We’re all aware of the environmental benefits of Electric Vehicles, not quite so well-known are the financial benefits for businesses and company car users, such as very low benefit in kind tax rates, zero road tax, low running costs to name a few. The big question is how do companies embrace EVs, given the ban on selling new petrol & diesel is due within under 8 years. This needs answering sooner rather than later.

There’s no one size fits all to this question, it will vary from business to business, for example, a retail business with high turn over of customers will benefit greatly from a rapid DC charging solution, not least to generate additional revenue and attract the growing number of EV driving customers. Mostly this will be done in partnership with a Charge Point Operator, the benefit of this is all of the upfront cost is met by the CPO.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what’s possible at your site as a currently high maximum demand may require upgrade work prior to installation. A qualified charge point installation company can help and It’s important to discuss this, as there are 2 very different aspects, on the one hand, motor manufacturers and dealers selling the vehicles, and on the other electrical engineers installing the charge points, talking to an installation company will help you make the right choice of vehicle and method for charging it.

Another question is, why put in any infrastructure if we don’t currently have any electric vehicles? At some point soon, this is going to change and companies are needed to help the uptake by making it easier for staff and company car users to choose an EV. Secondly there are Government grants available to help with costs, the WCS (Workplace Charge Scheme) gives up to £350 per charge point and can be used across multiple sites. Recently introduced was the Infrastructure grant. This is designed to help with building a charge point infrastructure. The best part about these grants is they are not linked to vehicles, unlike the domestic EVHS scheme. I refer to this current stage as the “carrot” as the closer we get to 2030 we’re likely to have more of the “stick”

It’s also worth looking at this as a process rather than trying to cover every conceivable angle right away. One query I come across frequently is “we want to future proof”. This is only possible up to a point as technology moves on rapidly, for example V2G (vehicle to grid) are getting closer to mainstream with bi-directional charge points, what will be available in 4-5 years we don’t know. The new infrastructure grant will help with some future proofing, for example 1 cable run for 1 charge point or 1 heavier duty cable run to a feeder pillar capable of supporting multiple charge points. Clearly the latter is less expensive, however the grant will help to offset the extra cost and be beneficial in the long run.

Businesses and workplaces are going to be crucial for the UK to achieve it’s target. Undoubtedly a challenge but one that should be embraced and not ducked.

Visit ecochargepointsuk.com