Explained: 7 Benefits Of Workplace EV Charging (Plus Best Practices)

If there’s one workplace perk that is becoming increasingly valuable of late, it is EV charging.

Think about it.

Your employees already spend around eight hours at work every day. So instead of stopping at a public charging station, they can simply plug in their EV when they arrive and leave with a charged battery.

Convenient, right?

But these are not the only benefits of workplace EV charging. 

For businesses, installing EV charging stations help attract and retain employees, support sustainability, prepare for the growing number of EV drivers, and improve the overall workplace experience.

That said, simply installing a few chargers isn’t enough. You also need to plan your workplace EV charger installation the right way to get the most out of your investment. 

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the biggest benefits of workplace EV chargers, along with a few best practices that can help you build a future-ready charging setup.

So, let’s get started.

Key takeaways

• Workplace EV charging makes it easier and more convenient for employees to own and drive electric vehicles.
• Businesses that offer EV charging can improve employee satisfaction and attract new talent.
• Installing EV charging stations supports your company’s sustainability goals.
• Level 2 chargers are usually the best choice for workplace parking.
• Planning for future expansion and managing electrical load can save significant installation costs.
• A clear workplace charging policy helps ensure fair and efficient charger usage.

Why is workplace EV charging becoming so important?

Just a few years ago, workplace EV charging was considered a nice extra. But today, it is quickly becoming an amenity employees actively look for.

That’s because electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly across the country and more employees are driving to work in EVs than ever before.

At the same time, not everyone has access to convenient EV charging at home. Apartments, homes with older electrical systems, and shared parking, all make home charging difficult.

This is where EV charging at the workplace makes a big difference. Instead of worrying about finding a public charger on the way home, employees can charge while they work. 

It is a simple convenience, but one that can have a big impact on the overall employee experience.

For employers, it is also a smart long-term investment. As more employees, customers, and visitors begin driving EVs over the next few years, they will already have workplace EV charging in place.

Here are all the benefits of workplace EV charging

1. It makes charging easier for employees

Workplace EV charging gives employees one more convenient place to charge their vehicles.

Instead of planning their day around public chargers or worrying about whether they’ll have enough charge for the trip home, they can simply plug in when they arrive for work.

For employees who don’t have access to home charging, this convenience can make owning an EV much more practical.

Plus, even for those employees who do charge at home, topping up during the workday adds extra flexibility and peace of mind.

It might seem like a small perk, but is one that employees benefit from almost every single workday.

2. It can help attract and retain employees

Today’s employees look at more than just salary when choosing where to work. They’re also paying attention to workplace benefits and amenities that make their daily lives easier.

For employees who already own an EV, having access to workplace charging can be a big advantage. And for those planning to buy one in the future, it is one less thing to worry about.

Offering EV charging also sends a clear message that your company is keeping up with changing employee needs. 

Think of it like multifamily real-estate, where buildings with multifamily EV charging facilities are rented or sold much more quickly than those without them.

While it might not be the deciding factor for every candidate, it’s certainly a benefit that can help your workplace stand out, especially as EV ownership continues to grow.

3. It supports your company’s sustainability goals

If you are working toward reducing your company’s environmental impact, workplace EV charging can be a meaningful step in that direction.

That’s because you’re encouraging cleaner transportation and helping reduce emissions associated with daily commuting by making it easier for employees to drive EVs. 

Plus, it is also a visible sustainability initiative. Unlike many behind-the-scenes energy improvements, EV charging stations are something employees, customers, and visitors can actually see. This makes them a practical way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to cleaner transportation and a more sustainable future.

4. It prepares your workplace for the future

The number of EVs on the road is growing every year. This means more employees, customers, and visitors are likely to arrive in electric vehicles over the coming years.

So, if you install workplace EV charging now, you’ll be ready to meet that demand instead of scrambling to add charging infrastructure later.

Even if only a handful of employees drive EVs today, that number could look very different just a few years from now.

5. It improves the overall workplace experience

Sometimes, it is the small conveniences that make the biggest difference.

Having EV charging available at work removes one more task from an employee’s day. 

This added convenience can reduce range anxiety and make the workday just a little less stressful for EV drivers. 

Also, it creates a more modern workplace experience for employees, visitors, and even customers who might need to charge while they’re on-site.

6. It can increase the value of your commercial property

Installing EV charging stations isn’t just beneficial for employees, it can also make your property more attractive to future tenants, customers, and visitors.

You see, as barriers to EV adoption reduce and more people confidently buy electric vehicles, businesses are looking for office spaces and commercial properties that already have EV charging infrastructure.

For property owners and facility managers, this is a valuable long-term amenity that helps keep the property competitive. And while the exact impact varies depending on your location and business, having EV charging available can itself make your workplace more appealing than ones that don’t have it.

