Compare workplace EV charging solutions for your business
Workplace EV Charging Solutions
With around 850,000 fully electric cars on the road as of the end of August 2023 (Zapmap), it may be time to start thinking about a workplace EV charging solution. From industry-leading hardware to on road charge cards and intuitive software to manage it all, we can work with your business to build a bespoke charging solution that meets all your needs.
- Charge points: Whether you’re interested in power, size or spec, there is a perfect charge point that best suits your business, and we can help you find it.
- Charge cards: Keep your employees on the road with an EV charge card that makes on road charging easier than ever before.
- EV software: Oversee and manage your charge points with intuitive software that allows you to monitor usage, set tariffs, manage reimbursements and more, without the hassle.
Workplace charging scheme (WCS)
If you’re concerned about the affordability of installing EV chargers at your premises, you may be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme to ease the cost. The WCS grant, issued by the Government Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) covers up to £350 per socket, capped at a maximum of 40 charge points across all sites, per applicant. This means that businesses can save up to a maximum of £14,000, which can go a long way in covering the initial purchase and installation costs.
The best workplace EV charge points
With a large range of hardware available, all with different specifications and features, it can be overwhelming to choose the right charge point for your business. We can help advise, but here are two of the best workplace EV charge points to start your search:
The Autel Maxicharge AC
The Autel Maxicharge is a robust, reliable charge point that is available with a power rating of 22kW. On average, this will charge your EV from empty to full in approximately four hours, which is perfect for employees wanting to charge whilst at work.
The Autel Maxicharger DC Compact
If you’re looking for shorter charging times, the Autel Maxicharger DC Compact may be the charge point for you. With up to 250kW of power, just 30 minutes of charging can result in approximately 80 miles of range. This charge point is perfect if you have a fleet of electric vehicles that are regularly on the road and need to recharge quickly. You can also take advantage of the 21.5” LCD touch screen for advertising your business and controlling charge sessions.
Workplace charging best practices
Before your business invests in EV charging infrastructure, there are a number of workplace charging best practices to consider to ensure a seamless transition:
- Estimate amount of EV infrastructure.
- Choice of hardware
- Monetising charge points
To gauge the cost of your EV project, it’s useful to estimate the amount of infrastructure you may require. A good place to start is an employee survey. These are low cost and easy to organise, giving you insight into the demand for charge points, preferred charging times and employee expectations. You can then use this feedback when estimating the infrastructure you’ll require.
Choice of charging hardware is a critical consideration for businesses wanting to transition to electric. Your chosen charge point(s) need to produce enough power to meet your businesses’ needs. For example, if you have a small number of EVs, a 22kW AC unit should be sufficient for everyday workplace charging. However, if you have a fleet of EVs on the road, rapid DC units may be better suited as they allow shorter charging times, so your employees can get back on the move quickly.
Before investing in hardware, you need to decide if you’re going to monetise your charge points. Are your employees going to pay for their own charging, are they going to be reimbursed, or is the price of electricity going to be taken off their salary? If you’re going to be reimbursing staff, we’d highly recommend investing in both smart chargers and an EV management software platform. This allows you to view your EV estate, set tariffs, manage reimbursements, and monitor usage, all remotely.
Workplace EV charging installation
Once you’ve chosen your hardware, the next step is to look for approved installers to carry out your workplace EV charging installation. You can use our simple quote tool to find the best match for your business in no time.
Benefits of workplace EV charging
- Improve employee satisfaction
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Attract and retain customers
Employees that own EVs (or have an EV company car) will appreciate having charge points installed at work, providing convenient charging and reducing range anxiety. Happier staff lead to a higher employee retention rate and improve the company’s reputation.
The biggest benefit to workplace EV charging is a reduced carbon footprint and increased sustainability for your business. Not only is this an environmental benefit, but it exhibits a clear message to consumers about the businesses’ stance on sustainability, which has never been more important in today’s climate.
If you choose to open your charge points to public use, your business will attract and retain more customers. EV drivers are more likely to visit and stay longer at a business that provides EV charging over those that don’t. In addition, EV charge points put your business on the map, literally. You will be added to EV smartphone apps that display nearby charge points. This results in increased brand awareness and develops more loyal, returning customers.
How iCompario works
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We dive into a wide range of Workplace EV charging solutions to find the best one for your company.
Start charging your EVs
We’ll match you with the perfect provider, so you can start installing EV stations at your business quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Having a workplace EV charging policy is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. A workplace EV charging policy is a set of guidelines that regulate the use of charge points at a business premise. This gives employees a point of reference for how and when they can use the charge points on site. You could include topics such as charging prices, charging times and who to contact if there’s an issue with the hardware.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) cards are a form of wireless communication that have multiple uses, including paying for electricity at charge points. All you need to do is tap your RFID card on the charger to begin a session, as the card contains unique data that is transmitted to the charge point, allowing it to identify the user and begin the charging process. These can also be used to control who can use your charge points. For example, only employees with RFID cards would be able to use your workplace charge points.
Typically, you do not need planning permission to install EV chargers, unless your workplace is a listed building. In addition, if a local authority or third-party landlord owns your parking bays, permission will be required.