With the UK government planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming the go-to for drivers across the country.
That means charging infrastructure is no longer just a nice-to-have. For many businesses, it’s fast becoming an essential. So what exactly is EV charging, and does a business need it? Let’s break it down.
EV Charging
EV charging is the process of powering up an electric vehicle by plugging it into a charging station connected to the electricity grid. Rather than filling up at a petrol station, EV drivers simply plug in and recharge.
At Midland Fire, they typically install two main types of commercial EV chargers:
- Slow Charging (7 kW): This uses a standard 7 kilowatt charger and adds around 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. It’s best suited for staff vehicles or workplace fleets parked for longer periods.
- Fast Charging (22 kW): A popular choice for public and workplace environments, this adds around 30 to 90 miles of range per hour. It’s ideal for most commercial premises and strikes a great balance between speed and site readiness.
EV Charging in Businesses
Adding EV chargers to the business premises is no longer just about being modern. It’s about meeting expectations, staying ahead of the curve, and unlocking some serious benefits.
Attract more customers and tenants
EV drivers actively search for places where they can charge their cars. Offering charging could influence where people choose to shop, dine, or rent space.
Support the employees
Workplace charging is a valued perk. It shows owners care about sustainability and their team’s convenience.
Future-proof the property
In just a few years, EV chargers will be expected features in most commercial car parks. Installing them now gets users ahead of the game.
Boost the brand image
Sustainability matters. Offering workplace EV charging stations shows users are thinking about the environment and ready to adapt to the future.
EV Charging costs
Good news. EV charging doesn’t have to break the bank. Thanks to the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), any business could get:
- Up to 75 percent off the cost of purchase and installation
- A cap of £350 per charging socket
- Up to 40 sockets per business across all UK sites
- A maximum grant of £14,000
Buyers will need to use an OZEV-approved installer like Midland Fire to qualify. Midland Fire handle the whole process for users, from checking eligibility to redeeming the grant.
Need for EV Charging
If users want to:
- Offer better facilities for staff and visitors
- Stay ahead of legislation and trends
- Show the commitment to sustainability
- Improve the commercial appeal and property value
Then yes, EV charging for businesses is a smart move.
Midland Fire
Installing EV chargers doesn’t have to be complicated. With Midland Fire, users get:
- Full end-to-end project management
- Expert help applying for OZEV funding
- Commercial EV charging station installation from qualified engineers
- Ongoing support and maintenance after install
Midland Fire helped businesses across the UK get ready for the electric future with straightforward, cost-effective EV charging solutions.