EV charging points: getting your business future-ready
With the green quest in full swing, businesses are continually investigating ways to join sustainability drives in the interest of growing responsible brands. Many companies and individuals are increasingly changing to electric vehicles (EVs) in a conscientious effort to care for the planet.
All statistics point to a thriving EV market, with a 40% increase in sales during 2022. This means that more than one in 10 new vehicles are now electric. Used-car buyers seem to copy this trend and also go for more sustainable options.
It only makes sense that charging points should increase in tandem with the demand for EVs. Studies show that this is indeed the case as there are 43,626 EV charging points in 25,413 locations in the UK as of the end of May 2023. This is a 38% growth from May 2022.
Workplaces are getting on board and installing EV charging points for their employees and company vehicle fleets. Here, we discuss what you need to do to address EV charging in the workplace.
Charging Point Safety and Compliance
Anything electrical is a potential risk. This includes your EV charging points as high voltages run through them.
That’s why you should do your homework before installing charging stations for your workplace. The HSE suggests getting charging points that feature:
- Emergency shut-off switches so you can disconnect the power when problems occur.
- Ground fault protection to help prevent things such as electrocutions.
- Safety signs informing people exactly how to use the EV charging point.
Shocks, electric burns, and electrocutions are risks wherever you find and use electricity. These hazards are especially prevalent during the installation stages. You can properly train people in the use of EV charging points to mitigate these risks.
Overheating, which can lead to fire outbreaks, is also part and parcel of an electrical installation. As this risk can cause widespread destruction, serious injuries, and even fatalities, it’s crucial to regularly check and test your EV charging points for faults.
Also, consider adverse weather conditions with outdoor EV charging stations. Anything from strong winds and rain to lighting and floods can damage these points and make them dangerous. Check if you can shield your EV charging points or fit them with emergency stops.
Vandals can also damage your charging point, and a damaged EV charging station puts people and equipment at risk. Explore anti-tamper measures to overcome this danger.
A Helping Hand from the UK Government
The UK Government’s Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) helps businesses to get their EV charging points installations off the ground. This voucher-based plan is valid until 31 March 2024 and supports companies with upfront costs to acquire and install the devices.
Is Faster, Better When It Comes to EV Charging in the Workplace?
The speed of your charging points depends on the needs of your business. For example, are the charging points for employees with their own vehicles or do you have a company fleet that travels far and wide?
Look at market alternatives and address these needs when developing your EV charging policy. Ordinarily, a 7kW station, which costs about £4,000, will power an electric vehicle with enough ‘juice’ for five miles in roughly 10 minutes.
A super-speed 150kW charging point, which is an estimated £100,000, achieves a charge for approximately 100 miles in the same time. You also get load-balancing EV chargers you can set to provide more or less power depending on the circumstances.
Charging point numbers and locations
Again, the number of EV charging points hangs on the demand in your workplace, namely how many employees drive EVs and how many you have in your company fleet for business purposes. Once you’ve determined this, you need to look at placement.
As it’s an electrically driven innovation that needs power to supply power, the unit must have ready electrical access. Often, the most practical locations would be near buildings with existing electrical networks. If you would rather install these charging points elsewhere, you’ll need some construction and electrical engineering work done.
Access to and use of charging points
Your EV charging policy must clearly state who can and cannot use workplace EV charging points. For example, if they’re only meant for company vehicles, employees cannot use them for their private cars.
Charging people for using charging points can help to cover costs, though some use it as a free incentive to encourage green decisions.
Developing a clear EV charging policy
Your company policy is the go-to for employees when using EV charging points. This plan must cover the etiquette when using the facility and the communication lines to be followed. You should also include awareness in this plan to get all employees, whatever they drive, on board.
Signage is a huge help when cultivating awareness and giving instructions. Seton stocks a comprehensive selection of EV charging signs to help you with your goals.
Appoint a charging champion as the responsible person to ensure smooth operations, maintenance inspections and the handling of problems. You can also use a provider such as BP Pulse or ENGIE to do this on your behalf.
Even if your workplace is only touching the tip of the EV iceberg at present, forward planning will get you future-ready.