Why install workplace charging stations?

Why do we need more workplace charging stations?

As part of the UK’s drive to decarbonise transport, we need to decarbonise our offices, factories and organisations car parks. That means we need to encourage hundreds of thousands of drivers (both domestic and commercial) to make the switch to EVs.

To make this happen we’ll require an enormous number of new charging stations in the locations where drivers need them most.

One ideal location is their workplace. It’s a destination your colleagues will be visiting on a regular basis with their vehicles likely to be stationary for a lengthy period, giving plenty of time to recharge.

It makes sense for your organisation too. If you’ve got a fleet you’re switching to electric, having charge points in place already will make it a smoother transition. And, at a time when staff recruitment and retention are incredibly challenging, workplace charging can give you an edge when it comes to finding and keeping the right people.

Give your EV drivers tax-free fuel

Workplace chargers are extra attractive, because the ‘fuel’ you provide for drivers is currently tax free.

That’s because employees who recharge at work do not have to pay any tax or National Insurance on this ‘fuel’ – which would normally be viewed as a benefit in kind (BIK) and taxed accordingly.

EVs also attract a far lower level of BIK tax from drivers than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. All of which makes an even more persuasive case for drivers to switch to EVs as their company cars or through salary sacrifice schemes - a scheme that allows drivers to save money when buying a new EV by giving up a certain proportion of their gross salary.

Boost your environmental credentials with workplace charging

As well as making your colleagues and fleet drivers’ lives easier, workplace charging can enhance your organisation’s reputation. Investing in charging stations at your offices or factories is a highly visible, concrete commitment to reducing your carbon footprint, provided you’re supplied by renewable electricity. This will be noticed and used by visitors, customers and suppliers as well as your employees.

You can also highlight this commitment as part of your organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies. Which will help make you more attractive to existing and prospective customers and employees.

And you can quantify – and publicise – the amount of carbon emissions your organisation is saving as part of your organisation’s carbon reporting. This is a powerful way of demonstrating the efforts you’re making to help the UK reach net zero by 2050.

Government grants to help with the cost of installing workplace charging stations

You could even get help from the Government with the cost of installing charging stations at your offices or factories. The Workplace Charging Scheme provides grants of up to 75% (£14,000) of the costs of new infrastructure to support EVs. This allows for up to 40 sockets on multiple sites. Local government may also provide support with this investment, so it’s worth checking with your council.

Get help decarbonising your organisation’s transport

We’ve already supported many customers across the whole journey of electrifying their transport. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out how we can help you with a bespoke end-to-end solution – including installation of workplace charging.