Charging Forward at the Workplace
More of your employees are driving electric. Discover how to attract, engage & retain them with EV charging and get exclusive data on how employees charge.
<p>Charging Forward at Work</p>
Bring the Electric Revolution to Your Workplace
EV Charging Is a Must-Have
A Note on the Importance of Workplace Charging
Charging Forward Faster than Ever
The world is hurtling toward electric mobility, fast. Consumers are buying electric vehicles (EVs) in growing numbers, automakers are beginning to deliver real choice in EV models and policymakers are sending a clear mandate for electrification.
As electric mobility accelerates, ChargePoint remains dedicated to making the switch to electric easy for everyone, from individual EV drivers and businesses to automakers, fleets and more. The foundation of an easy switch is an excellent charging experience everywhere drivers need to go. Delivering that great experience requires understanding what drivers expect and what businesses need from EV charging.
For a few years now, we’ve produced "Charging Forward" reports that dive into industry statistics and proprietary charging data from our network to reveal how e-mobility is affecting businesses and how EV drivers charge their vehicles.
Previously, we produced a definitive annual report on all aspects of electric mobility. By now, e-mobility has advanced so far that we need to break down the data in greater detail. From now on, we'll focus each of our Charging Forward reports on how e-mobility affects a particular industry. We're starting with the place that matters most (outside of the home): the workplace.
Every workplace has the opportunity to build the foundation of our all-electric future and convert more people to driving EVs. In this report, we look at the growth of electric mobility, examine how employees charge at work and show how your business can become a part of the new fueling network by offering charging. In the coming months, we’ll analyze sustainability, commercial real estate and other areas poised to have a particularly significant impact on e-mobility.
Join me in taking a look at workplace charging.
Colleen Jansen
Chief Marketing Officer, ChargePoint
Electric Mobility Is Growing Fast
How EV Sales and Global Policies Will Impact Your Company
More and More People Are Choosing to Drive Electric
Electric vehicles (EVs) just make sense. They're quiet, efficient, fun to drive and economical, as well as environmentally responsible. See how these benefits are driving more and more people to choose EVs, including your employees.
Why Are Employees Driving Electric?
There are many compelling reasons to drive electric. Some of the most common are to save on fuel and maintenance costs, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and clear the air, to enjoy fun new technology and to cut commute time by getting in the HOV lane. You probably have employees who fit into each of these buckets and have good reason to choose an EV for their next car even if they haven't gone electric yet.
EV Sales Are Growing Fast
Because driving electric is appealing for so many different reasons, EV sales have risen consistently over the past several years and are expected to keep growing even faster. Worldwide EV sales are forecast to accelerate from 2 million in 2018 to 4 million by 2020, 10 million in 2025 and 21 million in 2030, according to BNEF and Deloitte. This means that many of your employees likely drive electric already, and many more will probably switch soon.
By 2040, 57% of all passenger vehicle sales, and over 30% of the global passenger vehicle fleet, will be electric.
– Electric Vehicle Outlook 2019, BloombergNEF
New Models Offer More Options for Everyone
Automakers have fully committed to electric mobility. More than 50 attractive EV models are already available for purchase, over 50 additional models are slated for global release in 2020. By 2022, 207 electric models will be on the market, according to AlixPartners. The wide variety of EV models available means that there is an appealing option for everyone.
New Options and Price Parity Accelerate Electrification
Longer Range Helps EVs Meet Everyone's Needs
EV range is also advancing: in the U.S., 2019 welcomed four new all-electric models with 230+ miles of range: the Hyundai Kona Electric, Jaguar I-PACE, Kia Niro Electric and Audi e-tron SUV. More range means that EVs can handle the driving needs of more people. Additional long-range U.S. models expected in 2020 include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T and Tesla Model Y.
From 2018 to 2019, there was a 24% increase in EVs in operation in the U.S.
Source: Polk
EVs will reach price parity with gas cars by 2022.
(Deloitte)
Price Parity Is Coming
Due to the cost of batteries, EVs have typically had higher prices than similar gas-powered vehicles. Fortunately, advances in battery technology and reduction in cost mean that is about to change. Deloitte expects EVs to reach price parity with gas vehicles by 2022, making them more financially feasible for people at different income levels.
I decided to drive electric when I realized my daily commute cost more than the paycheck that I was receiving.
Daniel, Chevrolet Volt Owner
Public Policy and Incentives Influence Electrification
Many encouraging policies support the continued growth of EVs and charging in North America and beyond. Millions of dollars in funding are available for EV charging at workplaces like yours.
