Summary:
- By installing an EV charger for employees, your office is doing its part to go green and reduce its carbon footprint.
- You can manage the installation and operation of an EV charger at your office in seven key steps.
If your office is considering adding an EV charging station, there are many benefits to doing so. For starters, it can attract and retain employees who own EVs.
It can also lessen the environmental impact of your office. According to Charge Point, the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions from transportation totaled 30% of the country’s total in 2019.
Steps to get an EV charging station up and running
1. Determine the demand
The first step is always to establish whether there is a need for an EV charger at your workplace. Do you have employees who drive EVs? If not, could this change in the future?
Survey your employees to see if there is an interest in having an EV charging station at the office.
Tip: Consider the costs and grants involved in EV charger installation and the incentives and grants that are available to help offset the expenses.
2. Choose a brand and type of charger
There are many different EV chargers, so it’s important to research and select the one that best meets your office’s needs.
Here are a few points to keep in mind, per Wallbox:
- Compatibility – Because your building dictates the amount of power you can draw from the mains, you’ll need to ensure that the charger you select is compatible with your office’s electrical system.
- Charging method – The two main types of EV chargers are AC and DC. Most charging is done with AC, but if your employees need to charge their EVs quickly, you’ll want a DC charger.
- Safety – Only purchase a charger that has a safety certificate from a credible source.
3. Plan and install
Now that you’ve determined whether there is a demand for an EV charger, it’s time to start planning the installation. Consider the type of charger, location, safety, number of chargers needed, and your budget.
Then, choose a qualified installer to do the job. Make sure to get everything in writing, including the price, timeline, and warranty information. They will ensure everything is up to code.
Tip: User-friendly chargers, such as app-controlled ones with smart charging technology offer many benefits and can avoid costly infrastructure upgrades.
4. Set up policies and procedures
Having these in place ensures the safety of your employees and your office. They also help to keep the charging station running smoothly. Platforms like Wayleadr’s EV charging management solution can help automate scheduling and enforce usage policies from day one. If you’re building a formal policy from scratch, our step-by-step guide to creating a workplace EV charging policy covers everything from cost structures to access rules. Some things to consider include:
- Establishing rules for how employees should use the charger.
- Creating a charging schedule.
- Making sure only employees who drive EVs can use the charger.
- Putting up signs to indicate the rules of the charger.
With Wayleadr, you can place a booking system in place for your EV charger at the workplace.
Tip: Deter any potential vandalism or theft by having a designated area for the charger and making sure it’s well-lit and visible.
5. Appoint a point person
A designated EV champion will help ensure that the charger is being used correctly and can answer any employees’ questions. They can also be responsible for troubleshooting any issues that may arise and keeping the charger clean and well-maintained.
Tip: Have a backup point person in case the primary contact is unavailable.
6. Promote networked charging
A survey from ChargePoint shows if workspace charging becomes available, 60% of Fortune 500 companies’ stated they would switch to electric vehicles. Thus, there’s indeed a big potential for many employees to switch to EVs soon.
To handle the influx of EVs, you’ll need a networked charger. This type of charger is app-controlled, and multiple people can use it. It also offers features like analytics and remote management. For a deeper look at the technology behind these systems, see our comprehensive guide to EV charging station management systems.
Wayleadr’s parking management platform is a good example of a platform where you can manage your EV charging stations. With the platform, you can see how many people are using the charger, schedule charging times, and get real-time alerts if there’s an issue.
Tip: When promoting the networked charger to your employees, be sure to emphasize the benefits it offers. These include ease of use, safety, and cost savings.
7. Monitor usage and make sure everything is running smoothly
Observe the use of your EV charging station and make sure everything is running smoothly. Check in with employees to see if they have any suggestions.
Tip: Have a waitlist for the charger so employees can sign up to use it. Doing so helps ensure that everyone has a fair chance to use the charger and that it’s not being abused.
Following these tips will help you successfully manage EV charging stations at your office. By doing so, you’ll be able to support employees who drive EVs and promote sustainability at your company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EV charging stations does an office need?
Start with one charger for every 10 EV-driving employees, then scale based on demand. Survey your team first and monitor usage patterns — most offices find that 2-3 Level 2 chargers cover a workforce of 20-30 EV drivers, since not everyone needs to charge every day.
How much does it cost to install EV charging at the office?
Level 2 chargers typically cost $2,000-$5,000 per unit installed, while DC fast chargers can exceed $50,000. Many governments offer grants and tax incentives that offset 30-50% of the cost. Check your local programs before budgeting.
Should employees pay for workplace EV charging?
It depends on your sustainability goals. Some employers offer free charging as a perk, while others charge at cost to keep it fair. A booking and billing system helps manage access and prevents charger hogging during peak hours.
