EV Charging At The Workplace
With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular, the need for charging facilities at the workplace is growing steadily. Nowadays, many companies are recognizing the importance of providing EV charging stations in their premises as a way to attract new talent and keep current employees happy. Not only does having an EV charging station demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, it also contributes to cost savings and productivity improvements by providing employees with an easy way to charge their EVs during the workday. In this blog post, we’ll explore why more businesses should consider offering EV charging at their workplaces, and how they can do it most effectively.
What is EV charging?
As electric vehicle (EV) ownership has increased, so too has the need for accessible and convenient EV charging at the workplace. Many employers are now offering EV charging as a perk to employees, and some are even subsidizing the cost of installation and equipment.
There are a few different types of EV chargers, but the most common is the Level 2 charger, which can charge an EV in 2-8 hours. Level 1 chargers, which are slower and not as common. There are also DC fast chargers, which can charge an EV in under an hour, but these are much less common than Level 2 chargers.
The cost of installing an EV charger at the workplace can vary depending on the type of charger and how many units are installed. However, many employers find that the cost is worth it to support employees who own EVs and encourage more employees to switch to EVs in the future.
The benefits of EV charging at the workplace
Electric vehicle (EV) charging at the workplace has become increasingly important as more people are making the switch to EVs. There are many benefits to EV charging at the workplace, including:
1. Convenience: Charging your EV at the workplace is much more convenient than having to find a public charger or waiting for your home charger to become available.
2. Cost savings: Many workplaces offer free or discounted EV charging, which can save you money on your monthly charging bill.
3. Environmental benefits: EVs produce zero emissions, so by charging your EV at work, you’re helping to reduce your company’s carbon footprint and doing your part for the environment.
4. Employee retention: Offering EV charging at work can help attract and retain employees, as it’s becoming an increasingly important perk for many workers.
5. Good PR: Installing EV chargers at your workplace can generate positive publicity for your company and show that you’re committed to sustainability.
The challenges of implementing EV charging at the workplace
As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to grow, so does the demand for EV charging infrastructure. While home and public chargers are becoming more prevalent, workplace charging is lagging behind. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order to make workplace charging more widely available.
The first challenge is the up-front cost of installing EV chargers. This can be a significant barrier for small businesses or those with limited budgets. Even for larger companies, the cost of installing chargers can be prohibitive if there is not a clear return on investment.
Another challenge is finding an appropriate location for chargers. Many workplaces do not have dedicated parking areas, making it difficult to find a spot to install a charger. And even when there is an available parking spot, it may not have the right electrical outlets or be able to support the weight of an EV charger.
Finally, some employers may be hesitant to install workplace chargers out of concern that employees will abuse the privilege or that they will take up valuable parking spots. However, there are ways to address these concerns, such as implementing policies that limit how long employees can charge their EVs or installing chargers in less convenient locations.
With proper planning and execution, workplace charging can be a valuable amenity for employees and a way for businesses to show their commitment to sustainability. By overcoming the challenges listed above, more workplaces can start offering this important service to their employees.
How to get started with EV charging at the workplace
As electric vehicles become more popular, workplace charging has become an increasingly important amenity for employers. There are a few different ways to get started with workplace charging, depending on your needs and budget.
If you have a small number of employees who drive EVs, you can install a Level 2 charger or two in your parking lot. This will give employees the ability to charge their EVs during the workday. You can find Level 2 chargers at most home improvement stores or online retailers.
If you have a larger number of employees who drive EVs, you may want to consider installing a commercial EV charging station. Commercial EV charging stations are larger and more powerful than residential chargers, and can support multiple vehicles at once. You can find commercial EV charging stations through online retailers or by working with an electrician or contractor who specialises in EV charging installation.
Once you’ve decided on the type of charger you need, you’ll need to install it in your workplace. If you’re installing a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to hire an electrician to run power to the location where the charger will be installed. If you’re installing a commercial EV charging station, you’ll need to work with an electrician or contractor who specialises in EV charging installation.
Once your charger is installed, promote it to your employees! Let them know that they can charge their EVs at work, and encourage them to take advantage of this perk. You may also want to offer discounts or even offer to fund a residential EV Charger installation.
