Did you know that by 2035, 40% of electric vehicle (EV) charging in the UK will happen at workplaces? More businesses are going green and using EVs, making workplace EV charging a big need. Adding smart charging solutions helps your employees and shows your company cares about the planet.
An image of a parking lot with several electric vehicles charging simultaneously, while workers walk around carrying their daily tasks. The vehicles are connected to sleek and modern charging stations, which are integrated into the surrounding architecture and have a green-themed design. The image should convey a sense of clean energy, modernity, and convenience, highlighting the benefits of having workplace electric vehicle charging solutions.
Pod Point leads in workplace EV charging with a variety of chargers for every business. They offer the Solo 3 (up to 22kW) and Twin Charger (up to 22kW), plus the powerful Velocity Charger (up to 50kW) and Velocity+ Charger (up to 350kW). Their Array Charging system makes sure power is used well, giving you more charging spots without overloading your power.
Adding EV charging at work shows you care about the planet and makes life easier for EV drivers. As being green becomes more important, offering EV charging can draw in and keep the best employees. They want to work for companies that share their values.
Key Takeaways
- Workplace charging is key for the UK's EV needs, with 40% of charging happening at work by 2035.
- Workplace EV charging shows your company's green commitment and helps employees charge their cars.
- Pod Point has chargers like Solo 3, Twin Charger, Velocity Charger, and Velocity+ Charger for different business needs.
- The Array Charging system balances power use, giving more charging spots without overloading your power.
- Investing in EV charging at work attracts and keeps employees who value working for eco-friendly companies.
The Benefits of Implementing EV Charging at Your Workplace
The UK is moving towards electric vehicles, with about 1,190,000 battery-electric cars on the roads. Adding EV charging at work is key for businesses wanting to lead. It helps attract and keep top staff, shows a strong green commitment, and cuts carbon emissions.
Attracting and Retaining Employees
Today, offering great employee benefits is vital for drawing and keeping the best workers. With over 52% of electric car owners lacking a charge point at work, having EV charging on-site can make your company stand out. It's especially appealing to Gen Z, who look at a company's green efforts when choosing a job. By adding EV charging, you can make your team happier, more engaged, and more likely to stay.
Demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility
EV charging at work shows your company cares about the planet and being socially responsible. It helps reduce carbon emissions and supports a greener future. This boosts your company's image and builds trust with eco-aware customers and partners who value green businesses.
Reducing Your Company's Carbon Footprint
Vehicle emissions are the biggest source of CO2 in the UK. Switching your company's fleet to electric can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. By offering EV charging, you encourage staff to use electric for their commute, lowering emissions even more. Using a Site Management Service to track your CO2 savings helps you meet your environmental goals and shows you're serious about fighting climate change.
Investing in workplace EV charging benefits your staff, the planet, and makes your company look forward-thinking and socially responsible. It prepares you for the future of transport.
Assessing Your Workplace's EV Charging Needs
As electric vehicles become more popular, businesses must check their EV charging needs. A detailed assessment and planning for charging infrastructure are key. This ensures your workplace supports the growing number of EV drivers among employees and visitors.
Determining the Number of Charging Points Required
To figure out how many charging points you need, think about these things:
- The current and future number of EV drivers among your staff
- The average distance employees travel to work and their charging needs
- Other charging options in the area
- Your budget and space for charging stations
Surveys and data on employee EV use and charging habits can guide your decisions. Aim for at least one charging point for every 10-20 EVs at your workplace.
Choosing the Right Type of Charging Equipment
When picking charging equipment, look at the different types and what fits your needs. Common types include:
- Level 1 charging (slow): Uses a standard 120V outlet, good for long charging times.
- Level 2 charging (fast): Charges at 240V, great for 4-8 hour charging, often used at workplaces.
- DC fast charging (rapid): Fast charging at 480V+, ideal for quick top-ups but costs more to install.
Think about charging speed, connector types, smart features, and how users will access it when choosing. Popular choices include Pod Point's Twin and Solo 3 chargers. They have universal sockets and support RFID card and app access.
By carefully assessing your workplace's EV charging needs and selecting the right equipment, you can create a charging infrastructure that supports your employees, promotes sustainability, and positions your business as a forward-thinking employer.
