Enabling EV charging at work brings multiple business benefits: it shows your green commitment and social responsibility, strengthens your brand and may even help attract and retain talent by offering free charging as a perk. However, setting up a charging infrastructure in the workplace can seem daunting. What with choosing the right charger and installer for your needs, setting up a charging plan and policy; it can feel like a lot to take on. That’s why we’ve put together these four easy steps to walk you through the process.
How to Enable EV Charging At Work
1. Get all stakeholders on board
Before anything else, take stock of employee interest in a workplace-charging program. Survey how many of your employees have an EV, where they charge at the moment, and how many plan to invest in an EV in the future. You can download our handy ready-made survey template here.
Identify any potential challenges or pitfalls from the get-go. Speak with your workplace’s utility provider, charging provider, along with any other relevant stakeholders, such as directors, suppliers and shareholders in the company or building. Getting everyone on the same page will help the planning process run smoother.
Get familiar with the costs and grants involved in EV charger installation. A modern EV charger can cost anywhere between €500 – €1,500, with an additional €700 or more for installation. Make sure to account for all these capital expenditures, as well as operating costs such as maintenance and support. Moreover, check for EV charging incentives in your country to benefit from potential subsidies and tax breaks. Our European EV incentive guide might be a good place to start.
2. Choose an EV Charger that suits your brand, needs and environment
The right charger for your workplace depends on your specific situation, how many chargers you want to install, your budget and your brand. Here are the main factors to consider:
Compatibility:
Your workplace charger should be compatible with your employee’s EVs in terms of plug type and power. You can use our model chooser to identify suitable chargers for specific cars. Keep in mind the final charging speed is limited by the power supplied to your building or the battery capacity of your EV.
Technology:
Try to find a user-friendly charger – think facial recognition or app-controlled. Consider using a device with smart charging technology. This will allow you to determine when and how an EV is charged and will avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, or fines from utility companies if you go over your power output limits.
Safety:
Only select a charger that has a safety certificate, such as a CE declaration, and an internationally recognized protection rating of IP54 and IK08 or better. Moreover, opt for chargers that are equipped with a connector holster and cable management system that can prevent tripping or any damages to the charger or EV. Finally, ensure the charger comes with Integrated DC Protection, which detects energy leakage and automatically shuts down current to protect your grid.
Download our workplace EV charger comparison checklist here to help you choose.
3. Hire an experienced, certified installer
The safety of your employees is paramount, so invest in using a certified and experienced installer. Not only will you have peace of mind, but you’ll be guaranteed to comply with national regulations. Expect a certificate from a reputable installer, which you can hold on to for any future maintenance problems or insurance payouts. Other things to consider include:
Price:
The exact figure will vary, based on your location and requirements of your building, but expect to pay a minimum of around €700. Ask for a breakdown of costs including electrical components and labor so you know what you’re paying upfront.
Services & Expertise:
Aim for an end-to-end seamless service that supports you in choosing a charger for your current and future needs. This will include a full analysis of how to best install your charger and post-installation guidance on using the charger alongside other software, i.e. smart charging apps.
4. Set up a charging policy
It’s important to create a workplace EV Charging policy so everyone knows how to use the chargers. Make sure to include:
- Information on how to use the chargers and technology
- Charging etiquette and rules
- A clear payment structure for charging
- FAQs
- Contact details
EV Chargers Can Put Your Business on the Map (Literally)
By appealing to the eco-conscious, EV charging stations can put your business on the map potentially attracting new employees, customers and more money. By increasing the amount of charging points available, you can also help support the popular uptake of EVs. Range anxiety continues to be a barrier for many considering an EV, and this is where increasing the number of conveniently available chargers could help.
If you have any more questions or doubts about setting up a workplace charging infrastructure, contact our experts now.
If you want to explore tailor-made charging solutions for your business, check our product portfolio here.
