Workplace EV charging: How to gauge if there is a demand?

The Rise of Electric Vehicles

There’s no denying that the global shift toward electric mobility is accelerating. Year after year, electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to break records, while governments worldwide are heavily incentivizing EV adoption and investing in charging infrastructure. The workplace is no exception—many employees are already driving EVs to work, expecting access to convenient charging options.

Our research shows that 34% of EV drivers already charge at work, and another 27% would consider doing so if the option were available. Clearly, there’s a growing demand for workplace charging facilities. But does this general trend reflect the specific needs of your workforce?

In this article, we’ll explore strategies to assess the demand for EV charging at your workplace and discuss how it plays a key role in promoting sustainable transportation.

Why Offer EV Charging at Your Workplace?

Before diving into how to evaluate EV charging demand, let’s first consider why offering charging stations can benefit your organization. Beyond demonstrating your commitment to sustainability, providing EV charging can increase employee satisfaction and attract talent. In fact, after the home, the workplace is the most popular spot for EV charging.

However, investing in EV chargers is a significant decision. It’s smart to first understand your employees’ needs and interests before selecting the right type of charger for your workplace.

Assessing the Need for EV Charging

Understanding whether EV chargers are worth the investment starts with analyzing your employees' commuting habits. Is your company fully in-person or hybrid? If hybrid, how frequently do employees come into the office? If most employees work remotely, installing chargers might not be the best use of resources.

Another factor to consider is the number of employees who drive to the office and how many of them own EVs. A simple way to gauge this is by observing your parking lot’s occupancy on a typical workday or requiring parking permits for employees who drive in. Additionally, walking through the parking lot to estimate the proportion of electric vehicles can give you a rough idea of current EV ownership.

For more precise insights, consider sending out a survey to gather detailed information about your employees' commuting habits and EV ownership. This approach can help you better predict future demand and plan accordingly.

Gathering Employee Feedback

While understanding current EV ownership is helpful, it’s equally important to consider future trends. EV adoption is growing rapidly, and many employees who don’t currently own an EV might consider purchasing one in the coming years. However, factors like lack of home charging options or limited parking availability can hinder their transition to electric mobility.

By offering workplace charging, you could become the deciding factor for employees who are on the fence about switching to EVs. When designing your survey, ensure questions address these nuances and capture a comprehensive view of your employees’ perspectives on electric mobility.

Are Employees Open to EVs?

Simply asking employees if they own an EV or plan to buy one isn’t enough. To truly understand their intentions, highlight the broader context of electric mobility. For instance, discuss recent EV sales trends, upcoming new models, the environmental benefits of EVs, and government regulations phasing out internal combustion engines. Many employees may not fully grasp the EV landscape, so it’s crucial to educate them about key concepts like charging duration, frequency, and usage.

Commute Distance

One major consideration is the distance of employees' commutes. Nowadays, even budget-friendly EVs offer ample range, but longer commutes might make some employees hesitant to switch. If your workforce has lengthy commutes, you may need to install additional chargers to meet demand.

Work Patterns

Employees' work schedules also play a role. Are they in the office consistently during standard hours, or do they come and go unpredictably? For employees with irregular schedules, faster DC chargers might be necessary to ensure they can quickly top off their batteries.

Employee Sentiment Toward Charging

Directly asking employees about their interest in EV charging is straightforward yet highly informative. Not only will this reveal demand, but it can also shed light on their attitudes toward sustainability and corporate responsibility. Research shows that employees value companies with strong environmental commitments. According to Gallup, 71% of workers consider a company’s environmental record when choosing an employer, while a Deloitte study highlights that employees satisfied with their employer’s social and environmental impact are more likely to stay longer.

Willingness to Pay for Charging

Although asking employees how much they’d pay for charging might seem counterintuitive, the reality is that EV charging incurs costs. Even if most employees prefer free charging, gauging their willingness to pay can provide insight into price sensitivity and help you determine the optimal pricing structure for your charging program.

Home Charging Options

In some cases, the demand for workplace charging may exceed your ability to install enough chargers. Alternatively, your workplace’s electrical infrastructure might not support multiple chargers without costly upgrades. In such scenarios, assisting employees with home charger installations—by covering part of the cost, for example—could be a more practical solution. This approach achieves similar outcomes while avoiding logistical challenges and potentially reducing long-term costs.

Unlocking Opportunities with EV Charging

Providing EV charging can strengthen your company’s sustainability efforts and reduce its carbon footprint. However, it’s essential to carefully assess employee demand before proceeding. Depending on your business model, EV charging can also serve as a revenue generator or brand-building opportunity. For more details on various business models, check out our comprehensive guide on workplace EV charging.

Ready to explore EV charging for your workplace? Visit our website to learn more about our charging solutions and how they can support your organization’s goals.