What is workplace charging?
Workplace charging is the practice of providing access to level 1, level 2 and/or DC fast charging stations for employees at the workplace. Depending on the parking layout, it can be as simple as providing access to an outside 120V outlet along the building exterior or installing a combination of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Workplace charging is not exclusive to employers who own their property. As EVs become more popular, commercial properties are increasingly installing EV chargers for tenants who want to offer charging as a perk for employees who drive electric.
Increasing EV access through workplace charging
It’s widely known that access to reliable and affordable charging is one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption in the U.S. Even though there’s rapid growth in at-home and public charging, workplaces are the second most likely location for EV drivers to charge because 73% of American commuters drive between home and work, parking their vehicles for multiple hours a day while working.
When workplace charging is offered, drivers take advantage of it. According to Plug In America’s 2023 EV driver survey report, over 25% of EV drivers using workplace charging reported using it weekly, and nearly another 25% reported using it daily.
Increasing access to workplace charging makes EV driving possible for consumers who don’t have access to off-street parking. Garage orphans can rely on chargers at work as their primary fueling location, minimizing concerns of consistent, reliable charging. Charging at work has also shown to be popular among EV drivers with access to a shared home charger.
For drivers of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with small battery ranges, being able to charge is convenient as it enables refueling before commuting back home, minimizing low-range concerns. In areas where winter temperatures drop significantly, along with EV battery efficiency, having the ability to charge at work assures EV drivers that they’ll reach their destinations by refueling before driving home.
Employer benefits of offering workplace charging
With rates as high as 90% of Americans commuting to work in some cities around the U.S., offering access to workplace charging, as well as other zero-emission transportation options, can bring a host of tangible benefits to organizations and employers, including:
- Increased employee satisfaction and retention. Embracing sustainable commutes and workplace EV charging alleviates range anxiety for EV-driving employees. This is convenient, reduces stress, and contributes to improving employee satisfaction levels.
- Improved hiring outcomes. A certified commitment to zero to low emissions commuting attracts top talent, especially among environmentally conscious professionals seeking purpose-driven employment opportunities. It can also foster employee loyalty and retention by showing a genuine commitment to their well-being and the environment.
- Enhanced corporate reputation. Zero-emissions employee commuting options position organizations as environmentally responsible and socially conscious entities, attracting positive attention from customers, investors, and stakeholders. By leading in sustainable business practices, employers inspire other organizations to follow suit and drive positive change within their industry and beyond.
- Increased property value. Upgrading real estate with EV charging, smart technology, or LEED certification can help increase property value. As EV adoption continues to rise, business tenants seeking a modern workplace seek commercial properties with EV charging infrastructure for employees and fleets.
- Culture of innovation. Embracing workplace EV charging and other zero-emission employee transportation models fosters innovation within your organization, prompting new ideas and approaches to sustainability challenges.
- Improved corporate responsibility outcomes. By implementing zero-emission transportation programs, organizations demonstrate commitment to sustainability and accomplish ESG objectives by accounting for carbon emissions savings from employee commutes.
EV Adoption Leadership certification
With the intent to bring much-needed awareness to workplace charging, advance sustained and equitable EV adoption, and support organizations in their journey toward zero-emission transportation, Plug In America is proud to promote EV Adoption Leadership, also known as EVAL certification.
EVAL is backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and was developed to recognize, celebrate, and assist organizations of all types and sizes that offer clean transportation options to their employees. With an easy, strictly online certification process, employers can create a profile and answer questions about the organization’s employee engagement, planning and evaluation, employee e-mobility incentives, EV charging stations, and innovation.
In addition to recognition and being highlighted as a leader in workplace charging, EVAL-certified organizations have access to crucial technical assistance resources, including:
- Webinars on workplace charging and other clean transportation opportunities
- Template surveys and forms to implement zero-emissions programs and educate employees
- Directory of local providers and installers
- Employee education resources
- Program implementation guidelines
- Best practices
For EVAL-certified organizations, Plug In America also offers additional assistance through the EV Support Program.
Curious about the EVAL Program?
If you have any questions about workplace charging or EV Adoption Leadership certification, please contact senior program manager Rosa Mitsumasu Scotti at info@pluginamerica.org.
Plug In America’s EVAL Bronze Certification – Proud to be Certified
Even though Plug In America is a fully remote organization, its employee engagement, EV acquisition incentives, and innovation programs empowered us to accumulate points and Earth EVAL Certification. We are proud to be certified and offer employees EV adoption incentives. We also have a powerful mission to accelerate the transition to affordable and accessible plug-in vehicles and charging through education, advocacy, and research.
