As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, emission-free transportation is becoming increasingly important to governments, organisations and individuals. Businesses are starting to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) in order to reduce their environmental impact and meet customer demands for sustainability. However, one of the main barriers to widespread EV adoption is the need for a more reliable charging infrastructure.
Installing EV charging points at your business can help you attract and retain EV-driving customers and staff, as well as send a strong message about your commitment to sustainability. In addition, moving to an electric fleet can also help you save money on fuel costs over time.
While any capital investment like this requires careful planning and thought, there are numerous benefits to installing EV charging stations at your business premises, which we will explore in more detail.
Preparing for the future
The electric car revolution is well underway, with sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles set to be banned from 2030 – a mere seven years away. What’s more, the UK government has set a net-zero emissions target for 2050. In order to meet this goal, all cars in the UK will be required to be 100% powered by battery or hydrogen by this date.
For businesses, this means that the time to start switching to electric vehicles and the infrastructure around them is now. Not only will this future-proof your business, but it’s also an opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against climate change – something that’s important to an ever-growing number of consumers and employees.
Brand positivity
Consumers are increasingly interested in supporting environmentally responsible businesses. In turn, this is also becoming a significant factor for B2B transactions, with many larger organisations scrutinising the green credentials of those within their supply chains and appointing suppliers who align with their own CSR goals.
Installing EV chargers is a further step in showing commitment to becoming a more sustainable and eco-friendly business.
A staff perk?
If you have employees who drive electric vehicles, providing them with EV charging points will show them that you’re supportive of their sustainable lifestyle choices and, at a time when home energy costs are soaring, be seen as somewhat of an employee benefit.
Additionally, EV charging points at your offices or other business premises can send a clear message about your company culture. And external culture perception is becoming a critical factor in both attracting and retaining talent. In a recent survey, 75% of respondents declared that they would research a company’s culture before applying for a role, and 54% of employees said they would resign from their job should an organisation fail to instil the core values of a great company culture.
Attract more customers
If you have a retail or leisure business, EV charging points in your car parks can attract more footfall.
Electric vehicle owners often seek out businesses with EV charging facilities to charge up while they shop or eat. This means that having EV charging points can actually help to increase foot traffic at your business.
Additionally, many drivers of electric vehicles rely on apps to find EV charging stations. In many cases, you can add your business listing to these apps – allowing further opportunities to tempt new customers into your premises while they wait for their cars to charge.
Grab grant funding
Several grants are currently available to help some businesses cover the costs of charging point installation.
The EV infrastructure grant covers up to 75% of the cost of installing the infrastructure needed for charge points to operate and for future charge points to be installed, as well as the cost of any charge points installed. The grant offers up to £15,000 for small to medium businesses.
Alternatively, the Workplace Charging Scheme provides eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of purchasing and installing EV charging points. A voucher-based scheme, this is open to charities, public sector organisations and businesses.
With no defined period for the scheme to run, it’s wise for eligible businesses to apply for grants while they are still available.
Make your move
Are you looking for support in navigating the installation of charging points and/or a move to an electric fleet? Lynx can help. We provide an end-to-end system to support your EV goals, from the installation of charging points to our specialised mobile app that tracks and logs your charging point usage – giving you complete visibility for your ESG goals.
Get in touch with us to discover how we can help you to unleash the full benefits of EV installations in your business.
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