Empower Your Workplace, an EV Charging Guide
By the year 2030, approximately 130 million electric vehicles will be on the world’s roads, driven by forward-thinking people much like the prospective employees your business may want to attract and retain.
In response to this shift, many businesses are already taking steps to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities at their workplaces.
By delving into this guide, you will be better equipped to make strategic decisions that not only work in the here and now but also allow you to make future-proof plans.
Why Every Business Needs EV Charging Stations at Work
Integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at your workplace offers numerous advantages for businesses. With the ongoing surge in the adoption of electric vehicles, companies are increasingly embracing this shift to reduce their environmental impact and attract top talent.
Currently, there are over 20 million EVs on the world’s roads, and this number is expected to skyrocket to over 100 million by 2030. A growing number of potential car buyers are showing a preference for electric vehicles, which means they are actively seeking ways to charge their EVs conveniently. This aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and innovation, making workplace EV charging a strategic move for forward-thinking businesses. Even if your current employees don’t use electric vehicles, a significant portion may be considering the switch soon, as electric cars are likely to become the norm in the coming years.
To stay ahead of this transformative wave, installing EV charging stations in your workplace is a key strategy. In Europe alone, the number of charging points is projected to increase dramatically from around 3 million today to nearly 30 million by 2030, with workplace charging accounting for a growing share of this infrastructure, projected to reach 15 percent by 2030 according to ChargeUp 2022’s Europe’s State of the Industry report.
Attracting and Retaining Electric Vehicle Driving Employees
The typical eight-hour workday presents a prime opportunity to charge an electric vehicle: drive in at the start of the day, park, work, and depart with a fully charged EV. Although most of our fast chargers will charge an EV in much less than a full working day, so if you move around from location to location throughout the working day, or leave the office to visit clients this option is perfect for you.
It’s noteworthy that nearly 6 out of 10 drivers have expressed that an employer providing electric company cars holds greater appeal as a workplace.
Introducing charging stations as an employee benefit can tangibly enhance employees’ lives, convey employer support for sustainable living, and enable meaningful contributions to the organisation’s environmental objectives.
Alleviating Range Anxiety
The increasing number of electric vehicle drivers highlights the need for more charging stations. The lack of these charging points creates a tricky situation, like the classic “chicken and egg” problem, which slows down the transition to cleaner energy sources. Alongside the higher initial costs of electric cars, the insufficient charging infrastructure is a major hurdle for 40 percent of people considering electric vehicles. Therefore, workplace EV charging stations are crucial. They can help your employees, especially those who can’t charge their cars at home or install their own chargers, make the switch to electric mobility more easily.
Mitigate Your Business’s Carbon Footprint
As more of your employees are making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), there’s a valuable opportunity to reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint. Business travel and employee commutes contribute significantly to carbon emissions, with transportation responsible for about 37 percent of CO2 emissions from various sectors. To pave the way for a sustainable future, it’s crucial to lower your employees’ carbon footprint. Introducing EV charging stations at your workplace can play a vital role in achieving this goal. It actively reduces carbon emissions associated with employee commutes, daily travel, and overall business trips, making your organisation more environmentally responsible.
Demonstrate your Commitment to Sustainability
Being associated with a company dedicated to sustainability is something to be proud of, and having EV charging stations at your workplace makes a noticeable and positive impact. Unlike many sustainability efforts that may go unnoticed, EV charging stations are a visible enhancement to your physical premises. In today’s environmentally conscious world, having these stations in your parking area sends a clear message to your employees and visitors that your business is committed to sustainability and well-prepared for the future. These stations also come with advanced smart charging technology that can integrate with your building’s energy management system and rooftop solar panels, positioning your business as a leader in sustainability.
By introducing EV charging at your workplace, you actively reduce your businesses’ carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and speed up the transition to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, it encourages more employees to consider electric vehicles, further advancing the overall shift towards cleaner transportation. While EV charging is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all sustainability challenges, it certainly plays a significant role in the larger sustainability puzzle.
Insufficient Charging Infrastructure Frustrates EV Drivers
Given the relative novelty of electric vehicles (EVs), the current charging infrastructure falls short in meeting the escalating demands of drivers—a demand that is growing at a rapid pace.
If your (potential) employees are EV drivers, chances are they are grappling with the frustration of limited charging options. This frustration extends even to the workplace, with only 32 percent of EV drivers reporting the presence of an adequate number of charging stations at their office.
