Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and affordable every year, as more people are choosing to switch from fossil fuels to cleaner and greener alternatives. According to Zapmap, there are over 1,110,000 fully electric vehicles on UK roads as of the end of May 2024, and this number is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade.
As a business owner or manager in Greater Manchester, you might be wondering how you can benefit from this trend and what you can do to accommodate the needs and preferences of your staff and customers who own or are considering buying an EV. In this blog post, we will explain why installing EV chargers at your business premises is a smart and strategic move that can help you improve your business performance, reputation, and customer loyalty. We will also tell you how you can access government grants that can cover most of the costs of purchasing and installing EV charge points at your site.
Business benefits of EV charging facilities
Installing EV chargers at your business premises can bring you a number of benefits, such as:
- Environmental and sustainability impact: Showing your commitment to reducing your impact and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. You are encouraging staff and customers to reduce their own carbon footprints and fuel costs, as well as improving the local air quality and public health. This can enhance your brand image and reputation, as well as your compliance with environmental regulations and standards. You are also contributing to Greater Manchester’s ambition to become a zero carbon city by 2038.
- Staff attraction and retention: Creating a more attractive and supportive work environment for your current and potential employees, especially the younger and more environmentally conscious ones. You are also giving them an incentive to switch to EVs, which can save them money and time on fuel and maintenance, as well as reducing their stress and anxiety about finding a place to charge their vehicles. This can improve your staff satisfaction, motivation, and productivity, as well as reducing your staff turnover and recruitment costs.
- Reducing fuel costs: Reducing your own fuel costs. You can also claim tax benefits for using low-emission vehicles, such as 100% first-year allowances for capital expenditure, lower company car tax, and lower employer national insurance contributions.
- Contributing to your net zero or carbon footprint goals: You are helping your business to achieve its net zero or carbon footprint goals, which are becoming more important and mandatory for businesses of all sizes and sectors. You are also demonstrating your leadership and innovation in your industry, as well as your alignment with the national and global efforts to tackle climate change.
- Revenue Streams: You may decide to charge your staff or customers for using the charge point. You can set your own pricing and payment methods, such as pay-as-you-go, subscription, or membership, and use a smart metering system to monitor and manage your energy consumption and income. You can also use a network provider or a platform that can connect your charge point to a wider network of EV drivers, who can find and book your charge point online or via an app, and pay you directly or through the provider or platform.
If you are interested in exploring the revenue from EV charge points, we can provide you with more information and guidance on how to set up and run your own system, as well as how to comply with the relevant regulations and standards. We can also help you to choose the best type and size of charge point for your site, depending on your available space, power supply, and expected demand. We can offer you a range of solutions, from fast to rapid, and from wall-mounted to free-standing, as well as the necessary installation and maintenance services.
Cost and Logistics
Before you decide to install EV chargers at your Manchester business, you may have some questions about the cost and logistics of the process. Here are some common factors that can influence the cost and duration of installing EV chargers, as well as some permissions or approvals that you may need to obtain.
– The type and model of the charger: There are different types of EV chargers, such as fast, or rapid chargers, that have different power outputs and charging speeds. The type and model of the charger can affect the cost of the installation, as well as the suitability for your business needs. For example, a fast charger (up to 7 kW) is cheaper to install than a rapid charger (up to 50 kW), but it takes longer to charge a vehicle and may not be ideal for customers or staff who need a quick top-up.
– The number of charge points: How many charge points you need to install, you also need to consider the demand and availability of your EV charging facilities, as well as the space and power capacity of your site.
– The communications required: Some EV chargers require communications with a network operator or a back-office system, which can enable features such as remote monitoring, smart charging, billing, or access control. These features can enhance the functionality and security of your EV charging facilities, but they can also increase the cost of the installation and the ongoing service fees.
– The installation specifics: The installation of EV chargers involves electrical wiring, civil works, and connection to the grid, which can vary depending on the location and condition of your site. For example, if your site has existing electrical infrastructure, such as conduits or sockets, that can support the EV chargers, the installation can be easier and cheaper than if you need to dig trenches or lay new cables. Similarly, if your site has sufficient power capacity and distribution to handle the EV chargers, the installation can be faster and simpler than if you need to upgrade your electrical supply or install a new transformer.
The installed cost of a commercial EV charge point is typically £1000 to £1500 + VAT depending on the charger model, communications required, number of charge points installed and installation specifics.
The installation of EV chargers can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity and size of the project. However, we will do our best to minimise any disruption to your business operations and ensure that the installation is completed as quickly and safely as possible.
Before installing EV chargers, you may need to obtain some permissions or approvals from various parties, such as:
– The DNO (Distribution Network Operator): The DNO is responsible for the electricity distribution network in your area, and you need to notify them of your intention to install EV chargers and get their consent before proceeding. The DNO may need to assess the impact of your EV chargers on the network and ensure that there are no safety or reliability issues. We will handle all the communication and paperwork with the DNO on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about it.
