Installing electric vehicle charging stations in the workplace is an excellent move towards environmental sustainability. Since the UK government gives incentives to buying electric cars, it makes financial sense for companies to consider this investment. And when employees can conveniently charge in the workplace, they feel more confident in buying electric cars. Moreover, workplace charging stations benefit the business as it can also be used for fleet and company cars.
In addition to complying with the requirements to qualify for the OLEV scheme, https://power-ev.co.uk suggests thinking about other considerations before moving forward with the installation.
Is the business moving toward long-term EV use?
There’s no going around this move because petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2035. Big companies that maintain a fleet of vehicles need to seriously consider having dedicated charging stations for these cars. Additionally, more employees will start using electric cars in the coming years before the ultimate ban.
How much does it cost to install charging stations?
For home and workplace charging, you either use a level 1 or level 2 charging station. Level 1 chargers only add a 40 km driving range after 6 hours of charging. For the same driving range, it will only take a level 2 charger two hours to complete. However, costs significantly increase from level 1 to level 2 charger installations. On average, one workplace charging station costs up to £1,500. The government grant takes off £350 from the cost, which is still a substantial amount, overall.
Other expenses on top of charger hardware and installation
In addition to installation cost and hardware, other expenses could add up. For instance, you may need to cut through concrete, add new electric connections, and construct solid mounts for a charging pedestal. Moreover, businesses may need to secure building permits before they can proceed with construction.
One way to reduce the expense is to choose the most suitable location for the charging stations. Look for space where there’s sufficient power supply. For off-street parking spaces, it would help if there are grassy spots for easier trenching. Existing infrastructure for mounting or hanging cables can also significantly bring down the installation cost.
Additional recommendations
Apart from the considerations mentioned, it’s also critical to assess the current and emerging needs of the organisation. How much charging capacity is required to supply for employees charging their cars as well as company cars on standby?
How about visitors? Will there be dedicated charging points for guests driving electric cars? To maximise the investment, it’s also essential to come up with guidelines on proper “shared” use. These policies will not only prevent mishaps but also ensure safety.
Lastly, make sure to analyse the overall cost versus ROI, especially since there are tax rebates and other benefits associated with EV use. Investing in workplace charging stations now will anticipate the expected demand in EV use. In the long run, it helps prepare the company for further policy changes related to promoting electric car use in the country.
