Workplace EV Charging Guide
Everything you need to plan and implement EV charging for your business.
Why Workplace Charging Matters
With EV sales accelerating and the 2035 petrol/diesel ban approaching, workplace charging is becoming essential infrastructure. Businesses that act now gain competitive advantages in staff recruitment and customer attraction.
35%
Of new car sales are EVs (2024)
60%
Of EV drivers want workplace charging
£350
Government grant per socket
Benefits of Workplace Charging
- Staff benefit - Increasingly expected as a workplace perk
- Recruitment advantage - Attract environmentally-conscious employees
- Customer attraction - Destination charging for retail/hospitality
- Fleet transition - Essential for electric fleet vehicles
- Sustainability credentials - Demonstrate environmental commitment
- Revenue opportunity - Potential to charge for usage
Charger Types Explained
7kW AC Chargers (Slow)
Best for: Staff parking (all-day charging), residential
Charge time: 6-8 hours for a full charge
Cost: £800-1,200 per socket installed
The workhorse of workplace charging. Ideal for staff who park for 6+ hours. Low infrastructure cost and easy installation. Most common choice for workplace charging.
22kW AC Chargers (Fast)
Best for: Visitor charging, short-stay parking
Charge time: 2-3 hours for a full charge
Cost: £1,500-2,500 per socket installed
Faster charging for visitors or employees with shorter stays. Requires three-phase supply. Not all EVs can accept 22kW AC (many are limited to 7kW or 11kW).
50kW+ DC Chargers (Rapid)
Best for: Fleet depots, public-facing locations, short-dwell sites
Charge time: 30-60 minutes for 80% charge
Cost: £25,000-50,000+ installed
High-power charging for rapid turnaround. Significant electrical infrastructure required. Typically only cost-effective for high-utilisation commercial applications.
Our Recommendation
For most workplaces, 7kW dual-socket chargers offer the best value. They provide ample charging for a typical working day, minimise infrastructure costs, and allow you to install more charge points within your electrical capacity.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
The government's Workplace Charging Scheme provides grants to help businesses install EV charge points.
WCS Grant Details
- Grant amount: Up to £350 per socket (capped at 75% of cost)
- Maximum sockets: 40 per applicant
- Eligible businesses: Any UK registered business, charity, or public authority
- Requirements: Charger must be new, at least 7kW, and smart-enabled
How to Apply
We handle the WCS application as part of our installation service. The grant is claimed after installation and reduces your final invoice. No upfront paperwork required from you.
Smart Load Management
Smart load management is essential for workplace charging. It allows you to install more chargers without expensive electrical upgrades.
How It Works
- Dynamic load balancing - Automatically adjusts charging power based on available capacity
- Building integration - Monitors building load and reduces charging during peak demand
- Time-based scheduling - Prioritises charging during off-peak electricity periods
- User prioritisation - Can prioritise certain users (e.g., fleet vehicles, visitors)
Example: 100A Supply
Without load management: 3-4 x 7kW chargers maximum
With load management: 10-12 x 7kW chargers, dynamically managed
Smart load management can triple the number of charge points possible within your existing electrical supply.
Installation Considerations
Electrical Infrastructure
- Supply capacity - Your existing supply determines how many chargers you can install
- DNO notification - Required for larger installations
- Supply upgrade - May be required but smart load management often avoids this
- Three-phase - Required for 22kW chargers and larger installations
Physical Installation
- Mounting options - Wall-mounted, pedestal/post-mounted, or bollard-style
- Cable management - Underground ducting or surface-mounted trunking
- Lighting - Adequate lighting for safe evening use
- Signage - Clear EV parking bay markings and signage
Access and Management
- User authentication - RFID cards, app-based, or open access
- Payment options - Free for staff, paid for visitors, or cost recovery
- Booking systems - Optional bay reservation for busy sites
- Monitoring - Usage tracking, reporting, and maintenance alerts
Costs and ROI
Typical Installation Costs
| Configuration | Cost Range | After WCS Grant |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 7kW (dual socket units) | £4,000-6,000 | £2,600-4,600 |
| 10 x 7kW with load management | £12,000-18,000 | £8,500-14,500 |
| 20 x 7kW with load management | £25,000-35,000 | £18,000-28,000 |
Operating Costs
- Electricity - Users pay their own electricity or company provides as benefit
- Back-office fees - £5-15 per charger/month for management platforms
- Maintenance - Minimal for quality chargers; typically warranty-covered initially
Ready to Install Workplace Charging?
Contact us for a free site survey and proposal including WCS grant application.
Get a quote → Call 07944 275171