EV Charging: Preparing Your Business for the Future

The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating rapidly. With the UK government's ban on new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, businesses across every sector need to consider how they'll accommodate electric vehicles—for company fleets, employee vehicles, and customer parking. At Switched Live Electrical, we're experienced EV charging installers helping businesses across Bristol and the South West prepare for the electric future.

Why Businesses Need EV Charging

The EV Revolution is Here

Electric vehicle adoption is no longer a distant possibility—it's happening now. Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles continue to grow exponentially, and this trend will only accelerate as the 2030 deadline approaches. Businesses that install EV charging infrastructure now will be ahead of the curve, while those that delay may find themselves scrambling to meet demand from employees, customers, and fleet requirements.

Employee Expectations

As more employees drive electric vehicles, workplace charging becomes an expected benefit. Offering EV charging can:

• Attract and retain talent who prioritize sustainability and convenience
• Support employees who may not have home charging options
• Demonstrate corporate responsibility and environmental commitment
• Provide a valuable perk at relatively low cost

Employees can charge during working hours, arriving home with a full battery—a significant quality-of-life improvement for EV drivers.

Customer and Visitor Convenience

For retail businesses, hospitality venues, and any customer-facing operation, EV charging points can:

• Attract EV-driving customers who actively seek out charging locations
• Increase dwell time as customers shop or dine while their vehicle charges
• Differentiate your business from competitors without charging facilities
• Generate positive brand perception as an environmentally conscious business

Fleet Electrification

Businesses operating vehicle fleets face increasing pressure to electrify. Electric vehicles offer:

• Lower running costs with electricity cheaper than petrol or diesel
• Reduced maintenance with fewer moving parts and no oil changes
• Tax benefits including favorable company car tax rates
• Emissions reduction supporting corporate sustainability goals

Types of EV Chargers for Business

Fast Chargers (7kW - 22kW)

These are the most common workplace chargers, providing a full charge in 3-8 hours depending on vehicle battery size. They're ideal for:

• Employee parking where vehicles remain for full working days
• Overnight charging for fleet vehicles
• Customer parking at hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities

Rapid Chargers (50kW+)

Rapid chargers provide significant charge in 30-60 minutes, suitable for:

• Fleet depots requiring quick turnaround
• Motorway service stations and high-traffic locations
• Businesses where customers stay for shorter periods

Rapid chargers require three-phase power supply and more substantial electrical infrastructure.

Smart Chargers

Smart chargers connect to the internet and offer advanced features:

• Load balancing to prevent grid overload when multiple vehicles charge
• Scheduled charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates
• Usage tracking for billing and reporting
• Remote monitoring and management
• Integration with renewable energy sources

From April 2022, all new EV chargers installed in the UK must be smart chargers, ensuring they can be managed efficiently.

Government Grants and Incentives

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)

The government's Workplace Charging Scheme provides grants for businesses installing EV charging points. The scheme offers:

• Up to £350 per socket (or 75% of purchase and installation costs, whichever is lower)
• Maximum of 40 sockets across all sites

This significantly reduces the upfront cost of installing workplace charging infrastructure.

Enhanced Capital Allowances

Businesses can claim 100% first-year capital allowances on EV charging equipment, allowing you to deduct the full cost from your profits before tax in the year of purchase.

Planning Your EV Charging Installation

Assess Your Needs

Consider:

• How many charging points do you need now and in the next 3-5 years?
• Who will use them—employees, customers, fleet vehicles, or a combination?
• What charging speeds are appropriate for typical dwell times?
• Will you charge for usage or offer it as a free amenity?

Electrical Infrastructure Assessment

EV chargers require significant electrical capacity. We'll assess:

• Your existing electrical supply and capacity
• Whether upgrades to your distribution board or supply are needed
• The best locations for charging points considering cable routes and parking layout
• Load management requirements if installing multiple chargers

Future-Proofing

Even if you only need a few charging points now, consider installing the electrical infrastructure to support future expansion. Adding ducting and cabling during initial installation is far more cost-effective than retrofitting later.

The Business Case for EV Charging

Direct Benefits

• Employee satisfaction and recruitment advantage
• Customer attraction and increased dwell time
• Revenue generation from charging fees
• Grant funding reducing installation costs
• Tax benefits through capital allowances

Indirect Benefits

• Enhanced reputation as a forward-thinking, sustainable business
• Future-proofing your premises for the electric vehicle era
• Property value increase with charging infrastructure in place
• Competitive advantage over businesses without charging facilities

Take Action Now

The electric vehicle transition is happening whether businesses are ready or not. Installing EV charging infrastructure now positions your business to:

• Meet growing demand from employees and customers
• Take advantage of available grants before they're exhausted
• Establish yourself as a forward-thinking, sustainable business
• Avoid the rush as the 2030 deadline approaches

Switched Live Electrical Ltd is a NIC EIC Approved Contractor with extensive experience in EV charging installations for commercial and domestic properties. We handle all aspects of installation including grant applications, electrical upgrades, and smart charging systems.