How to Install Electric Car Charging Points for Business Sites

With zero exhaust emissions and lower running costs, the switch to electric vehicles is an attractive prospect for businesses. Electric car charging points are a big step towards that goal, giving you a place on-site to charge your fleet or let employees and guests charge their own EVs.

In this post we’ll outline how to install electric car charging points for businesses in four simple steps.

1. Check your eligibility

The first thing to do is check if you are entitled to a grant to install electrical charging points. The Workplace Charging Scheme offers support towards the initial cost of purchase and installation of the charge points. The criteria you need to be eligible can be found on the government website.

You are also able to combine the WCS grant with the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets. It will:

• Cover up to 75% of the cost of installation
• Have a limit of £15,000 per grant

You can apply if:

• You’re a small-to-medium-sized business, no more than 249 employees
• You’re a UK-registered company, charity or public sector organisation

2. Find a chargepoint installer

Chargepoint installation is not something that anyone can do. It is important to find an experienced firm who have expertise in the process and is approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

Volta Compliance is an authorised installer of electric car charging points for businesses. We can guide you through the process of installation – as well as advising on any grants you may be eligible for.

3. Connect to the electricity network

Most businesses connect to their local low-voltage distribution network for their electricity. But if you need a connection for a large number of charge points, you may find the transmission network is more cost-effective.

Things to consider:

• The number of chargepoints you need
• The speed you want for charging
• Standard 3.7kW takes 3-8 hours
• Fast 7-22kW takes 1-3 hours
• Rapid 50+kW takes 20-40 minutes
• Ultra-Rapid 100+kW takes 15-30 minutes

It is advisable to discuss your project with your network operator as early as possible, as chargepoint installation is a specialist area. Planning permission might be needed if new overhead lines and substations are installed.

It is easy to find your Distribution Network Operator by using the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) online tool, Who’s my network operator? To make things even simpler, your chargepoint installer can liaise with your network operator to ensure installation goes smoothly.

4.   Consider cost-effective methods

UK Power Networks (UKPN) has created an easy Site Planning Tool that allows depot-based businesses to consider how to be more cost-effective. Its software will give you the chance to model scenarios from your working day to assess how going electric will benefit your fleet, from infrastructure to costs.

Efficient electric car charging points for businesses in Yorkshire

Business charging points for electric cars can seem a little complicated. Not with Volta Compliance on your side. Operating throughout Yorkshire, our experienced team can advise on and install the right electrical car charging points for your business.

Call 0113 397 1361 or email [email protected] to get started.