Financial Incentives for Drivers
If an efficient ride, fuel savings and access to charging at work haven't gotten your employees driving electric, financial incentives might. In the U.S., drivers may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for buying an EV, and many states offer rebates as well. This year, New Jersey will be launching a $5,000 incentive for EV drivers. Canada offers a $5,000 federal credit and additional incentives may be available locally.
Local Emissions Goals
Because greenhouse gas emissions reductions are often a key provision of climate and air quality goals, many states and provinces offer grants and rebates for buying and installing charging stations. The U.S. federal government offers a tax credit covering 30% of the cost of charging infrastructure, up to $30,000 per address. The credit extends through December 31, 2020.
Many states also offer their own financial incentives. For example, the Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program has $5.5 million available in incentives to install charging stations at workplaces and other locations in the state. You can even generate revenue from EV charging activity through local Clean Fuels programs, which are established in California, Oregon and British Columbia and coming soon to Canada nationally and to the Puget Sound region.
Public-Private Partnerships
The Clean Corridors Act of 2019, introduced in the 116th Congress, could pave the way for more EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. Additional promising public-private partnerships are available through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and (in the U.S.) the Volkswagen settlement–funded Environmental Mitigation Trust which provides funding to states to set up grant programs for EV charging and for electrifying bus and truck fleets.
Policies and Funding Help Grow the EV Charging Network
What EV policies affect your business?
- Building codes that require charging
- Local incentives for driving electric
- Demand charges from utilities
- Emission-free zones
- Local emissions targets
Extending Policy Efforts Around the World
Policies in Europe show how mobility is electrifying worldwide.
Shared Urban Charging
An initiative is underway in London to support shared urban charging to grow EV adoption, and ChargePoint fast charging spots are part of an effort to gather data to understand urban charging needs. An impressive 20% of London "black cab" drivers now have EVs, showing that the shift is underway in the UK. As more charging becomes available, EV drivers can supplement workplace charging at locations around town.
European Green Deal
Organizations are working toward strict emission targets and a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate across the European Union to supplement similar mandates already in place in the Netherlands, UK, Norway and elsewhere.
Elements of the European Green Deal include a pollution-free Europe, sustainable transport, climate neutrality and clean, reliable and affordable energy.
Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure
Germany has published a master plan for charging infrastructure that includes national and regional incentives to spur demand for charging and help fund home EV charging and wiring for charging at businesses. ChargePoint helps customers apply for funding and advises on how to best comply with grid codes, public charging obligations and more.
Building Codes
The EU has established requirements for new buildings to be wired for EV charging and drafted requirements for existing buildings to do the same. Now is the time for EU members to build on these requirements and support more ambitious targets.
No matter where you are located, your employees and your business could benefit from EV charging. Read on to see some ways that EV charging can have a positive impact on your workplace.
The Benefits of EV Charging at Work
See How Offering Charging Is Good for Your Business, Your Employees and the Environment
EV Charging Offers Diverse Benefits
Most EV charging happens at home or work. When EV drivers don’t have access to charging at home, workplace charging becomes essential.
But EV charging at work is much more than a convenience for employees who drive electric. It helps your company attract and retain talent and improve employee productivity in a competitive landscape. It’s also a highly visible way to show your commitment to sustainability and reduce emissions from employee commutes.
For all of these reasons and more, EV charging is a must-have for any workplace. Fortunately, it's extremely cost-effective compared with other benefits. It's also increasingly regarded as simply the right thing to do: nearly half of Fortune 500 companies already offer EV charging.
EV Charging Works for Your Employees
EV charging helps you attract, engage and retain talented employees, building loyalty while improving productivity during the workday. There are many ways EVs and charging will play into the decision to join your company—and stay there.
1 in 5 U.S. drivers would get an EV for their next car.
(AAA)
EV Charging Makes Sense for Your Budget
EV charging is an affordable benefit that helps attract, engage and retain employees who are driving electric or would like to make the switch. It's more cost-effective than many common benefits, such as catering and fitness centers.
| Sample Benefit |
Estimated Cost per User per Year |
| Health Insurance |
$20,000+
|
| Commuter Bus |
$5,000+
|
| Subsidized Lunch |
$3,000+ |
| Exercise Facility |
$2,000+
|
| EV Charging |
$450-780 |
| Coffee Service |
$300+ |
We noticed that the number of EV drivers increased after we started offering workplace charging because it enabled people to commute using their EVs...
