The UK's largest residential EV infrastructure installation demonstrates how NexBlue's advanced charging technology is transforming apartment living and creating new opportunities for property managers across the country.
NexBlue's cutting-edge 22kW charging solutions have played a pivotal role in delivering the UK's largest EV infrastructure installation to an existing residential property, transforming 319 parking spaces across three car parks at Edinburgh's prestigious Portland Gardens estate in Leith. This groundbreaking project, completed in just 12 weeks, showcases the immense potential for large-scale residential EV infrastructure and highlights NexBlue's capability to support installations of unprecedented scale.
The Edinburgh Project: Setting New Standards for Residential EV Infrastructure
The Portland Gardens development represents a watershed moment for residential EV charging infrastructure in the UK. After five years of failed attempts with various providers, the development finally found success through Cosmic Charging's innovative financing model and NexBlue's reliable charging technology.
Key Project Statistics:
- 319 parking bays equipped with future-ready infrastructure across three car parks
- 12-week installation period completed by September 2025
- Zero upfront cost to residents through innovative financing
- NexBlue 22kW charging technology providing fast, reliable charging
- 5-year warranty coverage ensuring long-term reliability
As Joe Stenhouse, Head of UK Business Development for NexBlue, explains the broader context: “There are so many apartment blocks across the UK that just do not have the infrastructure in place to support the transition over to electric vehicles. With the work that Cosmic Charging are doing, it's incredible how easily that's become. In this particular project, Cosmic Charging are going to be using our 22 kW EV chargers. Our charge point is designed to be one of the safest charge points on the market and that comes as standard with our 5-year warranty.”
NexBlue's Advanced Technology: Built for Scale and Safety
22kW Fast Charging with Superior Safety Features
The NexBlue Edge delivers optimal performance for residential applications. The 22kW capacity strikes the perfect balance for apartment buildings, providing:
- Faster charging times compared to standard 7kW home chargers
- Cost-effective installation compared to rapid DC charging solutions
- Future-ready infrastructure supporting advanced EV capabilities such as V2G and smart grid integration
- 22 smart sensors ensuring comprehensive protection and safety
The chargers feature integrated PEN fault protection to comply with UK smart charging regulations, making them OZEV-approved for both commercial and residential grant applications.
Scalable Infrastructure with Dynamic Load Balancing
For large installations like Portland Gardens, NexBlue's Zen load balancing system provides unprecedented scalability. The system can handle installations with capacity up to 1,500 amps using optional Rogowski coils, making it capable of supporting hundreds of charging points across multiple buildings.
The Growing Demand for Residential EV Charging Infrastructure
Market Statistics Driving Change
- Over 1.4 million fully electric cars on UK roads as of 2025
- 21.6% of new car sales are now electric vehicles in 2025
- 80% of EV charging occurs at home, making residential infrastructure critical
- 74% of apartment residents consider access to EV charging crucial when choosing where to live
Despite this demand, only 2% of property managers are currently planning EV charger installations in 2025, creating a massive opportunity gap for forward-thinking property owners.
Government Support Accelerating Adoption
The UK government has committed over £3 billion to support the zero-emissions vehicle sector, with a target to phase out petrol and diesel car sales by 2035. This commitment extends to comprehensive grant programs specifically designed to support residential EV infrastructure.
