Electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces are poised to double in the next year according to new research by the Arval Mobility Observatory.
At present, only 20% of companies surveyed have charging facilities available. However, the report indicates this figure will rise to 40% by mid-2024 as more organisations look to support staff choosing electric cars or vans.
The increased prevalence of workplace charging will benefit EV drivers, enabling them to conveniently top-up their vehicles while at the office and avoid relying solely on public charging networks which can be 40% more expensive.
Interestingly, the research also highlights a recent decline in firms providing free EV charging, likely reflecting rising electricity costs. This is something we have found at ALDI chargers, where more chargers are switching to a paid model.
Free workplace charging is declining
The percentage of fleets offering complimentary charging has dropped from 29% to 17% over the past year, as soaring energy prices make giving away power too expensive for many. Despite this, fleets are still embracing electric vehicles.
Around a third of companies pay for employee’s home chargers
There are also diverging approaches on whether companies fund home charging installations for staff with EVs. Around a third (32%) of firms currently pay for employees’ home charger installations, while only 16% expect staff to cover these costs themselves.
One in 5 companies have a salary sacrifice scheme
The research also indicates continued growth ahead for salary sacrifice schemes that enable employees to lease low-emission vehicles as a tax-efficient benefit.
Currently, one in five companies surveyed that are aware of mobility solutions offer these “sal sac” schemes. But within three years, the report predicts this figure will double as the arrangements become more widespread.
As more EV uptake looms, it will be telling to see whether organisations increasingly subsidise home charging to maximise access to this often cheaper option.
Source: Arval (report).
