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EV Charging at Work: How Employers Are Supporting Electric Vehicles
As the world continues its shift towards sustainable transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an integral part of the motoring landscape.
Latest figures show that there are now 840,000 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) on British roads. As a result, employers are making a concerted effort to implement their own EV Charging infrastructure.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have gained significant traction in recent years due to their environmental benefits, reduced operating costs, and advancements in battery technology.
As more individuals make the switch to EVs, it is essential for employers to adapt and facilitate this transition for their workforce.
The number of EVs on UK roads has been increasing steadily for the last few years but 2023 proves to be by far the best on record. The figures look set to smash the one million barrier before the end of the year.
Cumulative number of battery-electric cars in the UK (2016 to date)
Source: SMMT (July 2023)
Last month (July 2023), another milestone was passed for the UK electric car market as the equivalent of a new BEV was registered every 60 seconds.
What is the demand for Workplace EV Charging for employees?
A recent survey for EV drivers by Virta found that for 60% of drivers, Workplace EV charging is either a must have feature or a key choice factor.
This shows that the majority of EV drivers would expect their workplace to provide EV Charging.
With the 2030 plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars still going ahead, these figures would soon be representative of the wider UK car market.
The report also found that out of the 1,000 18 – 64 year olds surveyed, over half either drove an EV or had plans to within the next two years.
Despite this demand, Charge Point Management Software provider, Monta, found that just 25% of workplaces offer EV Charging. When questioned further, 82% of those expressed a desire to charge at their place of work.
What are the benefits for workplaces to adopt EV Charging?
Employee attraction and retention: Offering EV charging stations at the workplace is a powerful incentive for attracting and retaining top talent. With record numbers making the switch to electric, workplace EV charging will be an integral part of their choice of employer.
This is especially important for those who don’t have access to off-street parking or EV Charging at home. Studies show that in major towns and cities a massive 60% of people do not have access to off-street parking.
Increased time spent in the office: With many offices adopting flexible working patterns in a post-covid world, workplace EV Charging can be a great incentive to attracting employees back to the office.
Rather than overtly demanding workers return to the workplace and risk upsetting morale, companies have the option to provide workplace EV charging as a perk.
This way, employees can return in a manner that aligns with their contentment, making for a happier and more productive workforce.
Sustainability Initiatives: Businesses that promote environmentally friendly practices not only reduce their carbon footprint but also demonstrate their commitment to a more sustainable future.
Setting up workplace EV charging becomes particularly valuable for businesses that include electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleet.
This move not only shows your commitment to cutting down the carbon footprint of your business activities, but also allows current EV driving employees a more comfortable routine.
Petrol Vehicles
1.95 tonnes tailpipe C02 emissions per year avg.
Diesel Vehicles
2.02 tonnes tailpipe C02 emissions per year avg.
Given that cars on UK roads contribute approximately 2 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, each additional electric fleet vehicle signifies a significant stride toward achieving sustainability objectives, like emission reduction or the pursuit of a net-zero impact.
If electric mobility is something an owner or company is passionate about, offering charging at work could also be the push some of their more indecisive employees need to make the switch.
Public Image and PR: Companies that lead the way in adopting EV charging solutions can enhance their public image and reputation. Such initiatives provide positive PR opportunities, showcasing their dedication to innovation and responsible corporate citizenship.
For a growing number of consumers it reflects brilliantly on the companies who are at the forefront of the push towards a more sustainable planet.
Government grants
By far the most effective UK government grant, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) allows business owners to save big on their charging infastructure.
The scheme allows businesses to save £350 per socket (up to £14,000) on the installation of their EV Charging infrastructure.
To claim the grant, the Charge Points must be installed by an OZEV approved installer, such as ourselves, and be completed before the 31st March 2024.
For more information email [email protected] or call us on 0330 094 5101.
Case studies
One of the pioneers in the workplace EV Charging industry, Google converted 5% of their on-site parking spaces to electric car charging stations 12 years ago.
They have kept up a long-standing image of offering their employees a wide range of benefits, free food, child care, fitness centres and of course free on-site EV Charging.
In the current day, Google has over 100 charging stations for their employees to use at their headquarters in Mountain View, California.
As a result of the many benefits offered, 97% of Google employees say it’s a great place to work – compared to the worrying 57% of employees at a typical U.S based company (greatplacetowork.com).
Oberoi Business Hub
Working in partnership with Charge Amps and Monta, Energise Energy Solutions recently completed the installation of 3 Public Dual-Socket 22kW Charge Amps Aura EV Chargers at Oberoi Business Hub.
Monta offers the option to pay for a charge at charge point via Google Pay, Apple Pay, or digital wallet – so the company can immediately recoup the cost of their energy.
This cost would still be cheaper for the driver than charging at a public EV charging station or a public rapid charger and would be just as convenient.
Founder of Oberoi Business Hub, Kavita Oberoi OBE, said:
“I am proud that we are one of the first businesses in Pride Park to offer EV chargers to our own staff, tenants and neighbouring businesses. This is an important step forward in our long-term strategy to become carbon zero”