– The landlord or property owner: If you are renting or leasing your business premises, you need to get the permission of your landlord or property owner before installing EV chargers. You may need to negotiate the terms and conditions of the installation, such as who pays for the cost, who owns the charge points, and who is responsible for the maintenance and operation. You may also need to check your lease agreement and see if there are any clauses or restrictions that affect your ability to install EV chargers.
Types of charging stations
When choosing the type of EV charger for your business, you need to consider several factors, such as the power output, the charging speed, the compatibility, and the cost. Here are two common types of EV chargers that you can choose from:
– Fast chargers: Fast chargers have a power output of 7 kW to 22 kW and can charge a vehicle in 3 to 4 hours. They are suitable for businesses that have customers or staff who stay for a few hours, such as hotels, restaurants, or offices. Fast chargers are compatible with most EV models and can use either a tethered cable or a socket outlet. They are relatively cheaper to install and operate than rapid chargers, but they still require a dedicated electrical circuit and a connection to the DNO.
– Rapid chargers: Rapid chargers have a power output of 43 kW to 50 kW and can charge a vehicle in 30 to 60 minutes. They are suitable for businesses that have customers or staff who need a quick top-up, such as service stations, supermarkets, or car parks. Rapid chargers are compatible with only some EV models and use either a DC or an AC connector. They are more expensive to install and operate than fast chargers, and they require a high power capacity and a three-phase electrical supply.
To choose the right type of EV charger for your business, you need to assess your business needs and objectives, as well as your site constraints and opportunities. Some of the questions that you can ask yourself are:
- How long do your customers or staff typically stay at your site?
- How many EV drivers do you expect to use your EV charging facilities?
- How much space and power capacity do you have available at your site?
- How much are you willing to invest in the installation and operation of your EV chargers?
- How do you want to manage and monetise your EV charging facilities?
Depending on your answers, you can select the type of EV charger that best suits your business. You can also mix and match different types of EV chargers to cater to different needs and preferences of your customers or staff. For example, you can install a few rapid chargers for those who need a quick top-up, and a few fast chargers for those who stay longer.
Eligibility & Grants
If you are interested in installing EV chargers at your Manchester business premises, you might be eligible for the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which is a government grant that can cover up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs for eligible businesses, with a maximum contribution of £350 per socket (up to 40 sockets total across all sites).
There is also a WCS for State-Funded Education Institutions allowed to apply for up to £2500 per socket.
The WCS is available for businesses of any size and sector, as long as they have dedicated off-street parking for their staff or fleet vehicles, and they can demonstrate a current or future need for EV charging facilities.
To apply for the WCS, you need to complete an online application form on the government website, and receive a voucher code that you can use to claim the grant from an approved charge point supplier, such as us. The voucher is valid for 180 days from the date of issue, and you need to provide evidence of the installation and the costs within this period. You can also apply for multiple vouchers if you have more than one site, as long as you do not exceed the maximum number of sockets per applicant.
If you want to know more about the WCS, you can read our previous blog post [URL] or visit the government website [URL]. You can also contact us for any questions or enquiries, and we will be happy to assist you with your application and installation process.
Customer attraction and retention benefits of EV charge points
Having EV charge points at your business premises can also increase your customer attraction and retention, especially if your business is a shopping centre, a coffee shop, or any other place that can offer something to do while the customer waits for the charge, or if your business is located in an area where there are not many other charging options nearby. By providing EV charging facilities, you are creating a value-added service for your customers, who will appreciate your convenience, hospitality, and environmental awareness. You are also encouraging them to stay longer at your site, which can increase their spending and loyalty, as well as their word-of-mouth and online reviews.
Having EV charge points can also make your business a destination point for EV drivers, who will come out of their way to use your charging facilities, especially if you offer them a discount, a reward, or a freebie for doing so. You can also attract new customers who are looking for a place to charge their vehicles, by advertising your charge point on your website, social media, or signage, or by joining a network or a platform that can promote your charge point to a wider audience of EV drivers.
Conclusion: Embrace the future of sustainable business with EV Chargers
As you can see, installing EV chargers at your Greater Manchester business can bring you a lot of benefits, both for your business, for your staff and customers. You can improve your business performance, reputation, and customer loyalty, as well as generate additional revenue streams, by providing EV charging facilities. You can also access government grants that can cover a significant portion of the cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points at your site.
If you are interested in installing EV chargers at your business premises, or if you want to know more about our EV charging solutions and services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are a leading provider of EV charging solutions in Greater Manchester and the North West, and we have the experience and expertise to help you with your EV charging needs. We can offer you a free consultation and a no-obligation quote, as well as a fast and professional installation and maintenance service. We look forward to hearing from you soon.