EV Chargers for Business: The Ultimate Guide

Electric vehicles are no longer the future of transport, they’re the present, and with concerns for climate change increasing, the number of businesses switching to EV is growing rapidly. Many well-known companies such as Amazon, Uber, Google and UPS are now proudly incorporating EVs into their day-to-day operations.  

But how do you start your electric transport transition? And how do you find the best EV chargers for your business? Our Ultimate Guide to EV Chargers for Business answers all your questions, so you can future-proof your business today.  

It’s no secret that EVs are good for the environment, with the average EV producing around 50% less greenhouse gas emissions in their lifetime than a traditional fuel equivalent. But did you know that going electric can bring a whole host of benefits for your business too?  

Reducing your carbon footprint

Transport is often one of the biggest contributors to a business’s carbon footprint, making it a great place to start making changes. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and with the right EV charger for your business, you can also charge your vehicles using renewable energy, further minimising your environmental impact.  

Boosting your brand image

Incorporating EVs and installing EV chargers for your business is a great way to attract green-minded customers and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. This can also help support your environmental CSR goals and establish your business as a trusted eco-friendly part of your local community. 

Saving you money

One of the most attractive arguments for EVs is their significantly lower running costs, when compared with ICE vehicles. Not only is the cost of charging lower than that of petrol or diesel, but EVs are also exempt from additional fees such as CAZ and ULEZ charges and road tax. Typically, an EV’s maintenance costs are lower than traditional engine vehicles too, as they have fewer moving parts and less potential for things to go wrong. 

Generating an extra stream of income

As well as saving you money on your day-to-day running costs, if you have on-site customers, you can also use your business’s EV chargers to generate an additional stream of income by allowing customers to pay to use your chargers. Not only does this contribute to your green image, but it will also attract new customers and encourage them to spend longer on your premises whilst their vehicles charge.  

The cost of your EV charger and installation can vary depending on several factors, such as your chosen model, additional cabling or trunking required, and any complications your engineers may face during installation.  

On average, the cost of a commercial EV charge point is typically between £1,000 and £2,500 +VAT. On top of this will be any installation charges which include cabling, fixings and foundation costs. This can vary depending on where you want your charge point and how far it is from the point of connection to the electricity source. 

Once you have paid for the installation, in many cases there are annual running costs and warranty extensions for the charger. Again, these vary depending on the charger type and the management model you adopt, which you can discuss with your chosen supplier. 

These costs are normally paid based on the charge point usage but could be around £250 per charger per year in data fees and/or time. 

At Yü Charge, you can get a state-of-the-art EV Charger for your business from as little as £899. Your installation appointment cost will include a free online review of your site to help you make the best decision for your business, as well as surge protection and dynamic load balancing to ensure your safety. 

When it comes to choosing an EV charger for your business, there are several factors to consider and the best fit for you will depend on your charger’s intended use. 

Tethered or untethered

The main difference between a tethered and an untethered charger is whether the cable is attached to the charging box, or if you need to use your own. 

The primary benefit of using a tethered charger is that you do not need to remember to bring your own cable or attach it to your charger – you just need to plug in and start charging. However, if you are after for a more minimalistic look, some people opt for untethered chargers instead.  

When deciding between tethered or untethered, you should consider who will be using your charger and what will suit them best. For example, if you will be providing EV charging for customers, a tethered option may be more beneficial as they will not need to bring their own cable with them.  

Charging speeds

EV chargers also come in different speeds, which affect how long it will take for your vehicle to charge. The best option for your business will also depend on who will be using your business’s EV chargers.  

Fast chargers (7kW-22kW) are an ideal choice for fleet charging or employee use, when the vehicle will be plugged in for a long time such as overnight or during a working day, delivering a full charge in around eight hours. However, if you plan on offering EV charging to customers who may not want to hang around for hours, you could consider rapid chargers (43kW-50kW) which can charge a car in as little as 20-40 minutes.   

You can browse our range of EV Chargers for business here! 

To help encourage more drivers to go electric, the UK government has introduced a number of incentives and grants to make switching to EV easier.  

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets 

This is a grant for small and medium-sized businesses which aims to make the cost of installing multiple charge points more manageable for businesses. This grant can be used to cover the cost of things like wiring and installing posts.  

 This grant enables eligible applicants to claim: 

• Up to 75% of the cost of the work (up to £15,000 max) 
• Up to £350 per charge point socket 
• Up to £500 per parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure 
• Up to 5 grants across 5 different sites 

If you’re ready to future-proof your business by going electric, we can help. With Yü Charge, you can get a free, no obligation installation quote for a charger of your choice or browse our range of EV chargers for business to find your perfect fit. 

Still Unsure or Want to Know More?  

Check out our range of guides covering all things EV, from jargon busters to tips on how to get the most out of your new EV.