Navigating Government Grants and Incentives for Workplace EV Charging
The UK government is pushing for more electric vehicles. Businesses can get grants and incentives to install EV charging at work. These schemes cut the cost of setting up charging points and encourage employees to use cleaner transport.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) helps businesses, charities, and public bodies install EV charging points. Eligible groups can get up to 75% of the cost for buying and installing chargepoints, capped at £350 per socket. They can install up to 40 sockets across all sites.
To apply, your business needs dedicated parking for staff or fleet use and a need for charging equipment. You must also want to encourage EV use among employees. If you get the grant, you'll get a special voucher code to use with an OZEV-approved installer.
EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets
Small and medium-sized businesses with 249 employees or less can get the EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets. This grant helps install EV charging at company sites. It makes it easier for businesses to switch to electric vehicles and encourages staff to do the same.
Businesses can claim up to £15,000 per building for the needed infrastructure. The maximum is £500 for passive and £350 for active infrastructure per parking space. This grant helps SMEs lower the cost of EV charging and supports a sustainable future.
EV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords
Landlords can also get financial support with the EV Chargepoint Grant for Landlords. This grant helps cover the cost of installing EV chargers in commercial properties. It makes electric vehicles more appealing to tenants.
Landlords can get up to 75% of the cost for a charge point socket, up to £350 per grant. They can apply for up to 100 grants a year for commercial properties. This helps landlords offer a valuable service to tenants and supports the UK's goal for net-zero emissions.
Using these government grants and incentives, businesses can cut the cost of EV charging at work. This move supports a cleaner transport system. It also attracts and keeps employees who care about the environment, showing a strong commitment to social responsibility.
Selecting the Right EV Charging Provider for Your Business
Finding the right EV charging provider is key for businesses wanting to add workplace charging. With more electric vehicles on the road, it's vital to work with a provider that's reliable, skilled, and offers great support.
When picking an EV charging provider, think about their experience, the variety of charging options they offer, and how well they fit with your electrical setup. Choose a provider with different charger types like slow, fast, and rapid. This way, you can meet various charging needs and budgets.
Pod Point is an OZEV-approved installer that can help businesses claim the Workplace Charging Scheme grant. They offer a comprehensive package, including a 3-year warranty with remote and on-site maintenance, a specialist account manager as your point of contact, installation by an expert team, 24/7 phone support for users, and lifetime over-the-air software updates for your chargepoints.
It's also important to look at the provider's advanced features and network services. These can include:
- Power and surge protection
- Real-time charging status information
- Secure user authentication
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Remote monitoring and maintenance
Think about the total cost of the charging solution, including the equipment, installation, and ongoing upkeep. Some providers might offer financing or help with government grants to reduce upfront costs.
Last, make sure your chosen EV charging provider has good customer support and a history of successful installations. Working with a skilled and dependable provider means a smooth setup and ongoing help. This lets you focus on your business while offering a great service to your employees and customers.
Installing and Maintaining Your Workplace EV Charging Infrastructure
After picking the right provider for your EV charging needs, it's time to set up and keep your charging system running. This means doing site surveys, setting up the chargers, and making sure they work well over time. You'll need to keep them in good shape with maintenance and support.
Site Surveys and Installation Process
Before installing EV chargers, a site survey by a qualified installer is key. Elecology, a trusted electrical contractor, does these surveys to find the best spots for your chargers. Your site must have off-road parking that's clearly linked to your building. If you don't own the land, you'll need permission from the owner before installing chargers.
After the site survey and approval, your chosen provider will handle the charger installation. This means setting up the electrical work, putting in the chargers, and setting up the software and access controls. Elecology's skilled team makes sure the installation goes smoothly, causing little disruption to your work.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Keeping your EV charging setup running well is vital. Regular checks prevent problems, keep performance high, and make chargers last longer. Elecology offers detailed maintenance services, like remote checks, on-site visits, and quick repairs when needed.
Good technical support is also key for fixing any charger issues quickly. Elecology gives 24/7 phone help for your chargers, making sure any problems are sorted fast. This support keeps your charging experience smooth for everyone using your chargers.
