Despite what you may read in the national press, the electric vehicle (EV) market in the UK is undergoing transformative growth, presenting an extraordinary business opportunity for electrical wholesalers, writes Ali Khan, Head of EVC UK Sales & Business Development.
‘Don’t believe all you read in the national press’ seems more relevant than ever when it comes to electric vehicles. Despite the negative headlines, the reality is that the UK is at the forefront of Europe’s shift towards electrification of its entire transport system – fuelled by our leading position in renewable energy.
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that by July 2024, more than 25% of new vehicle registrations were either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. This represents a substantial increase compared to the same period in 2023, underscoring the accelerating pace of EV adoption.
As more people adopt EVs, the demand for charging infrastructure in homes, businesses, commercial premises, shops, offices, and public car parks is set to rise dramatically. For electrical wholesalers, this trend represents a significant opportunity to diversify their product offerings and services into EV charging and related sectors, aligning with the increasing needs of electricians and their customers.
This growth in EVs in the UK is not just a fleeting trend; it is set against the backdrop of inevitability. The UK Government’s ambitious plans to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035 may be hauled back to 2030 if rhetoric from the new government is to be realised. The long-term nature of the opportunity underscores the need for robust, widespread EV charging infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable business for electrical wholesalers.
EV market opportunity for electrical wholesalers
For electrical wholesalers, the burgeoning EV market offers a vast opportunity for business expansion. The increasing demand for EV chargers across various sectors offers significant scope to expand product portfolios by stocking and supplying EV chargers, associated accessories, and essential installation tools. But beyond just selling products, wholesalers have the potential to position themselves as essential partners in the transition to electric mobility through electrician training programmes and support.
The product sell-through opportunity is high, particularly as EV chargers are relatively costly items, partially due to the UK’s unique regulations and legislations – covering everything from installation to metering and billing systems and even cyber security regulations. These include OLEV Grant Scheme Compliance regulations, Part S building regs, BS 7671 wiring regs, BS EB 61851 safety and test requirements for chargers, and a whole host of requirements under the UK’s 2021 Electric Vehicle Smart Charge Point Regulations.
Chargers made outside of Europe are unlikely to fully comply with UK regs as manufacturers will often take a broader (and less stringent) European stance on EV charger legislation. While time-limited ‘waivers’ on some of these regulations have allowed the market to swell with new charger brands, not many will be able to supply units specifically for the UK EV market as the waivers run out.
Vestel is the largest EV charger manufacturer in Europe, allowing us to create products like our new 7kW/22kW Vestel Mobility Libra series, specifically for the UK EV market. Leveraging our economies of manufacturing scale to drive value, we make a diverse range of EV chargers suitable for different applications in the UK, including residential and small businesses with models like the Libra and Dual-Output Gemini, and larger DC Charge Stations for commercial use and public car parks – all available to partner wholesalers in the UK.
Adding value
The market for EV charger accessories, such as high-current armoured cable, mounting hardware, protective covers, and cable management solutions, is growing alongside the demand for chargers. Electricians will also need specialised tools to install EV chargers effectively, and wholesalers can capitalise on this need by offering a curated selection of tools, from cable cutters and testers to advanced diagnostic equipment. Stocking these items can boost sales and help provide electrical contractors with a convenient one-stop shop for EV installation products.
As the demand for EV chargers increases, so too will the need for skilled electricians who can install them, and wholesalers can differentiate themselves by offering dedicated training programmes, either in-house or in partnership with leading manufacturers.
These programmes can cover everything from basic installation techniques to more advanced topics like charger networking and integration with renewable energy sources. Providing ongoing support and resources for electricians, such as installation guides, troubleshooting tips, and access to technical experts, will also enhance the wholesaler’s reputation as a trusted partner in this sector. Offering educational materials, hosting webinars, and providing in-store consultations can help contractors make informed decisions and drive sales.
Product choice
Installers and end-users alike value products that are easy to install, easy to use, reliable and built to last. Stocking reliable, durable chargers, fully compliant with UK regulations, is the key to long-term success. Chargers that can withstand the rigours of daily use, with certified IPx ratings, fire-resistant housings and IK10 impact rating, will reduce the likelihood of failures and minimise the risk of callbacks.
This is particularly important in commercial and public installations, where downtime can be costly and disruptive. Proven brands with a track record of performance are generally a safer bet, so consider working with manufacturers that offer comprehensive warranties and robust UK-based sales and customer support.
As always, time is money for electricians, and easy-to-install chargers can significantly reduce labour costs and improve job efficiency. In today’s connected world, EV chargers are more than just hardware – they are part of a broader ecosystem that includes software for monitoring, management, and control.
Wholesalers should consider stocking chargers with integrated software solutions for installers, fleet managers, and end-users alike, offering user-friendly features like remote monitoring, automated billing, and usage reporting. Chargers that can be easily integrated with existing building management systems or renewable energy sources (like solar panels) will be particularly attractive to commercial customers.
As EV adoption continues to grow, the ability to scale up installations will also become important, particularly in commercial and public settings. This offers electrical contractors and their suppliers an ongoing revenue opportunity from existing customers as long as their original installation has been built using scalable charger hardware/software solutions that can be expanded over time.
EV strategy importance
To fully capitalise on the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure, electrical wholesalers need to take a strategic approach. Developing strong partnerships with reputable EV charger and accessories manufacturers can give wholesalers a competitive edge. These relationships can lead to better pricing, access to exclusive products, and the opportunity to influence product development based on customer feedback.
As the EV market grows, so too will competition among wholesalers. To stand out, consider investing in targeted marketing campaigns that highlight your expertise in EV charging infrastructure. This could include digital marketing, direct mail campaigns, and participation in industry events like trade shows and conferences with a specific bias towards EV infrastructure and the growing opportunity for electrical contractors. Developing case studies and testimonials from satisfied customers can also help build credibility and demonstrate the benefits of your products and services.
The UK’s transition to electric vehicles is well underway, and the demand for EV charging infrastructure will only grow in the coming years. For electrical wholesalers, this represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand into the rapidly growing EV market and establish themselves as key players in the new electric economy.
By carefully selecting the right products and focusing on proven, dependable, and fully UK regulations-approved chargers, wholesalers can ensure that their customers receive high-quality, dependable solutions that stand the test of time. Furthermore, by partnering with manufacturers that offer integrated software solutions and scalable, flexible products, wholesalers can meet the diverse needs of their customers and position themselves for long-term success. The road ahead is electric, and the opportunities are great.