7. It shows your business is ready for what’s next

Every year, more people are making the switch to electric vehicles.

So, when you invest in workplace EV charging today, you’re showing employees, customers, and visitors that your business is thinking ahead. It reflects a willingness to adapt to changing technology and support the way people commute today.

In short, here are all the benefits of workplace EV charging: 

Workplace EV charging best practices you should know about

Installing workplace EV charging stations is a great first step. But if you want your charging setup to serve your business well for years to come, it’s important to plan it carefully from the beginning.

Here are a few best practices worth keeping in mind: 

1. Choose the right type of charger

Since most public EV chargers have DC fast chagrin, you might feel like installing one at your workplace too. But for most workplaces, Level 2 EV chargers are the ideal choice.

Why?

You see, employees are typically parked for several hours. This gives a Level 2 workplace EV charger plenty of time to add a significant amount of range during the workday, making it both practical and cost-effective.

DC fast chargers certainly have their place, but they’re way more expensive to install and operate. That’s why they’re better suited for highway corridors, fleet operations, or locations where drivers only stop for a short time.

2. Think about your building’s electrical capacity

Before you install an EV charging station at your workplace, it’s important you know how much electrical capacity your building actually has.

EV chargers draw power for several hours at a time. And if you install them without considering the rest of your building’s electrical demand, they can place unnecessary strain on your electrical system.

That’s why I suggest you hire a qualified electrician to get your building’s  electrical infrastructure evaluated. Doing so can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your charging system operates safely and reliably.

3. Plan for future expansion

If you only need a few chargers today, it makes sense to install only that many. After all, EV charging station installation cost can be up-to $2500 per Level 2 charging station. 

But what about three or five years from now?

As more employees begin driving EVs, you’ll likely need additional charging stations. And planning for that growth during your initial workplace EV charger installation can save both time and money later.

Even something as simple as installing extra conduit or designing your layout with future chargers in mind can make expansion much easier down the road.

4. Manage your electrical load wisely

Installing more chargers doesn’t always mean you need a bigger electrical service, even if your electrician says so. 

In many cases, a load sharing device like simpleSwitch can intelligently distribute available power across your charging stations and other major electrical loads.

This helps prevent your electrical panel from becoming overloaded while allowing you to install more chargers without expensive service upgrades.

For many workplaces, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to expand EV charging capacity while making the most of the electrical infrastructure they already have.

5. Create a simple charging policy

As more employees begin using workplace chargers, having a few basic guidelines can help everything run smoothly.

For instance, you might want to decide:

• Whether charging is free or paid.
• How long employees can occupy a charging space.
• Whether chargers can be reserved.
• What happens once a vehicle has finished charging.

A clear policy helps ensure chargers are used fairly and reduces confusion as demand grows.

In short, here are all the workplace EV charging best practices:

To sum up

Workplace EV charging is no longer just an added perk. As more employees make the switch to electric vehicles, it’s becoming a practical investment that benefits both businesses and the people who work there.

From improving employee convenience and supporting sustainability goals to preparing your workplace for the future, the benefits of workplace EV charging go well beyond providing a place to plug in.

Just remember to plan your installation carefully. Choose the right chargers, understand your building’s electrical capacity, and plan for future growth. And you’ll have a charging setup that’s reliable and ready to support your business for years.

Got plans to install workplace EV charging at your facility?

You can get in touch with us!

At simpleSwitch, we help businesses maximize their existing electrical capacity with our award-winning EV energy management system. Our EVEMS solutions are UL-listed and proudly made in the USA.

FAQs about workplace EV charging

What are the benefits of workplace EV charging?

Workplace EV charging offers benefits for both employees and employers.

Employees can conveniently charge their vehicles during the workday, while businesses can improve employee satisfaction, support sustainability initiatives, and prepare for growing EV adoption. This also makes the workplace more attractive to current and future employees.

What type of EV charger is best for a workplace?

For most workplaces, Level 2 chargers are the best choice.

Since employees park for several hours, Level 2 chargers provide enough charging to replenish a meaningful amount of battery during the workday without the higher cost of DC fast chargers.

How many EV chargers should a workplace install?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

It depends on factors like the number of employees, current EV ownership, available electrical capacity, and future growth plans. Many businesses start with a few chargers and expand as demand increases.

Do workplace EV chargers require an electrical panel upgrade?

Not always.

In many cases, businesses can avoid a costly electrical service upgrade by using an EV energy management system that intelligently shares available power between chargers and other electrical loads.

Should businesses offer free workplace EV charging?

That depends on the company’s goals and budget.

Some employers offer free charging as an employee benefit, while others charge a fee to help recover electricity and maintenance costs.