Working with a trusted company like Elecology for your EV charging setup ensures a smooth switch to electric and reliable charging for your team and visitors.
An image of a parking lot with several electric vehicles charging simultaneously, whil
Managing Access and Payment for Your EV Charging Points
More businesses are now using electric vehicle charging solutions at work. It's key to have a strong system for managing access and payment. This makes sure your charging spots are used well and fairly. It also lets you cover costs and maybe make some money.
Setting Up User Groups and Access Control
Setting up user groups and controlling access is a big part of managing EV charging points. This lets you tell apart different users, like employees, visitors, and fleet cars. With Pod Point's Site Management Service, you can easily make and manage user groups. This ensures only the right people can use your charging spots.
Access control is vital for keeping your charging points safe and stopping unauthorised use. You can use different access control methods, such as:
- RFID cards or fobs
- Mobile app authentication
- PIN codes
These measures help make sure your charging spots are used right and efficiently.
Implementing Charging Tariffs and Cost Recovery
When managing your EV charging points at work, think about charging tariffs and cost recovery. Some companies give free charging as a perk, while others charge to cover costs or make money.
Pod Point's Site Management Service lets employers set tariffs for using their chargepoints, control access, and set user groups (e.g., staff, visitors, fleet vehicles).
You have a few options for setting charging tariffs:
- Free charging: This can be a great perk for employees and boost EV use.
- Cost recovery: A tariff that covers electricity and maintenance costs keeps your charging setup financially healthy.
- Variable pricing: You can change prices based on how long it takes to charge, the time of day, or the user group. This helps manage demand and usage.
A clear and fair tariff structure helps with cost recovery and encourages careful use of your charging spots. Features like the Pod Point App's charge expense reporting make tracking and paying back employees for charging easier.
By thinking about user management, access control, and charging tariffs, you can set up an efficient and green EV charging solution. This benefits both your business and your employees.
Integrating Smart Charging and Energy Management Solutions
As your workplace moves to electric vehicles, think about smart charging and energy management solutions. These technologies can cut your energy use, lower costs, and help your company be more sustainable.
Smart charging systems, like Pod Point's Array Charging, manage power smartly. They make sure you can use more charge points with your current power supply. This makes the most of your resources.
Optimising Energy Consumption and Costs
With smart energy management, you can use less energy when it's most expensive. You can balance power across chargers at your hub. This reduces demand during peak times.
Smart charging lets you charge vehicles when energy is cheaper. This saves your company money and helps the power grid during busy times.
Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources
Adding renewable energy to your workplace can cut your carbon footprint and support green goals. Solar panels or wind turbines can power your EV chargers.
Smart systems can use this clean energy for charging when it's available. This reduces your need for electricity from fossil fuels.
EVBox has been testing different EMS manufacturers through the EEBus standardization with AC chargers EVBox Livo and EVBox Liviqo for both home and commercial charging stations, enabling the optimisation of energy usage with solar panels, battery storage, and heat pumps.
Using renewable energy and smart charging makes your workplace a leader in sustainable transport. It shows your commitment to the environment and a greener future.
Workplace electric vehicle charging solutions for Fleet Electrification
Businesses are now focusing on sustainability and cutting down their carbon footprint. Fleet electrification is key in this effort. It helps companies switch to electric vehicles by making charging easy and efficient.
At Anglia Car Charging, we know the challenges of making fleets electric. We offer a wide range of EV charging solutions for businesses. Our chargers work with all plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, giving your fleet up to 150 miles of range from one hour of charging.
Our charging solutions make managing EV fleets easier. They come with RFID charging and user access control. This means drivers can charge their vehicles easily without needing many cards or keys. It makes charging simpler and more convenient.
Our unique workplace charging and fleet electrification solutions are designed to unlock the possibilities of future transportation, empowering businesses to embrace sustainability and reduce their environmental impact.
Cost-effectiveness is crucial for fleet charging. The OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme grant can cut the cost of chargers by up to £14,000. Our solutions also have a 3-year warranty for reliability and peace of mind.
Working with Anglia Car Charging means getting expert advice on electric vehicle charging. We support your green goals and make charging easy for your fleet, employees, and visitors.
Join us at Anglia Car Charging for the future of fleet electrification. Let's work together towards a sustainable and efficient transport system.
