A third of companies either considering or already using electric vehicles don’t have charging points at their company premises.

Onsite charging at workplaces is likely to become commonplace within the next few years, according to Arval

Research among UK decision-makers for this year’s Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer saw 33% say they had no charging points at their company premises, while 17% plan to install them in the next 12 months.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, pointed out that some companies are still in the process of aligning the cars and vans they operate with their charging needs, and added that the third who don’t yet provide charging at their premises may be experiencing some operational difficulties as a result.

But he added that it was likely all fleets with their own parking would turn to offering charging.

“Within a relatively short space of time – perhaps 2-3 years – we expect this kind of provision to become commonplace.”

Speaking to Fleet World in spring 2021, Arval said that companies should be thinking about putting charge points in at work, regardless of their fleet policy, to support employees transitioning to EVs, including those not in company cars. It added that workplace charging would make it “significantly easier” to switch to EVs for people who can’t charge at home.

This year’s Arval research also showed that 29% of businesses had free charging points at their premises, while 5% had charging points at company premises for which drivers paid.

Sadlier added that it would be interesting to see if the trend for free charging continues as EVs move towards becoming the norm, especially if the price of power continues to rise as in recent times.

“It could be that providing free electricity to all EV users who wish to use their chargers actually becomes quite a considerable cost for some companies, especially those who have undertaken large-scale installations,” he stressed.

More than a quarter subsidise home charging point costs

The Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer also revealed that 27% of companies subsidise the cost of home charging points while 16% make drivers pay for home installation of charging.

Sadlier outlined: “There are quite strong arguments for businesses adopting both approaches. Home charger installation is arguably a necessity for a driver who wants or is being told to adopt an EV but it is also a benefit.

“However, with charger installation costing in the region of £1,000, we believe that employers should probably bear the cost or make a substantial contribution – particularly for job EV need drivers – simply because that amount is likely to prove a potential barrier to adoption for many individuals.”

What are your current arrangements for company car and van charging points? (Base of companies considering or already using plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles)

The Arval Mobility Observatory researches key trends in the fleet and mobility sectors every year. The 2022 Barometer talked to fleet decision-makers in 26 countries. For more info, visit: bnpp.lk/AMO-13-ChargePoints