EV Charging Infrastructure Is Installed At IWG’s Workplaces

The deal will see Mer install 25 kW DC rapid chargers at a number of IWG locations around the UK, helping accelerate EV adoption while supporting IWG – the parent company of Regus, Spaces, HQ and Basepoint with its carbon reduction targets.

More and more people are turning to electric vehicles in the run up to the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vans and cars in the UK from 2030.

However, one of the biggest challenges for the EV industry is ensuring there is sufficient charging infrastructure – in the right places – to counter motorists fears around running out of charge and ensuring they can fill up regularly and conveniently.

One critical element in this infrastructure need is undoubtedly charging facilities at offices and workspaces – so employees and visitors can top-up their vehicles during the workday.

Commenting, Mer’s UK Managing Director, Anthony Hinde, said “Workplaces are an obvious charging hot spot, and will be especially used by those unable to charge at home over night. This increases confidence for EV adoption of those who do not have the possibility of charging at home.”

Drivers can power-up their vehicle’s batteries while their car sits unused during the day.

By bringing 25kW DC chargers to its workspaces, IWG will also be making a significant difference in supporting the opportunity for its customers to make the switch to EVs

While 7kW AC chargers – the kind typically found in personal domestic use like garages and driveways – can charge an EV with a 60kW battery overnight, a 25kW charger can bring the charge to over 80% in around 1-2 hours. This makes them a great choice for office environments, where IWG ’s visitors, clients or employees can add approximately 100 miles to their vehicles in less than an hour.

“IWG helped change the way people work by making office space flexible and affordable – so it’s a pleasure to be partnering with them to ensure users of their facilities can embrace the future of EVs confident in being able to charge at work.” – Anthony Hinde, Mer UK Managing Director

“Now, more than ever, there is a need for businesses to invest in EV charging facilities for their customers, clients and colleagues. Those businesses that do – like IWG – will be making a significant contribution not just to accelerating EV adoption, but to helping tackle climate change as well. It is also important to note the savings for employees using salary sacrifice schemes to lease vehicles. Typically, with the benefits in BIK incentives, as well as road tax and fuel savings, high rate taxpayers can save on average approximately £5,000 per year by switching to electric.”

“Our network of thousands of workplaces globally empowers millions of customers to work efficiently closer to where they live, enabling them to avoid long commutes and reduce their carbon footprint. This new partnership with Mer will further support our customers with the growing popularity of EVs.” – Simon Loh, IWG’s UK Chief Operating Officer

Mer, which launched earlier this year, is focused on installing EV infrastructure into high-usage, high-footfall locations like workplaces, public places, car parks and residential areas where people don’t have access to their own garages or driveways.

The company currently operates close to 300 chargers across the UK, with a mix of ultra-rapid and fast chargers.

Mer has also signed a series of roaming agreements this year – again with the focus on making charging easier for end users by promoting interoperability. These include partnerships with Zap-Map, Octopus Energy’s Electric Juice Network, Allstar and New Motion.