5 Benefits of Workplace EV Charging

PowerFlex
March 8, 2023

U.S. electric vehicle (EV) sales picked up in 2022, with a record 200,000 sold in Q3, according to a Kelly Blue Book report. With more EVs on the road, many corporate decision-makers may face pressure from employees asking for workplace EV charging. If you’re still deciding whether to install charging ports at your facility, consider the following financial and sustainability benefits of investing in smart EV infrastructure.

1. Save on Energy and Infrastructure Costs With Load-Managed Charging

There are several kinds of EV charging systems, some more suited to workplace charging than others. Traditional setups, also called “unmanaged” networks, often require extensive electrical upgrades. A load-managed EV charging system is a more intelligent alternative that lowers installation costs and monthly power bills via software optimization.

An example of smart, load-managed charging is PowerFlex’s Adaptive Load Management®, which evens out power distribution between chargers, mitigating the fees most utilities charge for peak electricity usage. This is particularly valuable for large-scale installations such as the extensive charging networks at Intuit’s offices in California.

Using load-managed charging also reduces unnecessary electrical upgrades to the tune of 60% compared to a traditional setup.

2. Improve Productivity by Increasing Charger Availability

If a workplace doesn’t have enough chargers to go around, employees must stop what they’re doing throughout the day to vie for EV spots — interrupting work hours. As a facility owner, you can solve this problem by adding more charging stations, but at scale, expensive electrical upgrades may be required.

There’s a better way: using PowerFlex’s Adaptive Load Management® with the PowerFlex App to maximize charging station availability. With intelligent software to optimize charging, you can install four times the number of chargers at a site, meaning EV drivers won’t have to jockey to find space to charge. Moreover, the app allows drivers to input the miles worth of charge they want and when they plan to leave, and the algorithms ensure they have the power they need by the time they return to their car.

3. Support Sustainability and Grid Resiliency With Daytime Charging

Providing workplace EV charging to employees demonstrates your commitment to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. And, as an additional benefit, encouraging charging throughout the day also helps protect the electrical grid.

As EV adoption grows, large-scale nighttime charging will add pressure to an already-strained grid. Switching charging to the daytime relieves this stress, as renewables such as solar can supplement the power supply.

You can take your ESG initiatives a step further with a behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Onsite solar generation from canopy or rooftop installations lets you power an EV network with reduced reliance on the grid.

4. Enable Fleet Electrification and Cut Scope 1 Emissions

For organizations with vehicle fleets, making the switch to EVs is a decision that supports environmental responsibility by reducing scope 1 emissions, specifically the harmful gases produced by internal combustion engines.

Unsure how many charging stations and types you need to support your fleet? Designing a network that fits your fleet model begins with closely examining your vehicles, scheduling, and more. Many fleet charging options can be tailored to your business model to help make a smooth transition to electric.

5. Attract and Retain Eco-Conscious Employees With Workplace EV Charging

Environmental initiatives go a long way toward earning employee loyalty. According to a report by Deloitte, climate change/protecting the environment is one of the top concerns for millennials. Forty-four percent would consider changing jobs to work for a business with values similar to their own.

When you provide workplace EV charging, you’re showing that you value sustainability. This decision impacts human resources, making it easier for current, eco-conscious employees to stay and for new talent to take notice.

About PowerFlex

We’ve helped workplaces like Adobe, Intuit, SAP, and more implement large-scale EV charging projects. Our turnkey energy solutions include EV charging, solar PV, and battery storage systems; all managed using the intuitive PowerFlex X platform. Contact us today to learn how we can help design and install an EV charging network for your workplace.