This discrepancy offers employers a significant opportunity to address a key source of employee discontent.
Facilitating the Return to Office for EV Drivers
Offering the convenience of charging at work can also serve as an incentive for employees who already drive electric to return to the office more frequently.
As workplaces transition back to in-person operations, many organisations are seeking ways to entice employees out of their remote work routines. This becomes especially relevant given that most employees express a preference for a hybrid work model rather than a full-time return to the office.
Beyond the allure of recreational amenities like ping pong tables and fresh fruit, businesses are actively exploring meaningful methods to facilitate a smooth and effortless return to the office for EV-driving employees. By providing workplace EV charging, you not only address the changing needs of these employees but also contribute to making their return to the office more appealing.
As the world redefines its approach to work environments, offering workplace EV charging stations emerges as a strategic move that caters to employee needs, sustainability values, and the evolving dynamics of work arrangements.
Finding the Best EV Charger Strategy for Your Workplace
Being associated with a company dedicated to sustainability is something to be proud of, and having EV charging stations at your workplace makes a noticeable and positive impact. Unlike many sustainability efforts that may go unnoticed, EV charging stations are a visible enhancement to your physical premises. In today’s environmentally conscious world, having these stations in your parking area sends a clear message to your employees and visitors that your organization is committed to sustainability and well-prepared for the future. These stations also come with advanced smart charging technology that can seamlessly integrate with your building’s energy management system and rooftop solar panels, positioning your business as a leader in sustainability.
By introducing EV charging at your workplace, you actively reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and speed up the transition to cleaner energy sources. Additionally, it encourages more employees to consider electric vehicles, further advancing the overall shift towards cleaner transportation. While EV charging is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all sustainability challenges, it certainly plays a significant role in the larger sustainability puzzle.
The Kempower Power Unit, is a great choice for office spaces, providing a versatile and scalable rapid-charging solution designed for electric cars and commercial vehicles.
What’s the Significance of Charging Speed?
Choosing the right charging station for your business depends on how quickly you want drivers to charge their electric vehicles (EVs). The charging speed is a critical factor, as it can vary widely, from under 15 minutes to more than 24 hours. For workplaces, we generally recommend charging stations with power outputs between 11 kW and 50 kW. For businesses we always recommend the use of rapid DC charging. It’s important to note that fast charging stations (above 22 kW) typically involve DC charging. Another key decision is whether you want to provide charging as a free perk or charge for it. Our bespoke charging solutions are designed specifically for your site and catered to your requirements, whether you want to offer paid public charging, or simply allow it as a perk for employees. Vital EV has a rapid charging solution you can rely on with industry leading aftersales support.
Offering free EV charging as an employee benefit has its advantages, but some businesses opt for a paid charging model. Some even open their charging stations to the public to generate additional revenue, offset installation costs, or balance electricity expenses. With smart charging stations, you can also implement a hybrid approach, allowing guests to pay market rates while offering complimentary or discounted charging to employees.
Determining the number of charging stations you need requires careful consideration. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, especially if you’re offering EV charging as a perk, scalability should be a top priority. If you would like to start off small scale, our Kempower and Heliox chargers offer charging cabinets which include power modules. These can be added to as and when needed. You’ll need to assess the electrical capacity of your facility, plan for potential upgrades, and allocate space for additional stations to accommodate future needs.
Thinking about a charging management system depends on your goals. A single free charging station might suffice for a basic setup, but for a more advanced solution, a charging management system like Occulus is likely essential. This software allows you to oversee multiple charging stations at different locations, set tariffs, improve energy efficiency, automate billing, and streamline reporting and offsetting processes.
Considering location-specific restrictions or limitations is crucial. Depending on your charging needs, you may need to coordinate with site owners and adhere to local permits or zoning regulations. For businesses with multiple locations, treating each site as a distinct project is vital, as each site may have unique requirements and constraints. Anticipating the concerns and limitations of key stakeholders from the beginning can help avoid costly delays.
Finally, remember that a charging station is not a one-time investment but a service that requires ongoing operation and maintenance. It’s important to choose a partner like Vital EV with a long-term perspective, including station warranties and various after-sales services such as setup, support, and upkeep. Ultimately, charging stations retain their value when they remain operational and reliable.
