We are always looking for ways to cut back our carbon footprint. In reality, so are a lot of people. The overwhelming majority of these people don’t even know they’re doing it. It’s an everyday action that they’ve grown accustomed to doing without even realising it.

Today, countries around the world are increasing their focus on electric vehicles (EV). In effect, they’re also implementing electric vehicle infrastructure. Both EV-centric policymakers and EV enthusiasts are discussing future-proofing buildings for this reason. One area, in particular, they’re obsessing over is the battery charging station.

Future-proofing buildings for electric vehicles provides many benefits. One major benefit is providing access to charging stations. Among those benefits are higher occupancy rates and more efficient heating and lighting. Plus, we can all enjoy a cleaner inner-city air quality.

Charging your electric vehicle at home? Thank you. You’re already helping to create a more sustainable future. So getting plug-in ready for your new EV couldn’t be simpler. Plug in and turn on. It’s that easy. An electric vehicle (EV) is an automobile that is propelled by one or more electric motors. These motors use energy stored in rechargeable batteries.

Governments around the world are pledging to switch to clean energy sources. So it seems inevitable that electric vehicles will be a part of our lives. Let’s look at some of the benefits of future-proofing buildings for electric vehicles.

The cost-saving effect
As countries make the transition to EVs, they will rely on renewable energy sources. The reduction in CO2 emissions will also mean that you can save on your carbon footprint tax. Several countries across Europe already offer tax reductions on EVs.

Electric cars are cheaper to run than gas-powered vehicles. This is particularly true when you factor in the cost of maintenance. Think about things like oil changes, filters, and so on. The annual maintenance cost for a gas-powered car is close to one-fifth that of an EV. It costs 70% less to power an EV.

New opportunities for innovation
The move towards EVs will open up new opportunities for technology innovation. This includes smart charging systems that allow you to control when and how your car is charged. Opportunities for innovation and new business models are emerging at a fast pace. The electrification of vehicles is driving this.

The shift to EVs brings major changes to the entire transportation and energy sector. Cities will need to adapt their infrastructure to support these new technologies. This includes building

charging stations and electric vehicle supply equipment. Additionally, it requires re-engineering the entire transportation system. This would include transforming roads, parking lots, and garages to accommodate EVs.

There are many steps cities can take to future-proof urban areas for EV integration. These range from investing in technological innovations to re-engineering road infrastructure. Also, future-proofing can include providing financial incentives for EV owners.

Pollution reduction
Today, roughly 19% of Australia’s emissions are from vehicles. EVs, however, don’t produce any emissions when they’re moving, unlike gasoline-fueled vehicles. This makes them much better for the environment compared to conventional cars.

With EVs, you can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 90%. Compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, EVs also reduce harmful emissions. They reduce nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons by over 99%.

More efficient heating and lighting
Lighting, heating, and ventilation systems consume a great deal of energy. They also contribute to the running costs of any building. Electric vehicle charging stations provide a clean, efficient way of recharging batteries. They also reduce the energy used by these systems.

There are bespoke LED lighting systems that can detect when vehicles are parked. Then, they illuminate the areas where the vehicles are left.

Electric vehicles have been around for over a century under a variety of different names. Now, though, this technology is developing at a fast rate. As such, it’s becoming a more viable option for consumers. This is especially true for urban areas where people have limited parking space. Many businesses are even buying electric vehicles as company cars. It makes sense because they’re cheaper to run and will reduce their carbon footprint. For that, there are already over 3,000 EV chargers across the country.

With the right preparation, cities can benefit from the transition towards EVs. This includes improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and addressing climate change. It also promotes smart mobility and connectivity. This movement will stimulate local economies, create new jobs, and more!

If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and start planning for future EV stations in your building, speak to one of our Arc Energy consultants today.