Why your business should invest in workplace EV charging
Already convinced about the benefits of workplace EV charging? Great! You’re ahead of the curve. If you're ready to take the next step, Voqa is here to help - click here to get in touch. For those who want to dig deeper into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of workplace EV charging, stick around. We’ve got plenty of insights to share that might spark some fresh ideas.
The world is undeniably shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs). The race for cleaner, greener transportation has been won, with momentum driving the transition away from the internal combustion engine.
A bold statement? Undoubtedly. And one that some readers may disagree with. This blog, however, won’t dive into debates about whether EVs are more sustainable than ICE vehicles, nor into comparisons of EVs with hydrogen or sustainable fuels (or even the broader debate about switching to public transport). Instead, it will focus on the pragmatic reality where most drivers currently find themselves: the trend toward EVs is happening, and sooner or later, a switch will likely be necessary.
The barriers to EV adoption
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) identified two top concerns for drivers considering EVs in their 2021 Census data: cost of the cars and lack of infrastructure. While we are now in 2025, these issues remain at the forefront for many.
Cost concerns
The higher "sticker price" of EVs compared to ICE vehicles is primarily driven by battery costs. While battery technology advances are rapidly narrowing the price gap (with parity projected for 2026), the total cost of ownership often paints a more favorable picture for EVs. Reduced fuel expenses, lower maintenance costs, and tax savings significantly offset the initial price difference over an EV’s lifetime - especially for higher-mileage drivers. However, understanding these cost dynamics requires a shift in thinking and, often, an Excel spreadsheet to crunch the numbers!
Infrastructure challenges
Charging infrastructure is another major hurdle. According to a 2024 report by The Times, 93% of UK EV owners have access to home charging. Yet, this leaves 7% without home charging access, a challenge magnified by the fact that 35-40% of UK housing stock lacks dedicated parking. For these drivers, charging away from home is crucial - but far less convenient and cost-effective than overnight charging at home. Public charging costs around 24p per mile, compared to as little as just 2p per mile at home where there is access to offpeak tariffs, making workplace charging a game-changer for those unable to charge at home.
And so to the title of the blog - Why your business should invest in workplace EV charging? Phew!
If you cannot charge at home, charge at work. Not applicable for everyone (there might not be a car park!) however it is normally convenient - you are going to be there anyway - and has the potential to be cost effective (anywhere from free to cost recovery for the business but potentially more). Yet, many business leaders question the need: “We’ve never provided petrol in the staff car park, so why should we provide electricity?”
In a Donald Rumsfeld moment of not knowing what we don't know, this is an understandable response. However in responding this here is a plan of action.
Get the heads of HR, Sustainability, Finance, Marketing and Sales in a room and ask them to answer the following questions. Their responses provide the necessary input to the Head of Finances business case.
To the Head of HR: What is the value of retaining employees and shortening recruitment cycles?
Why it matters: Sustainability is increasingly vital to talent acquisition and retention. nearly 40% of employees would seek new employment if their current organisation lacked sufficient ESG initiatives. This sentiment is more pronounced among younger employees, with almost 50% of 18–34-year-olds expressing this view.
To the Heads of Sales and Sustainability: How many tenders could you win with a demonstrable Carbon Reduction Plan?
Why it matters: Over 90% of a business’s CO₂ emissions stem indirectly from its supply chain (Scope 3 for those in the know). Customer expectations are shifting, and businesses must demonstrate meaningful actions to reduce emissions. Transitioning employee commuting from ICE to EVs is a visible and measurable step. It is not unusual to find a whole section on sustainability in a customer tender document. Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability could be the difference between winning and losing.
To the Head of Marketing: What is the value of being seen as a sustainable brand?
Why it matters: Consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainability. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of consumers globally prefer to buy from companies whose values align with their own, translating into greater brand consideration, engagement, and sales growth.
To the Head of Finance: Are you aware of the grants available right now for EV charging?
Available right now, businesses can take advantage of the Government-funded Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) to offset the cost of installing EV chargers. The WCS provides a grant of up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs of EV charging points, capped at £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets per business. Don’t miss out!
The bottom line: It’s time to plug in
Workplace charging isn’t just about keeping up with the EV revolution - it’s about leading it. It’s about embedding sustainability into your business DNA, creating a workplace employees love, and finding new ways to add value to your brand. While it may only be one part of your sustainability strategy it is a very visible commitment with a clear return on investment.
So, what are you waiting for? The EVs are coming - and your business should be ready to welcome them. Whether it’s reducing emissions, keeping employees happy, or boosting your bottom line, workplace charging is the investment that pays off in more ways than one.
What to do next?
If you have read this far and it has energised you into action I won’t leave you hanging on what to do next.
Do you understand the needs of your employees, and how likely are they to need EV charging?
How would you accommodate EV charging into your existing parking space? How many electrified bays do you need now.. And in the future?
How long do employees typically stay at your workplace?
Have you considered the financial incentives or grants available?
How will you measure the return on investment?
Voqa is here to help you work through these questions and the others you will have. Follow us on LinkedIn for more news and features, visit our website or contact us here to set up some time to speak.
The time to act is now. What are you waiting for?