Comprehensive Grant Support for Property Managers and Landlords
EV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords
Property managers and landlords can access substantial government funding through the EV Chargepoint Grant:
- 75% off installation costs up to a maximum of £350 per socket
- Up to 200 grants per year for residential properties
- Additional 100 grants per year for commercial properties
- Compatible with NexBlue's OZEV-approved chargers
EV Infrastructure Grant for Large-Scale Projects
For comprehensive installations like Portland Gardens, the EV Infrastructure Grant provides substantial support:
- 75% off infrastructure costs up to a maximum of £30,000
- Up to £500 per parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure
- Up to £350 per active chargepoint installed as part of the infrastructure project
- Up to 30 infrastructure grants per financial year per landlord
Grants for Tenants and Flat Owners
Individual residents can also access support through the Chargepoint Grant for Renters and Flat Owners:
- 75% off installation costs up to £350 per socket
- Available for both renters and flat owners with private off-street parking
- Streamlined application process through OZEV-approved installers
- Valid until March 31, 2026
Financial Benefits for Property Managers and Landlords
Significant Property Value Increases
- Properties with EV chargers command up to 15% higher rental rates, translating to an additional £200–£300 in monthly income
- Property values increase by 3.3% on average, with properties near charging stations seeing up to 5.8% increases
- Properties with EV charging capabilities attract higher valuations, reflecting market recognition of EV infrastructure as a valuable asset
New Revenue Streams and Cost Savings
- Direct charging revenue through pay-per-use systems or monthly subscriptions
- Bulk electricity rates and smart tariffs reducing operational costs
- Government incentives and rebates offsetting installation costs
- Reduced tenant turnover improving long-term profitability
Enhanced Tenant Satisfaction and Retention
- Higher tenant retention rates as environmentally conscious tenants are willing to pay premiums
- Reduced vacancy periods as EV-ready properties attract more prospective tenants
- Competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded rental market
- Future-proofing against evolving tenant expectations
NexBlue's Installation Expertise and Support Systems
Rapid Installation Capability
- 4-minute installation process for individual Edge chargers using intuitive backplate design
- Comprehensive installation support through the NexBlue Partner Portal
- Pre-configuration capabilities allowing remote setup before on-site installation
- Real-time installation tracking through the Installer platform
Advanced Communication and Management
- Wi-Fi, 4G eSIM, and Bluetooth connectivity for over-the-air updates
- Nexus RF communication with up to 100-meter range for Zen load balancing
- OCPP 1.6J support enabling future-proof integration with management systems
- Smart grid integration capabilities for optimised energy management
The Business Case for Immediate Action
Market Timing Advantages
- First-mover advantage in a market where only 2% of property managers are currently active
- Grant funding certainty with programs confirmed until March 2026
- Established supply chains avoiding potential future bottlenecks
- Proven technology with NexBlue's track record on large-scale installations
Long-term Investment Returns
- Growing EV adoption ensuring sustained demand for charging services
- Increasing electricity rates making home charging more valuable to tenants
- Regulatory compliance as local authorities implement stricter environmental standards
- Corporate sustainability goals aligning with ESG investment criteria
Getting Started with NexBlue
Property managers interested in EV charging infrastructure should follow a structured approach:
- Conduct initial property assessment evaluating electrical capacity and parking arrangements
- Engage with OZEV-approved installers to access grant funding
- Develop phased installation plan starting with high-demand areas
- Utilise NexBlue's comprehensive support including pre-configuration and project management
Maximising Grant Opportunities
- Combine chargepoint and infrastructure grants for maximum benefit
- Plan installations before March 2026 to secure current grant levels
- Work with experienced installers familiar with OZEV approval processes
- Document tenant demand to justify infrastructure investment scale
Looking Forward: The Future of Residential EV Charging
The Edinburgh installation represents just the beginning of what's possible for residential EV infrastructure. With 2.3 million charging points needed by 2030 according to the SMMT, and the UK requiring 700 charge points installed daily to meet this target, the opportunity for property managers is unprecedented.
NexBlue's involvement in record-breaking projects like Portland Gardens demonstrates the company's capability to deliver reliable, scalable charging solutions at unprecedented scale. The combination of advanced technology, comprehensive warranty support, and proven installation expertise positions NexBlue as the ideal partner for property managers ready to capitalise on the EV revolution.
Key Success Factors for Future Projects:
- Experienced technology partners like NexBlue with proven large-scale residential expertise
- Comprehensive grant utilisation maximising available government support
- Future-ready infrastructure supporting growing EV adoption with scalable solutions
- Professional project management ensuring smooth installation and minimal disruption
The record-breaking Edinburgh installation showcases NexBlue's capability to deliver reliable, safe charging solutions at unprecedented scale, setting new benchmarks for residential EV infrastructure across the UK. For property managers and landlords, the question is not whether to install EV charging infrastructure, but how quickly they can implement NexBlue's proven solutions to capture this growing market opportunity.
For more information about NexBlue's residential EV charging solutions and grant opportunities, visit nexblue.com or contact the team at info@nexblue.co.uk. Learn more about available government grants at gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grants.