EV drivers expect to charge where they park. But for parking operators, adding EV charging stations and individual charge points is not as simple as bolting on a few new units to an existing bay. It requires planning, investment and a different way of thinking about your site’s infrastructure.
From space planning to billing and electrical load to driver support, parking operators becoming Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are expected to deliver a service they may not be equipped to handle immediately.
Below, we’ll break down the biggest challenges facing parking operators venturing into the EV charging space with clear and practical solutions for businesses looking to scale their operations efficiently.
Making space for EV charging without sacrificing parking capacity
Space is at a premium in most existing car parks, with planning pushing the very limits of what is structurally viable. Adding EV charging stations often means replacing some bays that already generate significant revenue, disrupting traffic flow or completely rethinking layouts.
There are better ways to approach the transition, like opting for modular charging stations and points that help reduce the disruption that comes with major installations. Planning entry and exit flows with charging in mind also helps avoid creating havoc at your parking facilities later on. But really, the most valuable tool is data.
With EV charging management software, also referred to as a charge point management system, parking operators can track usage patterns and understand when, where and how drivers are using their newly installed infrastructure. This helps them to make smarter decisions about how many additional charge points to install and where to place them to maximise the use of each charging bay (and keep revenue rolling in).
Knowing what infrastructure to invest in for today and tomorrow
Between AC and DC chargers, connector types, power outputs and different EV models, it can be difficult to know which charging setup will remain most useful for your bays over time. Parking operators also face pressure to avoid overinvesting in infrastructure that may quickly become outdated.
A better approach is to start small, choose scalable hardware and work with partners that prioritise physical, digital and regulatory adaptability. Modular systems and open-standards software help parking operators to expand or upgrade as demand increases without compromising on network visibility, payment integrations and data analytics.
It is also essential to comply with country-specific regulations. In the UK, for instance, this may involve meeting OZEV grant eligibility criteria; whereas is Germany, it could involve Eichrecht-compliant metering. Making sure hardware and software providers are equipped to support these requirements helps avoid expensive retrofits and sunk costs for parking operators.
Dealing with increased electrical load
Not all parking sites are ready for high-demand EV charging. Inner-city car parks, underground garages or older buildings often lack the grid capacity to support multiple fast or rapid chargers, though there should be a notable shift in the UK in the coming years.
Upgrading the grid isn’t always straightforward; costs can be high, timelines uncertain and the return on investment unclear. A recent report succinctly sums this up:
“Red tape, permits and planning permission are major hurdles to installation. So too are the capacity and resilience of existing power grids.”
Source: European Alternative Fuels Observatory, Charging Ahead (2024)
But there are practical ways to move forward. One of the most effective is to employ an EV charging load management system, which intelligently distributes available power across all active charge points. Instead of each charger drawing its maximum capacity simultaneously, the load is balanced dynamically, making better use of what’s available and avoiding overloads without needing a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Battery-buffered charging, where stations are supplemented by on-site battery storage, can also ease demand on local grids during peak periods. In areas where planning and connection timelines can differ, such as between the UK and Germany, early coordination with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) is crucial. With support from an experienced partner like vaylens, parking operators can expedite grid discussions, reduce wasted investments and deploy charge points faster, even on constrained sites.
Integrating with existing systems
Parking systems are often built around ticketing software, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, access control and booking tools. If charging stations are introduced without proper integration, they can quickly become another siloed piece of equipment to juggle in a parking operator’s existing portfolio of hardware and software.
Instead, look for EV software solutions that offer open APIs and cloud-based integration options. These allow your EV infrastructure to communicate with the systems and software you already use. Importantly, this contributes to smoother billing and better access for EV drivers; a joined-up system also reduces pressure on your team and makes potential on-site issues easier to resolve.
ROI concerns
The return on investment for EV charging is not always clear for parking operators at the outset. Hardware is expensive, pricing can be complex and early-stage utilisation is often unpredictable.
But when managed properly, EV charging delivers long-term value for CPOs. It increases footfall, supports ESG goals and helps build loyalty. With EV charging management software like vaylens, parking operators can model ROI scenarios, track usage patterns and adjust tariffs over time.
Local funding schemes are also available to help offset upfront costs. In the UK, the OZEV chargepoint grant supports eligible installations.
Charger maintenance
Without internal teams specialising in EV charging, many parking operators could struggle to diagnose and fix hardware faults, carry out software updates or offer instant driver support.
The best approach is to select hardware with strong warranties and accessible servicing, paired with software that enables remote monitoring and maintenance. vaylens provides tools to monitor charger status, trigger alerts, manage billing and resolve issues without needing on-site intervention from your staff.
Trust vaylens to meet parking operator challenges
Transitioning from a purely parking model to a Charge Point Operator requires the right tools and knowledge. vaylens is the EV charging management software built for parking operators looking to find new sources of revenue while thinking about future regulations and hardware compatibility. Our platform supports the work behind every charging session, from setup and diagnostics to billing and access control for specific driver groups.
Confidently step into the EV charging space using the best tools and knowledge from vaylens. Connect with one of our specialists today.