Commercial EV charging costs

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Thousands of businesses are choosing to adopt electric vehicle charging, either for their employees or as an added benefit to customers. Electric vehicles are rising rapidly in popularity, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Many companies are considering if the commercial electric vehicle charging stations cost is worth absorbing to prevent the risk of being left behind.

The UK Government have declared that new diesel and petrol vehicles will be banned from sale from 2030. This is part of their plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero from transport. Originally the cut-off date was 2040, but the government have moved it forward in a bid to kickstart the green industrial revolution. Their plans might just be working, as many organisations are now installing electric vehicle charging stations and switching to electric vehicle fleets.

Having an electric vehicle charging station at your business premises brings many benefits and could be very advantageous for your organisation. However, there are a lot of aspects to consider before you decide if this is right for your business. One of the biggest factors is the cost of installing commercial electric vehicle charging stations.

How much do commercial electric vehicle charging stations cost?

The cost of electric vehicle charging stations for businesses is usually around £1000 to £1500 + VAT per charge point. This price will vary depending on the number of chargers, the model, the foundations, and the communications required. It isn’t just the cost of installing commercial electric vehicle charging stations that you need to consider, but the entire charging infrastructure. You need to think about the following:

Hardware costs for charge points:

This is the cost of the physical charge-point equipment. When it comes to the cost of electric vehicle charge points for businesses, it depends on the power you want to deliver and the various features of charge points. The build quality of the chargers also has a big impact on the cost.

Commercial electric vehicle charger installation cost:

The installation covers the cost of professionals fitting the charge points at your premises. Various options are available, and they can affect the cost. For example, wall-mounted chargers are cheaper than concreted bases. You also need to consider how the electric supply cable is reaching the charge points. Fixing the charging cable onto a wall will be much less expensive than burying it in the ground.

Cost of grid reinforcement:

The commercial electric vehicle charging stations cost will also depend on the current supply to your site. If you can install chargers without having to upgrade your supply, then you can save considerable money. If you need to increase the capacity at your site, it can be a very significant expense.

Ongoing cost of electric vehicle charging for business:

Another cost to consider is the ongoing cost of electric vehicle charging points for businesses. These will vary depending on the price you pay for your electricity, and the type of charging you supply.

In addition to the cost of charging, all charge points also use a standby draw which needs to be considered. Charge points also require regular maintenance on an ongoing basis to keep them in an operable condition. Some suppliers offer maintenance packages and extended warranties.

HMRC electric cars: Is there financial help available for businesses?

As a business, you might be eligible for funding and support for electric charging points at your business premises. This can help reduce the cost, making it an affordable option for many. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is provided by the Office For Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and helps towards the cost of installing charge points at a business location.

The Workplace Charging Scheme can reduce costs for businesses by up to 75% and the funding is capped at £350 per charging point. The maximum number of charging points that can be claimed is 20 doubles or 40 singles. To be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme, you must:

Have off-street parking at your business premises
Be able to clarify why your business needs electric charging points
Have the charging points installed by a supplier that is approved by the OLEV

Currently, the scheme is not available for commercial car parks, retail outlets or hospitality venues with parking provided for guests. It is a voucher-based scheme and once the DVLA confirm your business is eligible, you will be issued vouchers for an OLEV installation. You will have four months from the voucher being issued to complete the installation of your new charging points.

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