Navigating EV charger installations for SMEs.

The electric vehicle revolution is coming. With the 2035 (previously 2030) government ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles on the horizon, it’s smart to start planning how your business could benefit from the transition. 

And it's not just about what you’re driving. For savvy small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), EV chargers are a real opportunity to attract new customers, boost sustainability credentials, and maybe even earn a little extra cash. 

Our practical guide to commercial EV chargers is here to help you create an EV strategy that can accelerate your business into the future.

Will installing EV chargers help my business?

Absolutely! You don’t need to run a fleet of electric vans to benefit from installing an EV charger at your business. 

EV chargers are the next generation of fuel pumps. A necessity in the day-to-day life of the rapidly growing number of UK EV drivers¹. Expanding this vital infrastructure by adding a charging station to your own business site could have a range of great benefits. Better yet, with the UK government’s commitment to the EV transition, those benefits should continue to grow over time.

Take a look at our top five reasons to invest in EV charging for your business:

• Attract customers. Whether they’re planning ahead or making a quick pitstop, EV drivers actively seek out businesses with charging stations on-site. By offering EV charging whilst they shop, you’ll attract new customers, encourage longer dwell times, and quite literally put yourself on the map for EV drivers.

• Electrify your fleet. Whether you’re running a single delivery van or a whole fleet of taxis, going electric could help reduce your running costs. Better yet, with on-site charging, you could improve workplace efficiency by recharging outside of opening hours. Meaning your drivers can spend less time hunting for fuel stations and more time on the road.

• Reach sustainability goals. Transport is the second-highest consumer of energy in the UK². Installing EV chargers at your business shows your support for the government’s UK net zero 2050 plans. Be a business leader not a follower, and you could attract more attention from the growing number of eco-conscious customers.

• Charge up your workforce. Attract and retain top talent by improving your workplace benefits package. Offer workplace charging as a perk for employees with EVs.

• Potential for extra revenue generation. Depending on your EV charging business strategy, you might opt to charge a fee for customer use. This can turn your chargers into an extra source of business revenue.

What will it cost to install EV chargers at my business?

The cost to install EV charging for your SME can vary quite a bit. It really depends on a few key factors:

• Charging speed: Choose from a range of charging options that provide EV charging at speeds to suit your needs. Fast chargers can charge an EV in just 3 hours, making them a great option for staff parking and company fleets³. Rapid chargers have an impressive charge time from as little as an hour, which is ideal for many customer parking lots or company fleets that recharge during work hours³. Ultrafast charging stations can have an EV charged up in a snappy 18 minutes, making them a popular option for service stations³. You should expect to pay significantly more for faster charging technology.

• Charger mount: EV charging points are either freestanding units (similar to a petrol pump) or wall mounted. Wall mounted units are generally cheaper than their freestanding  equivalents. Not all charging speeds are available with both options. In most cases ultra-fast chargers are only available as floor mounted units. 

• Number of chargers: Costs will rise significantly if you choose to install additional chargers. However, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to ensure you meet future demand. If you choose to opt for an E.ON installation through us, you can benefit from discounted prices for each additional EV charger you add to your installation (up to six charging units). If you require more than six charging units, get in touch for a personalised quote.

• Installation complexity: Depending on your business site, your installation may require additional infrastructure upgrades to support the new chargers - such as rewiring and installing posts. A more complex installation could cost you more. To identify if your business would require any additional infrastructure upgrades you could have a professional site survey conducted.

• Government grants: The government is keen to get more EVs on the road. The great news is they’ve put their money where their mouth is. There are currently a choice of two government grants to help offset your installation costs. Save up to £14,000 with the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). Alternatively, you could save up to £15,000 on EV charger installation and supporting infrastructure with the electric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets.

Can I make money by installing an EV charging station?

It’s certainly possible, but it will depend on how you plan to use your EV chargers. 

• Business use. If your chargers are for business use only, then you likely won’t be making money off them. Although they may save you a few bob in fuel costs. 

• Staff charging. If you don’t want to offer free on-site charging, you might want to set up a Workplace Charging Scheme for staff. This could incorporate a fee for use - but in most cases the fee will be to cover some or all of the electricity costs rather than to turn a profit.

• Customer charging. If you are installing EV charging in your customer parking or as a public charging station, it may be possible to earn money from your EV charger. You will need to discuss this with your provider before installation to ensure they can support your plans for an EV charging business model.

If you’re thinking of setting up an EV charging business model, get in touch and we can help discuss your options.

How much should I charge for EV charging?

First things first, check what charging options are available in your area. Remember that free public charging is much more attractive to EV drivers. So, if increasing footfall is your goal you may gain more value running your charging stations at a loss in order to provide this valuable service.

You can also try to offer a low charging rate by simply covering your own electricity costs. However, this may not be competitive if free charging is available in your area. 

If your customers are likely to enjoy the convenience of charging whilst they shop with you, or there are limited charging options in the local area, you may decide to run your EV charging stations at a profit. This can be a great opportunity to add a brand new revenue stream to your business.

Make sure to talk to your EV charger provider before your installation. They can work with you to arrange the best solution for your commercial EV charging strategy.

Professional EV charger installation.

EV charger installation isn't a DIY job. You'll need a properly qualified electrician to safely install your new charging stations and infrastructure. That’s why we include professional E.ON installation as standard with every EV charger purchase. 

Better yet all our EV charger installations are covered by a 3 year product and workmanship warranty, alongside operation and maintenance cover, to help protect your investment.

EV charger installation FAQs.

Installing EV chargers on rented business premises.

If you currently rent your business site, your landlord will need to install EV charging stations on your behalf. 

The good news is that there’s a grant available if your landlord would like to support your EV transition goals. Landlords can save with up to 75% off charge points and infrastructure using the electric vehicle chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords.

Can existing parking spaces be used for EV charging?

It may be possible, but there must be a 1.2m gap between spaces to accommodate EV charging stations.

Can I restrict access to selected users?

Not looking to install a public access charging point? No problem at all. 

You can restrict access to private users, such as staff members only. Each authorised driver would need access, and each charging session would need to be authenticated. Drivers can authenticate their session via the App, RFID or PAYG. 

If your company is ready to join the electric revolution, get a quote online or speak to one of our Energy Specialists.