Workplace Charging for Electric Vehicles

Workplace EV Charging Stations

Implementing electric vehicle (EV) charging at the workplace significantly enhances the convenience and affordability of EV ownership for employees. By providing on-site charging, employers demonstrate leadership in sustainability and commitment to advanced vehicle technologies — benefits that extend to both the company and its workforce.

Workplace charging programs have been strongly promoted through global initiatives. In the U.S., the Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge (2013–2017) partnered with hundreds of organizations to expand employee access to charging. In Europe, ChargeUp Europe forecasts that workplace charging infrastructure will grow from 10% today to 15% by 2030. Meanwhile, resources such as the City of Boston’s Workplace Charging Guide offer valuable insights into setting up and managing effective employee charging programs.

Key Steps in Planning a Workplace Charging Program

1. Assess Employee Interest

Begin by surveying employees to gauge demand and understand how workplace charging would support their commuting needs.

2. Understand the Benefits

• Emission Reduction: Workplace charging directly lowers greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil-fuel commuting with cleaner electric alternatives.
• Electricity Source Considerations: Analyze how your local energy mix (renewable vs. non-renewable) affects total emission reductions.
• Green Building Certification Credits: Workplace charging can contribute to sustainability certifications such as LEED, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR®, and STARS.

3. Plan Collaboratively

Engage early with utilities, electrical contractors, and equipment providers to determine electrical capacity, grid requirements, and optimal station placement. For leased facilities, include the building owner in planning and negotiation.

Employers should integrate EV charging into their broader sustainability strategy, ensuring it aligns with corporate environmental goals and employee expectations.

Setting Up Workplace Charging

Understanding the types of charging equipment and their use cases is essential when designing an effective system:

Level 1 Charging Stations

• Most affordable option with the slowest charging rate.
• Typically allows one full vehicle charge per workday.
• Suitable for small organizations or pilot programs.

Level 2 Charging Stations

• The most common and balanced solution for workplaces.
• Each connector can charge multiple vehicles per day.
• Policies may be needed to ensure fair use — for example, moving vehicles after charging.
• Some models include multiple connectors for back-to-back charging sessions.

DC Fast Charging

• Designed for rapid charging or relieving congestion at busy stations.
• Provides a significant charge within 20–40 minutes.
• Requires higher investment but ideal for high-traffic or mixed-use sites.

Cost and Incentives

Employers must consider the full lifecycle costs of charging infrastructure, including:

• Equipment purchase
• Installation and site preparation
• Maintenance and software management
• Electricity consumption

Studies by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and other institutions provide valuable insight into non-residential EV supply equipment costs. Fortunately, a variety of federal, state, and utility incentives can offset much of the investment.

Partner with Amppal & Dobrateh

With decades of experience in EV charging systems, Amppal & Dobrateh help organizations design efficient, scalable workplace charging solutions tailored to their needs. From initial planning to deployment and maintenance, our team ensures reliability, user satisfaction, and seamless integration with your sustainability goals.

Discover more EV charging solutions at Amppal & Dobrateh.