Power up your workforce: the benefits of installing workplace EV chargers

The electric revolution is here. No longer an oddity on UK roads, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with families and companies adopting more and more electric cars into their lives. 

In fact, with over 265,000 EVs joining our roads in 2022 alone – representing a 40% year-on-year increase – the exponential increase in electrified personal transport is unlikely to slow any time soon. 

But with more electric cars comes the need for more accessible charging solutions. In addition, as more people switch to EVs – and companies utilise EV salary sacrifice schemes – companies must consider how to accommodate their employees' charging needs.

In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of providing workplace charging for employees with electric cars and how it can work alongside an EV salary sacrifice scheme.

Want to learn more about how an EV salary sacrifice employee benefit could support your CSR and ESG goals – and save you up to 60% on a new electric car? Click here to get started.

Why install chargers at your workplace?

We’re a little obsessed with great at-home charging options. We’ve written at length in the past about the financial benefits of installing a smart home charger and the positive impact on the environment of choosing an efficient electricity provider and tariff.

But the long and short of it is that many people don’t have access to at-home charging, with 33% of car owners across the UK – and 60% in cities – not having access to off-street parking, limiting the ability to access safe and secure charging. And for many, this is enough to hold them back from ditching fossil fuels and going electric.

This is where workplace charging comes in. Installing chargers at your workplace can allow employees to recharge their cars without worrying about finding a free public charger outside of work hours. For this reason, many companies are recognising the benefits of workplace charging – especially those with EV salary sacrifice schemes – and are installing charging points in their car parks to provide employees with a convenient and accessible way to charge their EVs while at work.

Benefits for your employees

One of the main benefits of workplace charging is reduced range anxiety. With workplace charging available, employees can drive to and from work with a fully charged battery, knowing they can charge their EV during the day if needed. This eliminates the need to worry about running out of charge on the way home or making additional stops to find a charging point.

Another benefit is increased convenience. Instead of finding a public charging point and waiting for their car to charge, employees can charge their EVs while they work. This saves time and reduces the hassle of having to manage charging their electric car outside of work hours.

Providing workplace charging can also help employees save money on home charging. By charging their EVs at work, employees can reduce the energy they need at home, potentially leading to lower electricity bills. Doubled up with the 30-60% saving they’ll make on their EV lease with loveelectric, your employees will rave to their friends and family about the perks of working at your company.

Benefits to your company

Providing workplace charging can also benefit employers. Namely, it can help attract and retain talent. Companies that offer an EV salary sacrifice scheme and workplace charging demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and the environment – an attractive quality for job seekers who prioritise these values.

Undoubtedly, companies that bolster their environmental and social responsibility attract the most talented employees. The Purpose Pulse Report found that 71% of Millennials and Gen Z’s see climate change as the biggest challenge facing their generation – and that concern directly impacts where they choose to work. In addition, Deloitte’s 2021 Global Millenials and Gen Z Survey revealed that 44% of Millenials and 49% of Gen Z’s have made choices about what work they do, and whom they do that work for, based on their values. 

This commitment to the environment extends beyond the workforce: offering workplace charging can also enhance a company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG promises. By reducing the environmental impact of employee travel, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.

Finally, providing workplace charging can boost employee productivity. With workplace charging available, employees can arrive at work with a fully charged battery, so they don't have to worry about finding a charging point during the day. This can help reduce the time employees spend managing their EV charging, allowing them to focus on their work.

How do I get started?

If you're considering offering workplace charging to your employees, it can also work alongside an EV salary sacrifice scheme. The EV salary sacrifice scheme allows employees to sacrifice part of their salary to lease an EV, and as a result, benefit from a reduced taxable income. By offering workplace charging alongside the EV salary sacrifice scheme, companies can provide employees with a more comprehensive EV package, which can be attractive to prospective employees.

If you're interested in offering workplace charging to your employees, there are a range of UK-derived resources available to help you. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Workplace Charging Scheme provides guidance for applicants and installers, while organisations such as the Energy Saving Trust and Zap-Map provide a range of information and support on EV charging solutions.

Ready to supercharge your employee benefits package by offering EV salary sacrifice? Check if your company is eligible today.