Drax Electric Vehicles has been working with FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) since 2020 to introduce EV charging facilities to its sites and begin rolling them out across its property portfolio.
One of the largest commercial property owners in the UK, FIREM operates 10 million sq. ft. of office space and needed a partner to boost its sustainability credentials.
Portfolio-wide plans
FIREM was drawn to the knowledge and wider understanding of the electrification challenge that Drax offered.
“We wanted a partner for our entire portfolio rather than just an immediate requirement – Drax stood head and shoulders above everyone else in that regard.”
-Ryan Barber, Head of Offices at FIREM
“All the assistance and information that Drax has supplied has been worth its weight in gold. We initially didn’t know what we wanted – Drax was able to guide us in a way that’s delivered clear benefits for both us and our customers.”
-Scott Worthington, Sustainability & Energy Manager at FIREM
Immediate requirements
Lynch Wood Park, FIREM’s ‘jewel in the crown’, was first in line for charge station implementation as part of its £2.5m refurbishment. Having carried out a detailed assessment of the car park, and its electrical connections and capacity, Drax scheduled and shared its project plans.
“Drax gave us a very clear timeline as to when things would happen – which helped us communicate clearly with tenants so they knew what to expect.”
-Ryan Barber, Head of Offices at FIREM
On-site, Drax was able to minimise disruption to FIREM and its tenants during installation. The resulting 24 charging sockets have given the existing-tenant experience a boost and acted as a selling tool to prospective customers.
Delivering results
Drax has now installed over 50 charging sockets across four FIREM sites. This includes 24 at ‘The Woods’ in Warwick, where FIREM’s reported a surge in prospective-tenant interest since. A key tenant at Lynch Wood Park reversed its decision to leave following the property management company’s sustainability investment, resulting in a 10-year tenancy contract extension.
Read the full case study here and see how Drax Electric Vehicles could help your business.
