Question 1

How many EV chargers does my business need?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends on the number of vehicles, daily mileage, parking duration and future demand.You do not necessarily need one full-power charger for every vehicle. Load balancing and scheduled charging may allow several vehicles to share the available electrical capacity.

Question 2

What is the best charging speed for a workplace?

Accepted Answer

A 7kW charger is often suitable where employees remain parked for most of the working day.Sites with shorter customer visits or rapid fleet turnaround may require 22kW AC or DC charging.

Question 3

Does my business need a three-phase electricity supply?

Accepted Answer

Not always.A small number of 7kW chargers may be possible on an appropriate single-phase supply. Larger systems and 22kW chargers will generally require three-phase power.The existing supply and site demand will need to be assessed.

Question 4

Will we need to upgrade our electrical supply?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but not in every case.Load management may allow your business to install chargers within its existing capacity. Larger fleets or rapid chargers may require a supply upgrade or new connection.

Question 5

Can we install chargers now and add more later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can design the initial system with future expansion in mind.This may include additional ducts, cable routes, switchgear capacity, communications and spare distribution ways.

Question 6

Can we use solar panels to charge our fleet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solar electricity can contribute towards vehicle charging when generation is available.Grid electricity will usually still be required because solar output changes throughout the day and is lower during winter.

Question 7

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A small workplace installation may be completed within several working days once approvals and equipment are in place.Larger projects may require a longer programme.

Question 8

Do we need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Some commercial EV charger installations fall within permitted development rights, but the rules depend on the equipment, site and location.Planning advice should be obtained for listed sites, conservation areas, freestanding units, major car-park changes and installations near highways.

Question 9

Are EV chargers required on new commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Qualifying new non-residential buildings with more than ten parking spaces are generally required to provide at least one charge point and cable routes for at least one fifth of the remaining spaces.Requirements also apply to certain major renovations.

Question 10

What happens if a charger develops a fault?

Accepted Answer

Networked chargers can often report faults remotely.The appropriate support process will depend on the manufacturer, software provider, warranty and maintenance agreement selected for the project.

Question 11

What is dynamic load management?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic load management monitors the electricity being used by the building and adjusts charging demand accordingly.This helps prevent the chargers from exceeding an agreed site limit.

Question 12

Can staff and fleet vehicles use the same chargers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the access, scheduling and billing system is designed appropriately.Fleet vehicles can be prioritised while staff charging is limited or scheduled around operational requirements.

Question 13

Can chargers prioritise fleet vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A suitable management system can prioritise vehicles according to departure time, required battery level, user group or operational importance.

Question 14

Can we charge employees for using the chargers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many commercial management platforms can record usage and collect payment.Your organisation should establish a clear workplace charging policy and obtain appropriate tax, employment and VAT advice.

Question 15

Can customers pay by contactless card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where compatible charging and payment equipment is installed.Contactless payment may also be required for certain publicly accessible charge points under the Public Charge Point Regulations.

Question 16

Do workplace chargers need to comply with public charging regulations?

Accepted Answer

Not where the charge points are used exclusively by staff, fleet vehicles and authorised visitors and are not accessible to the general public.Customer-facing charge points may fall within the public regulations even when they are located on privately owned land or are only available during business hours.

EV Charger Installation for Business

EV Charger Installation Process

01. Site Assessment

02. Planning & Design

03. Professional Installation

04. Final Testing & Commissioning

Frequently asked questions