There are around 50,000 publicly available Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in the UK. In the North West, 57,383 new electric cars were registered in 2022 – more than any other UK region besides the South East. Despite this, we still have fewer charging points than any other UK region besides Northern Ireland.
The increased demand for EVs is being driven by several factors, including:
- Government incentives
- Lower running costs
- Environmental awareness and sustainability
As an employer, should you be installing charging points at your Workplace?
Workplace Charging Scheme
The UK Government currently operates a Workplace Charging Scheme to support businesses with up to 75% of the costs (including VAT) of installing up to EV changepoints on site. This is capped at £350 per socket and 40 sockets per applicant. To qualify, you must:
- Either own your premises or have your landlord’s consent to have them installed.
- Have dedicated off-road parking
- Have your site surveyed by an installer before applying
Once installed, you should check the position on benefits in kind for charging at work for any personal mileage.
Legal considerations
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you should factor in the safety of your employees in implementing any EV infrastructure:
- Competent Installation and Maintenance: Qualified professionals who adhere to relevant safety regulations must install and maintain the infrastructure. This ensures proper electrical wiring and prevents potential hazards like overheating or electrical faults.
- Clear Instructions and Training: To ensure responsible and safe usage, provide easily accessible and clear user instructions near the charging points. Additionally, it’s advisable to train employees on proper operation and safety precautions when using the infrastructure.
Under the Equality Act 2010, you should consider any protected characteristics of your employees before allocating charging points. This might include:
- Implementing a booking system
- Establishing reasonable time limits based on charging needs
- Consideration of work schedules and adjustments for people with disabilities
What do your contracts of employment and workplace handbooks have to say? You may need to review them to ensure clarity on:
- Expectations regarding usage: Outline eligibility for using the infrastructure, highlight any allocated time limits or booking procedures and emphasise responsible usage practices.
- Potential Costs: If applicable, the policy should clearly outline any associated costs for employees, such as a flat fee or pay-per-use system.
- Limitations and Responsibilities: This outlines any limitations on usage, such as restrictions on specific vehicle types or personal EV charging and emphasises employee responsibilities to comply with safety regulations and report any issues promptly.
Next steps
More EVs on our roads demand more charging points. More charging points demand investment in infrastructure across the North West.
Before you plug in your business:
- Assess your needs:Identify the number of parking spaces you can dedicate to charging, and the type of chargers (AC or DC) needed based on employee preferences and usage patterns.
- Explore funding options:Research government grants and financial incentives available in the North West to offset installation costs.
- Partner with a charging point provider:Choose a reputable company with experience installing and maintaining charging infrastructure. They can offer guidance on legalities, permits, and ongoing maintenance plans.
- Communicate clearly:Inform your employees about the new charging facilities, usage guidelines, and any associated costs.
For more information about this article or any other aspect of services for your business, contact your Napthens Solicitors in Preston, Blackburn, Southport, and across the North West today.