But the biggest surprise was how it actually helped us attract and retain talent in the very competitive Bay Area job scene. It really helped us recruit good candidates and keep them happy.
Facilities Operations Manager, Amazon Lab126
EV Charging Is Good for the Planet
More and more employees expect their workplace to be socially and environmentally conscious. EV charging is a clear commitment to sustainability that offers many benefits to your company:
- Reduce emissions from employee commutes.
- Encourage participation in other sustainability efforts across the company.
- Measure impact on sustainability with automated emissions reporting.
90% of CEOs say sustainability is fundamental to success.
(SSIR)
Sustainability Is Popular
Sustainability Pays Off
Companies offering ChargePoint charging to their employees have already saved more than 128,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of planting more than
2 million tree seedlings
and growing them for 10 years.
What's your main reason for considering EV charging?
- Recruit new employees
- Engage and retain employees
- Improve productivity
- Deliver an affordable benefit
- Build a green brand image
- Support sustainability efforts
Meet Top Brands Succeeding with EV Charging
Discover Best Practices for a Quality Charging Experience
EV Charging at Work Is Growing Fast
ChargePoint has been helping companies offer EV charging to their employees for more than a decade, and we’re seeing the movement grow.
Our top 15 customers have more than 10,000 places to charge—an impressive testament to their commitment. The EV charging programs of some of these top customers, measured in terms of charging spots, have grown at incredible rates:
- 5,000% in 7 years
- 4,100% in 6 years
- 1,100% in 6 years
Across all workplaces, the number of EV drivers increased 40% from 2018 to 2019. This continued growth shows that EV charging has become a necessity for some of the world's leading brands. Read on to see how they make charging work, at work.
1 in 4 of Fortune’s "Best Companies to Work For" uses ChargePoint
United Airlines Charges Up Across Office Locations
United Airlines is committed to operating sustainably and responsibly.
That's why the company has taken a proactive approach to offering workplace EV charging across multiple office locations. The airline also works with airport partners to offer charging to travelers around the country and the world.
Our employees love EV charging and they want more... It's good to have the data behind the EV charging to understand what more can we do.
Aaron Stash, Manager of Environmental Strategy and Sustainability, United Airlines
UC San Diego Grows with EV Charging
The University of California, San Diego has grown its EV charging program to serve thousands of students, staff, faculty and community members.
Whether it's student cars, university fleets or visitors from the local community, the university makes it convenient for everyone to get charged up as the scale of EV charging on campus grows.
Right now we are experiencing 50 new EV drivers per month coming to campus, twice what we had hoped for.
Byron Washom, Director, Strategic Energy Initiatives, UC San Diego
Kohler Uses Charging to Attract and Retain Talent
Sustainability is a big part of who the Kohler Company is.
With more than 36,000 employees worldwide, Kohler leads the way in manufacturing while supporting sustainability goals by offering EV charging, reusing waste products and much more. Watch the video to learn how Kohler uses EV charging to attract, engage and retain talent.
Employees appreciate the opportunity to charge. It's important on a personal level.
Nathan Nissen, Principal Engineer of Sustainability, Kohler
Kilroy Plans Ahead to Coordinate EV Charging
Planning for EV charging during the development phase is much more affordable than adding it later on.
See how Kilroy Realty supports sustainability efforts and meets building code requirements with EV charging.
ChargePoint has the data and provides it easily... It really makes my life a lot easier when I do my reporting.
Sara Neff, Senior Vice President of Sustainability, Kilroy Realty Corporation
LinkedIn Shapes the Future of Work with EV Charging
LinkedIn is really focused on the employee cultural experience and building a phenomenal workplace environment.
Danielle Glaser, Head of Bay Area Transportation, MUP, LinkedIn
As part of a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint 75% by 2030, LinkedIn offers EV charging at multiple campuses.
Employees love the chance to plug in at work, extending sustainability efforts and improving productivity. The company's Go Green employee sustainability groups have more than 1,500 members and continue to grow across locations.
All in a Day's Work
Real Data on Real Employees Charging at Work
Real World Data on How Employees Charge
At ChargePoint, we've been keeping employees plugged in and charged up for more than a decade.
Because all of our EV charging solutions are networked, we have years of data on how real employees charge at work. In this section of our report, you can discover how real drivers charge up at work and look at what makes a workplace EV charging program successful.
EV Charging Happens All Day Long
The early bird gets the charge: most employees plug in when they arrive at work around 8 am or after lunch, at 1 pm or so. This trend has stayed consistent over the years, showing that charging quickly becomes just another part of the workday for EV-driving employees.
