Implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging at the workplace can significantly boost the convenience and affordability of EV usage for employees. By adopting workplace charging, employers show their commitment to advanced vehicle technologies and sustainability.

Employers and employees can access a range of resources for planning and conducting successful workplace charging events, as detailed in the Clean Cities Workplace Charging Toolkit. The initiative is backed by the experiences and best practices gathered from the U.S. Department of Energy's Workplace Charging Challenge, which ran from 2013 to 2017. This program collaborated with various organizations to provide EV charging for employees. For other countries, it's also advocated and encouraged.Charge Up Europe predicts that the total share of Workplace charging infrastructure in Europe will increase from 10% today to 15% in 2030. The City of Boston's guide offers further insights into setting up and managing workplace charging programs, including employee charging etiquette.

Key Steps in Planning Workplace Charging

  • Assessing Employee Interest: Start by surveying employees to gauge interest in workplace charging.
  • Understanding the Benefits: Emission Reduction: Compare the emission reduction benefits of workplace charging with other sustainable commuting options. Workplace charging helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with employee commutes.
  • Electricity Sources and Emissions: Explore how the electricity grid mix affects emission reductions from EV-commuting.
  • Green Building Certification Credits: Determine how workplace charging can contribute to certifications like LEED, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR®, and STARS.
  • Consultation and Negotiation: Early consultation with utilities, electrical contractors, and equipment providers is crucial. In leased facilities, this includes negotiations with building owners.

Employers considering workplace charging should integrate it thoughtfully into their sustainability strategies, ensuring it aligns with overall environmental goals and employee needs.

Setting Up Workplace Charging for Electric Vehicles

When installing charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) at the workplace, it's crucial to understand the different types of charging equipment and their respective considerations:

· Level 1 Charging Stations:

  • These are the most cost-effective but offer the slowest charging speed.
  • Typically, they can only charge one vehicle during a standard workday.
  • For more details, refer to resources on Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace.

· Level 2 Charging Stations:

  • The most common choice for workplaces.
  • Each connector can charge more than one vehicle per day, making them suitable for shared use.
  • Policies may be needed to ensure fair usage, such as moving a vehicle once it's charged.
  • Some stations feature multiple connectors for consecutive charging without the need for vehicle movement.

· DC Fast Charging:

  • Ideal for quick charging or to alleviate station congestion.
  • These are the most expensive in terms of installation.
  • For detailed insights, look into case studies like the one from Drive Electric Minnesota.

Employers must also consider the costs associated with procuring and maintaining charging infrastructure, including equipment, installation, upkeep, and electricity usage. Comprehensive resources like the International Council on Clean Transportation's review and documents on Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment costs provide valuable information on these aspects. Additionally, various federal, state, and utility incentives can help reduce these costs.

To make an informed decision that aligns with organizational goals and needs, employers should explore available charging equipment through resources like AMPPAL.

Find more EV charging solutions at AMPPAL.