Charging at Home and the Office
As of January 2024, over 1,000,000 fully electric cars and 600,000 plug-in vehicles are navigating UK roads, with numbers continuing to surge. This shift towards EVs underscores the crucial need for charging infrastructure, placing employers at the forefront of encouraging EV adoption within their operations and workforce. From enhanced corporate social responsibility to a competitive edge in talent acquisition, workplace charging offers multifaceted benefits for businesses and the environment alike.
Driving Businesses Forward:
Transitioning to a greener fleet is just the beginning of sustainable operations. Businesses must also consider how and where their workforce charges their vehicles. While relying on public charging infrastructure is feasible, installing workplace chargers offers numerous advantages. These chargers allow businesses to tailor infrastructure to the needs of their current and future green fleet, optimising operations, and minimising downtime. By ensuring fleet vehicles remain charged and ready for duty, businesses enhance efficiency and operational readiness.
Amping Up Employee Satisfaction:
Offering charging infrastructure for company-provided electric cars enhances employee mobility and satisfaction during work hours. By providing convenient charging solutions, businesses not only accommodate current EV owners, but also position themselves as desirable employers for prospective talent. In a competitive job market, offering perks that spark joy can attract top talent, whilst also demonstrating a forward-thinking workplace culture.
Empowering Commutes:
Extend the convenience of electric mobility beyond the workplace by offering home charging solutions for electric company car drivers. Providing employees with the means to charge their electric vehicles at home not only enhances convenience but also fosters a seamless transition to electric mobility. Whether through financial assistance or facilitating installation, supporting home charging initiatives demonstrates a commitment to employee satisfaction and environmental stewardship. Shell Recharge, a Europcar partner, can offer hassle-free installation of dedicated charging terminals.
Strategic Investment:
Investing in workplace chargers for fleets and company cars is a strategic move that promotes sustainability and ensures future readiness in the electric mobility landscape. By integrating EV charging infrastructure, businesses signal their dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation, bolstering their corporate social responsibility profile. Additionally, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner transportation alternatives aligns with sustainability goals, earning recognition from stakeholders and investors.
A little help from the Government:
Businesses can benefit from government grants, including the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). Designed to support businesses, charities, and public sector organisations, the WCS reduces the purchase and installation cost of a new workplace charging station by up to 75% (capped at £350 per socket). Businesses can claim for up to a maximum of 40 charging stations (40 single socket or 20 double socket) under the scheme, which is managed by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).