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On-Site Workplace EV Chargers

Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating. BloombergNEF predicts global passenger EV sales to reach 722 million by 2040 and represent a $242 billion charging infrastructure market opportunity1. Chances are that the transition from gas-powered vehicles to hybrid or electric is happening right in your office building. Companies can install EV charging stations in workplaces to support this transition and benefit from it at the same time. Two upfront questions can help with the process: what type of EV charging stations will best serve the organization, and why install EV charging stations in the first place?

Why install workplace EV chargers?

  • Attract and retain talent: Installing workplace EV chargers significantly improves employee satisfaction and helps recruit top talent. With the challenges of attracting and retaining qualified talent, offering sustainable amenities becomes increasingly important for attracting environmentally conscious employees.
  • Support employee needs: Most vehicles are parked 95% of the time, primarily at home or work. Workplace charging becomes essential for employees who lack home charging access and provides convenience for those who spend part of their work week on-site.
  • Generate additional revenue: Depending on where the charging stations are located and the level of security a company must maintain, an organization can make charging stations available to the public after business hours or on weekends to collect payments that can help offset the cost of their installation and maintenance.

  • Flexible workplace integration: Charging infrastructure can adapt to various work environments. Companies can designate employee-only stations, combine employee and public access, or adjust availability based on office occupancy patterns.
  • Future-proof facilities: With zero-emission vehicles projected to reach 73 million per year by 2040, having charging infrastructure helps position workplace parking facilities for future workforce needs.
  • Demonstrate environmental commitment: Organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by installing one or more office EV charging stations. This visible investment in green infrastructure helps build trust with employees and stakeholders while supporting corporate environmental initiatives. Organizations can also track and report CO2 reductions to demonstrate progress toward company-wide sustainability targets.

Choosing the right commercial EV charger management solution

L2 EV charging station with dual ports

Level 2 EV chargers

Level 2 EV chargers are an excellent choice for most workplace EV charging applications:

  • Cost-effective: They are less expensive to install and operate than Level 3 DC fast chargers.
  • Workday charging: They can fully charge most EVs in 6-8 hours, perfect for standard workday parking.
  • Universal compatibility: Level 2 chargers are currently considered universal across all EV models.
  • Lower power requirements: They don’t require as much electrical infrastructure as DC fast chargers.

Level 3 EV chargers

L3 DC fast chargers While representing a more expensive initial investment, DC fast chargers offer several benefits:

  • Rapid charging: They can charge most EVs to 80% in 30-60 minutes, ideal for corporate visitors, vendors and flexible workspace users.
  • Attract talent: The speed and convenience of fast charging can serve as a valuable recruiting tool.
  • Showcase commitment: DC fast chargers demonstrate an organization’s investment in cutting-edge sustainability technology to help with brand image.
  • Support all EV types: Accommodates various EV models, including luxury and performance vehicles.
  • Revenue potential: These chargers can be configured for public use during off-hours to generate additional revenue.

Strategic EV charger placement considerations

When selecting EV charger installation locations, prioritize high-visibility areas near building entrances to ensure easy access and highlight your company’s commitment to sustainability. Equally important is considering proximity to existing electrical infrastructure to minimize installation costs. Additionally, researching grants and funding opportunities can offset upfront expenses, making the project more feasible.

Tailoring workplace EV Chargers to business needs

Companies of all sizes can benefit from EV charger installations, though challenges vary depending on business type and target users. For instance, a small floral shop with a few delivery vans charging overnight might only need dedicated Level 2 chargers in a secure fenced area or garage. On the other hand, larger organizations with expansive campuses and multiple parking areas should devise strategic plans to distribute chargers based on employee density, duration of stay and mixed-use cases.

Key considerations in planning:

  • ADA compliance: Include accessible charging spaces with clear pathways to meet legal requirements and promote inclusivity.
  • Vehicle types and use cases: Evaluate whether your workplace serves larger trucks, delivery vehicles, or specialized fleets. The type of vehicle and its charging duration will help determine whether to install Level 2 chargers, DC fast chargers or a combination.
  • Public access and revenue: Decide if chargers will be available to the public after business hours to generate revenue or reserved exclusively for employees, vendors, and visitors.

Ensuring a high-quality charging experience with the right EV charger manufacturer

Invest in a robust, reliable charging system that meets the demands of your facility’s use cases. A high-quality charger minimizes downtime, supports long-term usage, and enhances user satisfaction. Review different EV charger manufacturers to find EV chargers that can withstand heavy, frequent use.

Also, consider that you’ll probably need an EV charger that can collect information. EV charger manufacturers can customize chargers to track usage and add the features needed to collect authorization or payment.

Moving forward with workplace EV charging stations

As workplace EV charging becomes increasingly essential, organizations should adopt a scalable implementation strategy that addresses current needs while accommodating future growth. Begin with a pilot program to evaluate usage patterns and gather data on employee and visitor charging habits. Expand the charging network incrementally to match demand based on the insights gained on utilization rates and user feedback.

By combining thoughtful planning, exploring funding opportunities and focusing on immediate and long-term user needs, your organization can develop a sustainable, adaptable and efficient EV charging solution.

Interested in getting started on installing your workplace EV chargers? Contact BTC POWER, North America’s leading commercial EV charger manufacturer, to get started on your customized EV charger systems.