Promoting Your Workplace's EV Charging Facilities
After installing EV charging at your workplace, it's key to promote them well. This boosts your sustainability efforts and engages your employees. By showing off your green projects and pushing for EV use, you can spread the positive effects beyond your company.
Encouraging Employee Adoption of Electric Vehicles
It's vital to promote your EV charging spots to get your staff to use electric cars. Think about giving perks like cheaper parking or fast charging for EV buyers. Also, offer workshops and info to show how electric cars save money, pollute less, and drive better.
With many car buyers now choosing EVs over old petrol cars, and nearly 70% seeing EVs as key to fighting climate change, your team might be keen to switch. Having easy-to-use charging at work can help overcome the main hurdles to EV use. It supports your staff in choosing greener transport.
Showcasing Your Commitment to Sustainability
Investing in EV charging at work shows you care about the planet. By sharing your green efforts, you can make your brand look good. This draws in eco-aware customers, partners, and new talent.
Unilever, for instance, saw their charging spots add over 45,000 kWh in 2020. That's like giving employees and visitors 225,000 kilometres of range, cutting 25,000 kg of CO2 emissions.
Stories like this can motivate other firms to join the electric shift. Share your wins on your website, social media, and in the press. Also, take part in industry events and green forums to spread the word about your eco-friendly future.
By promoting your EV charging well, you can speed up EV use among your team. This boosts your green image and helps lead the global push to cut transport emissions.
Conclusion
The electric vehicle market is growing fast, with a 40% increase in sales last year. Businesses need to keep up with this shift towards sustainable transport. By adding EV charging at work, companies can attract top talent, show they care about the planet, and cut down on emissions. With 50% of UK drivers likely to switch to electric if they can charge at work, it's a smart move for your business.
Getting EV charging right means looking into government grants and schemes like the Workplace Charging Scheme. This can help cover up to 75% of the costs. Picking the right EV charging service and using smart tech for charging and energy management is key. By sharing your EV charging setup with employees and encouraging them to use electric cars, you're helping your company be more green and boosting its image as an eco-friendly employer.
Choosing to offer EV charging at work is a big step towards a cleaner future and a smart business move. It makes your employees happier, more productive, and more likely to stay with you. As more people want electric cars, investing in EV charging will be a smart choice for forward-thinking companies.
FAQ
How can workplace electric vehicle charging solutions benefit my business?
Adding EV charging at work can draw in and keep employees. It shows you care about the planet. It also cuts down your company's carbon emissions.
Offering charging perks can make your business stand out when hiring and keeping staff. Happy employees are more engaged and productive.
What types of EV chargers are available for workplaces?
Pod Point has a variety of chargers for workspaces. They range from Solo 3 (up to 22kW) to Velocity+ Charger (up to 350kW). Twin and Solo 3 chargers are top picks for offices, with options for drivers to use their own cables.
How can I manage power consumption as more employees charge their EVs at work?
Pod Point's Array Charging system balances power use as staff charge their cars. It makes sure your workplace can handle more EVs without overloading the power supply.
Are there any government grants available to help cover the cost of installing workplace EV chargers?
Yes, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers up to £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets. Schools can also get a grant for EV charging for staff. Pod Point is an approved installer for these grants.
What should I look for when selecting an EV charging provider for my business?
Look for a provider with experience, a wide range of charging options, and good installation skills. Pod Point offers a 3-year warranty, expert installation, and 24/7 support. They also provide software updates for your chargers.
How can I manage access and payment for my workplace's EV charging points?
Pod Point's Site Management Service lets you set charging costs and control access. You can charge for use or offer it free. Set prices based on time and timing of charging.
Can I integrate smart charging and energy management solutions with my workplace EV charging infrastructure?
Yes, smart charging solutions can help use energy wisely and cut costs. Pod Point's system balances power use for charging. Using renewable energy can also lower your carbon footprint and support sustainability.
How can workplace electric vehicle charging solutions support fleet electrification?
Workplace charging is key for electric fleets, charging overnight or during work hours. Pod Point offers chargers like the Velocity Charger for fleets. RFID charging lets drivers access charging easily. The Site Management Service helps manage charging for fleets efficiently.
