The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly changing the transportation landscape, and businesses in Worcestershire are increasingly seeing the benefits of installing EV chargers. Whether you’re looking to accommodate your employees, serve your fleet, or simply futureproof your office environment, adding EV charge points is a smart move.
However, installing EV chargers involves more than just plugging in a device. From assessing your electrical capacity to understanding how government grants can make the process more affordable, there’s plenty to consider. This guide will walk you through everything your business needs to know about preparing for EV chargers.
Why Install EV Chargers at Your Worcester Business?
Electric vehicles are becoming mainstream, with both individuals and companies adopting them to reduce carbon footprints, save on fuel costs, and comply with sustainability goals. By installing EV chargers at your commercial property, you can:
- Attract and retain employees: Offering EV charging points can serve as an attractive perk, especially as more employees transition to electric cars.
- Support green initiatives: EV chargers demonstrate your business’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with client expectations and corporate social responsibility goals.
- Enhance fleet efficiency: For businesses operating EV fleets, having on-site charge points ensures smoother operations and reduces downtime.
Key Considerations for Installing EV Chargers
Before installing EV chargers, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your setup meets your needs while complying with regulations. Here are the primary factors to consider:
1. Conduct a Site Survey
A site survey is the first step in determining whether your property is suitable for EV chargers. During the survey, an SCI Management electrician will assess:
- Space availability: Ensuring there’s enough room for chargers in parking areas.
- Accessibility: Guaranteeing chargers are easily reachable for employees or clients.
- Safety compliance: Confirming that installation meets local regulations and guidelines.
SCI Management provides support with site surveys as part of our service package, simplifying the process for business owners.
2. Assess Electrical Capacity
Installing EV chargers increases the demand on your electrical system. You’ll need to evaluate whether your premises can handle this additional load without compromising other operations. Key considerations include:
- Current capacity: Determining if your existing electrical infrastructure can support the new chargers.
- Load balancing: Planning for even distribution of electrical load to prevent tripping circuits, or worse overloading the mains cut out fuse.
- Potential upgrades: Identifying whether upgrades, like transformer replacements, are needed for future scalability.
3. The Employee and Fleet Perspective
Think about how the chargers will be used. Will they primarily serve employees, visiting clients, company fleets, or a combination? This decision will influence the type and number of chargers you’ll install. For example:
- Employee usage: If most employees park during working hours, you might consider standard chargers for slower, long-duration charging.
- Fleet usage: Businesses with EV fleets may require rapid 25kW or 50kW chargers to minimise downtime between trips.
4. Compliance with UK Regulations
When installing EV charge points, it’s crucial to comply with national and local laws, including health and safety standards. Additionally, your business may need to notify the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO) if the installation affects the electricity supply grid. SCI’s qualified electricians can guide you through these requirements.
How the OZEV Grant Can Make Installation More Affordable
Did you know that your business could reduce the cost of installing EV chargers? The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers a grant that provides up to £350.00 off the total bill for each EV charger installed.
Here’s how the grant works:
- Eligibility: The OZEV grant is available to businesses and workplaces installing charging points for the first time.
- Affordability: You can claim £350.00 per charger, making installations significantly more affordable, especially for large installations with multiple units.
- Flexibility for employees: One of the unique perks of this grant is that it allows businesses with employees working remotely to install chargers at their homes as well as the office.
Offering both home and office charging solutions can be a game-changer, fostering employee satisfaction and increasing productivity even for remote teams.
The Cost and Long-Term Benefits of EV Charging Stations
Though the upfront costs of installing EV chargers can appear steep, they offer excellent long-term returns. Here’s why:
- Lower operational costs: Electric vehicles are cheaper to run and maintain compared to petrol or diesel counterparts.
- Revenue opportunities: If you choose, you can monetise chargers by letting clients or visitors pay for charging.
- Tax incentives: Beyond the OZEV grant, your business could benefit from additional tax breaks and deductions for adopting sustainable practices.
By evaluating the long-term savings and revenue potential of EV chargers, the financial case becomes even more compelling.
Why Work with a Professional Installer
Installing EV chargers is a complex process that requires expertise. Working with a professional electrician ensures:
- Accurate site assessment: A trained installer can determine the feasibility of your property for charging equipment.
- Safety compliance: Professionals adhere to all UK regulations, protecting your business from potential penalties.
- Custom solutions: Installers help tailor the system to your specific needs, whether it’s for employees, fleets, or public use.
Partnering with experts simplifies the installation process while ensuring your system is prepared for the demands of the future.
Take Action Today
Electric vehicles are no longer a distant prediction—they’re a current reality. Installing EV chargers in your Worcestershire business is not just a convenience for employees or a way to fuel your fleet; it’s a statement about your commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the future.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save £350 per charger with the OZEV government grant. Whether you need chargers at the office, for employees working from home, or both, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this incredible benefit.
Contact SCI Management today to start your EV charger installation. Together, we can power your business into the future.