As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, more employees expect to charge at work just as they expect Wi-Fi or secure bike storage. For businesses, this creates a practical opportunity: support staff, cut fleet costs, and future-proof your site while government support is still available.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), administered by OZEV, helps eligible employers reduce the upfront cost of installation. Combined with tax advantages and falling hardware costs, workplace EV charging in the UK now makes strong commercial sense for organisations of all sizes.
The business case for workplace EV charging
Recruitment and retention
As EV ownership rises, employees increasingly factor charging access into job decisions. Offering workplace charging positions your business as modern and employee-focused — especially valuable in competitive labour markets.
Tax efficiency
HMRC currently treats workplace EV charging for employees as exempt from benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, as of 2026 and subject to future review. This makes it one of the most tax-efficient staff benefits available.
Fleet and depot charging
For organisations running company vehicles or vans, workplace charging allows fleet vehicles to charge overnight at depot rates — reducing fuel costs and simplifying operations significantly.
Customer footfall
Customer-facing chargers can increase dwell time and footfall, particularly for retail, leisure, and hospitality sites where customers appreciate the convenience.
Future-proofing
As ICE vehicle use declines and regulations tighten, businesses without charging infrastructure may face costly catch-up later. Installing now locks in lower costs and current grant support.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) grant
The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government grant designed specifically to support businesses, charities, and public sector organisations installing EV charging. It contributes towards the cost of purchasing and installing charge points per socket. Grant values and eligibility rules change over time — always check the latest details on our OZEV grant guide or the official Workplace Charging Scheme page on gov.uk.
Eligibility requirements
- Be a registered business, charity, or public sector body
- Have access to off-street parking
- Use an OZEV-approved installer
- Install chargers for staff, fleet, or business use (not domestic-only)
The application process is straightforward: your OZEV-approved installer applies for the grant on your behalf. This reduces paperwork and ensures the installation meets all scheme requirements from the outset.
How many chargers do you need?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but sensible planning at the start can save significant money later.
Assess current and near-term demand
How many employees drive EVs today, and how many are likely to within the next two years? Surveys often reveal higher future uptake than expected, especially where salary-sacrifice EV schemes are on offer.
Install infrastructure for growth
Even if you only activate a small number of chargers initially, it is far cheaper to install additional cabling, ducting, and capacity at the outset than to retrofit later. Many employers install infrastructure for double or triple the number of sockets they activate on day one.
Fleet depots and customer sites
For fleet depots, a useful rule of thumb is one charger per vehicle for overnight charging, though load management systems can reduce this ratio safely. For customer charging, match charger speed to expected dwell time: slower chargers suit long stays; faster options suit quick visits.
Workplace EV charging costs
Costs vary widely depending on site conditions, power supply, and scale, but these benchmarks provide a useful starting point.
| Single 7kW charger, fully installed | £800–£1,500 |
| Load management system (multi-charger) | Variable — essential for larger sites |
| Infrastructure-only (ducting, cabling) | Varies significantly by site |
| After WCS grant applied | Meaningfully reduced — check /ozev-grant for current figures |
For a detailed breakdown of what drives installation costs up or down, see our EV charger installation cost guide.
Choosing the right charger for a business
7kW AC (standard)
For most workplaces where staff park for a full day, 7kW chargers are usually sufficient. They add a meaningful charge over an 8-hour shift without excessive strain on the electrical supply.
22kW AC (fast)
Better suited to sites with higher turnover or shorter parking stays, provided the electrical capacity is available. Requires three-phase power.
DC rapid chargers
Typically reserved for motorway services, forecourts, or high-traffic customer sites due to higher hardware and installation costs.
RFID and access control
Important for managed sites where chargers are for staff or fleet use only. Enables usage tracking, billing, and access restriction.
Network connectivity
For customer-facing installations, network-connected chargers enable remote monitoring, fault alerts, and optional billing — essential for a professional setup.
Load balancing
Essential for any multi-charger installation. Ensures chargers share available power intelligently, protecting the site supply while maximising charging availability.
Finding the right installer
To access the Workplace Charging Scheme, your installer must be OZEV-approved. This is non-negotiable — a non-approved installer disqualifies your application entirely.
For larger or more complex projects, look beyond basic accreditation. Choose an installer with demonstrable commercial experience — including load management, three-phase supplies, and multi-charger deployments. Workplace EV charging is not the same as a domestic install, and the right installer will design the system correctly from day one.
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Search all locations →Frequently asked questions
Can any business apply for the Workplace Charging Scheme?
Most UK businesses, charities, and public sector organisations are eligible, provided they have off-street parking and use an OZEV-approved installer. Domestic-only properties are excluded.
How long does a workplace EV charger installation take?
A single charger can often be installed in one day. Larger commercial installations may take several days or weeks, particularly if groundwork or supply upgrades are required.
Who pays for the electricity used to charge vehicles?
Typically the employer pays for electricity used at workplace chargers. Some businesses recover costs through billing systems, while others set usage policies or offer charging as a staff benefit.
Can I charge customers to use the chargers?
Yes. With the right networked chargers, businesses can set tariffs, time limits, or free charging periods depending on their commercial strategy.
Further reading
Last updated: February 2026. Grant values, eligibility rules, and tax treatment are subject to change — always verify current figures on gov.uk before making plans.