company may include shareholders who are tenants. The company can also manage the building.
- Real Estate Factor listed in the Real Estate Factor Register.
- Private Registered Public Housing Providers (PRP).
- public authorities.
- Housing cooperative (only infrastructure subsidy).
- Residential Management Company (infrastructure grant only).
There is a job application journey that is never too early to begin.
From creating an account (at this point you must indicate if you are affiliated with another company) to providing information (location, property, number of parking spaces, size of parking lot, etc.). In order for you to proceed to receive the scholarship, you must be accepted at these two levels:
- applicant level and
- Schemaebene.
As the landlord, you are responsible for the first three parts of the application journey, but the next three phases are on the shoulders of the installer.
4thPhase is the commissioning of the installer, next is the proof of installation (invoice and photo proof) and after that the last phase is the complaint acceptance and payment.
As a side note, as a resident, you must have a qualifying electric vehicle in order to qualify.
ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE INSTALLATION OF CHARGING POINTS
When it comes to understanding installation requirements, it's good to know the difference between "Active" And "Passive“.
Active means that the charging points are already installed and operational, so that a vehicle can be charged immediately.
Passive means the civil engineering and structural underground works are complete and ready, but the charging station installation needs to be configured to make it active.
It pays to plan passive infrastructures now because you can decide how many bays need to become active in the future.
We watched a webinar on EV charging integration and one of the questions asked was about garages. The question was:
Q) Approximately 1/3 of 26 residents have garages, will they be considered for a grant?
A) Yes, as long as they are part of residential units and located on leasehold land.
Are you considering purchasing a new fleet of vehicles if you are a management company or work with preferred suppliers and contractors who you feel may need advice on vehicle selection for the future? Continue reading!
CAR AND VAN MANUFACTURERS COMMIT TO 100% ZERO EMISSIONS
A handy list of automotive companies agreeing to the COP26 declaration to accelerate the transition to 100 zero-emission cars and vans
car manufacturer
- Avera electric vehicles
- BYD-Auto
- Etrio Automobile Private Limited
- Ford Motor Company
- Gayam Motorwerke
- General Motors
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Lotus-Autos
- Mercedes Benz
- MOBI
- quantum engines
- Volt-Motoren
- Volvo-Cars
USEFUL LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EV CHARGING POINTS
Here we list useful links from authorities and experts with detailed content and necessary forms:
List of commercially approved charging station models
E-charging station funding for landlords with customer advice and application form
EV charging station subsidy for rental companies with installer guidance
Approval for manufacturer guide
On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme Guidelines for Local Authorities
SUMMARY OF EV CHARGING POINT INFORMATION FOR RENTAL PROVIDERS
Theteam and I here at LMP Laware experts in real estate law and residential property management and keep up to date with all laws that affect working and living in leaseholds.
Our job is to keep you and your residents safe and to ensure your business is not held liable for the consequences of not keeping up to date with legislative updates.
One thing we would really advise all our clients on their existing buildings (with parking lots) is to sort out the passive infrastructure sooner rather than later! Much cheaper in the long run. Big thanks to them tooEnergy Confidence whose webinars are super helpful in this regard.
Here is how you can get in touch with us, either by email:enquiries@lmp-law.com,or fill out ourcontact page,or simply call:0115 7841614
Laura