With over 40,000 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK as of April 2023, businesses across the country are embracing the net zero revolution, while capitalising on revenue opportunities and enhancing user satisfaction.
Providing EV charging points not only showcases your dedication to sustainability, but also offers customers and employees a convenient solution for powering their vehicles while on your premises. In this comprehensive guide, we will equip you with essential knowledge about EV charging points for your business.
What are EV Charging Points?
An electric vehicle (EV) charging point, also referred to as an EV charging station, is a purpose-built device that provides electricity to recharge the batteries of electric cars, vans, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These charging points support a wide range of models, including popular ones like the Nissan Ariya, Tesla, Peugeot e-208, Citroen e-C4, Kia Sportage, and Renault Captur E-Tech, among others.
EV charging points come in various types, catering to different speeds and infrastructure requirements. The three main types are:
Slow Chargers (3-6 kW): Ideal for long-duration charging, these wall-mounted chargers are typically suited for locations where vehicles park for extended periods, such as workplaces or destinations.
Fast Chargers (7-22 kW): Offer quicker charging times and are suitable for commercial spaces like shopping centres, restaurants, and retail parks, where customers spend a limited time.
Rapid Chargers (22-50 kW): Deliver rapid charging in minutes for long-distance travel and are best suited for high-traffic areas like motorway service stations or fleet depots.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Install EV Charging Points?
It is not a legal requirement for businesses in the UK to install EV charging points. However, the government has been actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and incentivising the installation of charging infrastructure. Various grants and schemes, such as the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), are available to businesses to support the purchasing and installation of an EV charging point, which can cost up to £1,500 plus VAT.
How Much Will It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
The cost of charging an electric car depends on various factors, including the the vehicle’s battery capacity, and the charging speed. On average, it can cost between £3 and £10 to fully charge an electric vehicle.
However, when using public charging points, prices may vary and often involve an upfront access or membership fee. Some businesses choose to offer free or discounted charging to attract customers and provide an added incentive for EV drivers.
How Many EV Charging Points Do I Need?
To determine the number of EV charging points for your business, consider factors such as parking capacity and anticipated demand. Assessing the needs of your customer base or employee fleet is essential to avoid congestion or insufficient charging availability.
The general rule of thumb is that businesses should install one charging point per 10 EVs in their workforce. Consulting with EV charging experts or service providers can help you calculate the optimal number of points required to meet current and future demand, while providing a convenient experience.
Do EV Charging Points Require Maintenance?
Like most electrical equipment, EV charging points require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and reliability. A scheduled maintenance plan should be established during the installation process, detailing regular checks to the charging points’ condition.
The most common maintenance tasks include checking for cracks, leaks or damage to the plugs and cables, cleaning the charging points’ exterior, and checking the charging station’s software is up to date.
Workplace EV Charging Solutions
EV adoption is poised for significant growth in the coming years, making it an opportune moment for businesses to join the movement. By implementing EV charging points at your workplace, office, or commercial space, you can unlock a range of benefits, including reduced utility costs and increased customer engagement.
At Hebs Group, a leading facilities management company based in Liverpool, we are at the forefront of innovation and will soon be offering tailored EV charging services to meet the unique needs of businesses across the UK, including professional installations and comprehensive maintenance support to ensure a seamless charging experience.
If you’re considering EV charging for your business, why not reach out to us today? Contact our team at 0151 2360707 or send us a message at enquiries@hebs-group.co.uk for more information, and explore how we can assist you in electric mobility.
