At the end of the day, there isn’t a single “best†EV charging station for every workplace. The perfect solution varies depending on your unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. To help you figure out what your EV charging setup should look like, we’ve put together a list of seven critical questions to ask yourself.
To begin with, think about your EV charging business strategy. Are you planning to offer charging as an employee perk, or do you want to monetize it as a service for visitors or clients? Once you’ve clarified your business model, you can move on to other specifics.
Next, consider how important charging speed is to you. Higher-powered chargers typically charge faster, but they also come with higher costs and more complex infrastructure requirements. For example, DC fast chargers can fill up a vehicle in minutes rather than hours, but they’re roughly ten times more expensive than standard AC chargers. If your main goal is to cater to employees, a slower AC charger might suffice since an eight-hour workday allows ample time for a full charge. However, for high-utilization vehicles like delivery vans or ride-sharing cars, quick charging becomes essential to keep operations running smoothly.
Think ahead about how your charging needs might change in the future. With electric vehicle adoption skyrocketing, it’s likely that more employees, clients, and visitors will be driving EVs. You might even be considering transitioning your own fleet to electric vehicles, which would require additional charging capacity. Planning for scalability early on—whether by ensuring your electrical infrastructure can handle increased loads or leaving room for extra chargers—can save you headaches down the road. As Linda Grave, founder of EV Driver, wisely noted in our REVOLUTION Live podcast, “We’re doing all this now with only 1-2% of vehicles being electric. We need to be prepared for the next wave.â€
Technology is constantly evolving, too. Features like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) could revolutionize the way we think about EV charging in the near future. Drivers' expectations are shifting rapidly as well, so what seems adequate today might feel outdated tomorrow.
Don’t overlook the importance of a charging management system. These platforms provide valuable insights into usage patterns and enable features like dynamic load balancing and differentiated pricing for various user groups. This not only optimizes energy use but also streamlines administrative tasks like billing and payment processing. Many businesses discover the value of such systems only after installing chargers without them—a lesson learned the hard way by Hanno Klausmeier of SAP Labs France.
Consider the physical limitations of your location. Installing EV chargers may necessitate dealing with local authorities, obtaining permits, and working with utility providers to upgrade your grid connection. Early engagement with stakeholders can prevent costly delays later on. Each office location should be treated independently since they often face distinct challenges and opportunities.
Government incentives can play a big role in reducing upfront costs. In the U.S., employers can claim a 30% tax credit on installation expenses, capped at $30,000. The UK offers up to 75% coverage for purchases and installations. Across Europe, nearly all member states provide financial support through subsidies, grants, or tax refunds. Taking advantage of these programs can significantly cut initial investments.
Lastly, remember that maintaining your charging infrastructure post-purchase is just as important as setting it up. Regular upkeep ensures consistent performance and extends the lifespan of your equipment. Look for companies offering extended warranties beyond the mandatory two years in the EU. Additionally, comprehensive after-sales services, including commissioning assistance, technical support, and proactive maintenance, can safeguard against downtime and costly repairs.
Electric mobility isn’t going anywhere—it’s here to stay. Whether you’re adapting to meet employee demands, enhancing your brand image, or capitalizing on new revenue streams, understanding your facility’s specific requirements is key to choosing the right EV charging solution. Use the questions above as a guide to assess your needs and determine the best fit for your workplace.
For further insights into EV charging at the workplace, check out our detailed guide. It covers everything from selecting the right hardware to maximizing user satisfaction and boosting your bottom line. Electric mobility is transforming industries worldwide, and staying ahead means embracing innovation while prioritizing practicality.
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