EV workplace charging – did you know?
- One charging unit can charge two vehicles
- Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) need workplace charging units
- Range Extenders (REX) also need access to charger at the workplace
WITH more and more businesses and company car drivers choosing plug-in vehicles, the pressure is mounting for employers to offer charging options at the workplace.
Instead of viewing EV workplace charging as an inconvenience, smart companies are seeing this as a cost-effective chance to aid PR and improve employee’s perks; the latter helps to attract and retain talent and keep its workforce happy.
In addition, if electric cars or plug-in hybrids are offered as a viable option for employees, costs are kept down in the fuel department and the negative environmental impact of company vehicles is lessened.
Electric vehicle plug-in charging options
Firstly, it is important to consider the charge rates when looking at options.
Electric charge rates
Slow charging unit
- Up to 3.7kw single phase 16 amp supply
- Charge time: 6-8 hours depending on battery size
- Most vehicles will be able to charge at this charge rate
- The most economical way to charge
Fast charging unit
- Up to 7kw single phase 32 amp supply or 22kw for three phase supplies
- This higher charge rate reduces a vehicles charge rate to half that of a slow charge with a full charge being complete in 3-4 hours
- Although not all vehicles can charge at this higher rate, they can be connected to them and they will charge at a lower rate
Rapid charging unit
- Up to 50kw dc or 44kw ac
- At these higher rates of power a vehicle can be charged to 80% within 30 minutes
- These units are the most expensive to install and can often require network upgrades by the local electricity board
- Taxi, delivery and other high-mileage companies reduce down time on their vehicles and make ‘going electric’ a possibility
