5 reasons why you need on-site charging for your electric vehicles

1. Ensure your fleet is charged and ready to go

One of the key considerations when thinking about switching your fleet to EVs is charging. You need to ensure your vehicles are able to safely access chargepoints so you can keep them on the move.

To date, more than 660,00 EVs have been registered for use on the UK’s roads. Yet there are only around 37,000 publicly-accessible chargepoints, spread across 22,000 locations around the country.

Recent reports highlight the worrying risks that some EV drivers are taking to charge their vehicles. Many admitted to using domestic multi-socket extension leads to charge their vehicles at home – sometimes in a ‘daisy chain’ arrangement. Given the associated dangers of both fire and electrocution, this method isn’t something a responsible organisation would sanction – but is it happening without your knowledge?

Having an in-house charging network means you can be sure your staff are charging their EVs simply, efficiently and – above all – safely.

2. A standardised charging system for your fleet

There are different – and sometimes competing – EV charging systems available publicly. Some offer faster charging, while others can be specific to a particular make of vehicle. To compound the issue, public charging points can be out of service when you need them.

Since the public charging infrastructure is still evolving, standardisation may yet be some time away. So having your own on-site charging network cuts through this uncertainty, making it easier, more efficient and more cost-effective for your organisation and your staff.

3. Save money – get the right tariff for your charging system

Charging a fleet of EVs can use a lot of electricity. To minimise your consumption and costs, make sure you’re on the right supply tariff with your supplier and paying the right price for the electricity your fleet needs.

A good supplier – like Drax – will have the energy know-how and EV knowledge to support your on-site charging network decisions and operations. This means ensuring you get the right tariff and assessing the needs of your fleet in the context of your entire organisation’s power requirements.

4. Improve your bottom line - use your EVs as battery storage

One relatively untapped feature of EVs is their ability to store a lot of electricity. However, savvy organisations are now looking at their electric fleet as a means of storing power. This can be the electricity they’ve generated themselves – through solar panels or wind turbines – or what they’ve purchased off the grid at relatively cheap rates.

Once the correct storage infrastructure and agreements are in place, these organisations could then take advantage of opportunities to sell the power back to the grid at a higher price (e.g. when demand increases). Alternatively, they can decide to use the stored power on-site.

5. Make your workplace more attractive to existing and prospective employees

Given how difficult it can be for EV drivers to find convenient charging points, providing an on-site network can be a real benefit – especially if it’s free of charge. Having your own charging facilities makes it easier for existing employees and job candidates (as well as suppliers and other visitors) to top up their EVs. This shows you’re a progressive and environmentally-friendly employer and partner organisation.

What’s next?

Choosing a charging system that meets your needs is a lot easier if you can count on unbiased and expert advice.

We’d always recommend you look for an ‘energy partner’ that can help with your decision-making and then deliver the right solution. Make sure you choose a supplier that’s prepared to invest in a long-term relationship and capable of providing support and advice throughout.

Drax offers destination and workplace EV charging solutions – click the button to learn more.