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Workplace EV Charging: Planning for Cars and Vans
Electric vehicles

Workplace EV Charging: Planning for Cars and Vans

Workplace charging needs to fit the way your vehicles are actually used, not simply the number of spaces in the car park.

Map when vehicles are actually on site

A charger is only useful when the vehicle is parked there long enough to use it.

Not every vehicle needs its own charger

Load management and staggered charging can sometimes support more vehicles than chargers.

Check electrical capacity early

Upgrade work can change the economics of a fleet transition, so involve a competent installer before ordering a large number of vehicles.

Consider access and billing

If employees or visitors also charge, decide how access, reimbursement and records will work.

Plan for growth

Installing ducting, cabling routes or capacity with later expansion in mind can avoid repeated civil works.

Example: charging several vans overnight

Illustrative figures only.Installation costs and electricity tariffs vary widely. Electrical capacity can be a major factor.

Four vans each return needing 30 kWh. That is 120 kWh to replace overnight. At an illustrative 25p/kWh, the electricity itself would cost about £30 for that charging session.

The bigger question may be whether the site can deliver the required power at the same time as the rest of the building. Smart load management can sometimes avoid a larger electrical upgrade, but this needs proper assessment.

Keep the information current. Tax, vehicle and insurance rules can change. Check current official guidance or professional advice where a decision depends on a specific rule or figure.