EV charging station business models for the workplace [2023 update]

Last updated on March 24th, 2023

When it comes to workplace EV charging, there are two primary business models that companies can consider, depending on their goals and the needs of their employees. These models offer different benefits and can be tailored to fit various organizational strategies.

Workplace EV Charging Business Models

  1. EV Charging as an Employee Benefit

    Employees have access to free EV charging at the workplace. This model is often used to enhance employee satisfaction and attract talent, especially in areas where home charging isn't feasible.

  2. EV Charging as a Revenue-Generating Service

    In this model, users—whether employees or visitors—pay for the electricity they use based on set tariffs. This approach can generate additional income for the company while still offering value to employees through discounted rates.

For example, you could offer employees a reduced rate while charging visitors at the full price. This not only helps cover costs but also makes your workplace more attractive to customers and guests.

Each model has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your company’s specific situation. In most cases, using a charging management system is recommended to handle billing, monitoring, and user access efficiently.

This article explores the two main workplace EV charging models and how they can benefit your organization.

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More of your employees will start driving electric cars

Across the world, the electric vehicle (EV) market is booming. Sales doubled in 2021, increased by 60% in 2022, surpassed the 10 million milestone for the first time, and now account for 8.3% of the global car market. We’re clearly moving toward electric mobility, and workplaces are no exception.

Many organizations that offer company cars to their employees are now considering electrifying their fleets. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it's also economically viable in the long run. While EVs may seem pricier upfront, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is already lower than that of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in many cases.

Even if your company doesn’t have a fleet, installing EV charging stations at your facility can still make sense. As more people switch to electric vehicles, offering charging at work can help attract top talent and improve employee satisfaction.

EV Charging at Work

As more people drive electric cars, offering EV charging at your workplace can be a big plus. It can help attract new talent and boost employee morale. One of the biggest appeals of driving an EV is the convenience of charging when you park, eliminating the need to stop at a gas station.

While home charging is ideal for many, workplaces rank high as a preferred location for charging. For employees without home charging options, such as those living in apartments or without a driveway, workplace charging can be a game-changer.

Man using EVBox Liviqo AC business charging station to charge his car at the office.

Help Employees Make the Switch to Electric Mobility

For employees in urban areas who don’t have a personal parking space or driveway, switching to an EV can be challenging. They rely on public charging, which is still limited in many places. The ability to charge at work can significantly reduce range anxiety and encourage more people to go electric.

Even if you don’t offer it for free, providing a discounted rate for employees can still be a valuable incentive. It can also serve as a revenue stream, especially if you open up some spots for visitors or the general public.

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EV Charging at Your Workplace for Visitors

Many businesses see more visitors than just employees. Whether it's clients, partners, or customers, these individuals are increasingly driving electric cars and would appreciate the ability to charge at your office.

Depending on your location, opening up a few spots for the public could generate extra revenue, bring in new customers, or both. It's a win-win for your business and the environment.

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EV Charging Business Models

Let’s dive into the different business models for offering EV charging at your organization.

1. Free EV Charging at Work

Offering free EV charging can be a great employee benefit. It's part of the overall employee value proposition (EVP), helping to attract and retain top talent. A Gallup study found that 71% of workers consider a company's environmental record when choosing an employer.

While free charging isn't the only way to improve employee satisfaction, it can be a meaningful perk that your team truly appreciates. It also supports your company's sustainability goals.

A businessman holding a smartphone to start his EV charging session.

2. Workplace EV Charging to Generate Revenue

Another approach is to offer EV charging as a paid service. You can even allow third parties to use the stations, creating an additional revenue stream. This can offset electricity costs and provide value to employees through discounted rates.

You can choose from various pricing models, such as flat-rate per hour or based on energy usage. Some companies combine both approaches, charging a base fee plus a per-kWh rate. This flexibility allows you to tailor the service to your needs.

An overview of elements needed to estimate the gross revenue one can make from a charging session. It shows the average energy usage per charging session ( 25 kWh), Energy cost per kWh ($0.10), Marked-up price you charge the driver per kWh ($0.45), and the estimated gross revenue per charging session ($11.25). A disclaimer below the table reads: Data provided above is an estimation based on average market usage and changes depending on the region.

Whether you choose to offer free charging or a paid service, managing the infrastructure effectively is key. Especially when multiple user groups are involved, you'll need a system that handles different payment methods and settings seamlessly.

Charging Management System Software for Workplace EV Charging

In today’s digital age, having access to real-time data and insights is essential. Modern charging stations often come with software that connects to a management system, making it easier to track usage, manage tariffs, and analyze behavior.

EVBox Everon business portal dashboard

These systems also help optimize energy use through smart features like load balancing, ensuring that charging doesn’t exceed grid capacity. They simplify invoicing and reporting, saving time and reducing errors.

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The Rapidly Growing Need for EV Charging Infrastructure

As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, the demand for charging infrastructure is rising. According to ChargeUp Europe, the number of EU charging points is expected to grow from 3 million today to nearly 30 million by 2030, with workplace chargers increasing from 10% to 15% of the total.

In the U.S., the International Council on Clean Transportation found that public charging, including workplace charging, will need to reach 2.4 million non-home chargers to support a future where EVs make up 100% of new car sales by 2040.

Workplaces around the world are in a unique position to meet this demand, attract talent, and potentially create a new revenue source.

Read more about workplace EV charging in our complete and free guide or check out our workplace charging solution.

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