There's More Than Enough Time in the Day to Get Charged
Think it takes too long to charge an EV? Think again. The average EV charging session at work lasts just 2 hours and 24 minutes, just a fraction of the workday. Not only that, but drivers tend to keep their vehicles plugged in for longer than they need to charge. Clearly, employees have more than enough time to charge up at work.
Fees Help More Employees Charge
To make the most of your EV charging solutions, you can set fees that encourage your employees to unplug when they're done charging. For example, you can initially provide charging for free but charge a fee after two hours of charging. This will help ensure that your stations are able to be used by as many employees as possible.
Employees are 6X more likely to drive electric when they can charge at work.
U.S. Department of Energy Workplace Charging Challenge
EV Charging Is Contagious
Employees become 6X more likely to drive electric once they have charging at work, and ChargePoint customers have grown the number of EV drivers by 60 percent. Be sure to prepare for growth in your program by planning to install more charging spots than you think you need right now.
Slow and Steady Wins the Charge
Because there's more than enough time in the workday to charge, not all workplaces need DC fast charging, which can add hundreds of miles per hour to vehicles. However, fast charging may make sense for companies that offer valet parking or have limited parking spaces available. ChargePoint can help find the mix of charging speeds that will work for you.
Get the Right Number of Chargers
When you start to offer EV charging, more employees will decide to drive electric. This means you will need to add charging spots over time. We can draw on our data to recommend the number of spots that will keep your employees charged up and productive during the workday.
Make It Easy with an App
Your employees are probably already accustomed to using apps on their phone for work (and play). Choosing an EV charging solution that is easy for your employees to access and manage with an app will allow them to integrate EV charging into their everyday workflow without effort.
The ChargePoint app lets employees know when charging spots open up and also keeps them informed about their current charging status in real time, so they can stay focused on work.
“The ChargePoint platform is very user friendly and customizable which allows our staff to set pricing to match different user groups such as fleet vehicles, employees and the public. Additionally, ChargePoint is recognized by many EV drivers.”
Dana Armanino, Principal Sustainability Planner, Marin County
Doing Double Duty
Some locations serve as both workplaces and public charging spots, such as retail stores that want to let employees and customers charge. Designating certain stations for employee use only or offering special employee pricing can ensure employees and customers alike get a charge.
Achieving this is only possible with networked EV charging solutions that enable you to customize policies governing who can charge and how much it costs. Employees can get a special access code through a mobile app to let them use certain stations or pay less to charge.
Where Do Employees Charge?
California, Texas, Massachusetts, Georgia and Washington are the top 5 states when it comes to the number of EV charging spots at work. These states are leading in part because they offer incentives to promote EV charging installation at work. If your location is not (yet) on the list, do your part to add it and stay ahead of the competition by offering this benefit.
Taking the Plunge
It's clear that EV charging is an important way to attract, engage and retain employees. What's your timeframe for bringing it to your workplace?
When would you like to add charging?
- ASAP
- In 6 months or so
- This year
- Within 3 years
What You Need to Succeed with EV Charging
Ensure Your Investment Pays Off, Now and in the Future
Make the Workday Better with Networked EV Charging
Just like not all office coffee is created equal (single-origin Ethiopian or bust), not all EV charging solutions are created equal. A networked EV charging solution connects to a network and delivers a better experience for drivers and employers alike, for your company's first charge to your 1,000th and beyond.
Networked solutions unlock smart features that let you limit charging to employees only, add fees for charging, show employees when stations are available and let employees get in a virtual line to charge. Solutions must be networked to qualify for certain grants and rebates, as well as LEED certification. And the more people who want to charge, the more important smart charging becomes. In the next few pages, discover why networked charging is better for you and your employees.
You're in Control
Choosing to invest in networked EV charging gives workplaces the control they need to make EV charging a successful initiative. Networked EV charging stations are connected to cloud services that enable companies to achieve goals such as:
- Limit charging to employees only
- Offer free charging to employees only
- Increase station use with pricing
- Install more stations than electrical capacity
- Set energy limits to avoid high utility bills
- Manage charging remotely
These and other smart features will make your workplace EV charging program a success.
Make Charging Employees-Only
Like open office plans, gourmet coffee and Slack channels, EV charging is a must-have for the modern workplace. Choose to make your stations available for employees only, either only during work hours or all the time. After hours, you could open up charging to the public. This level of flexibility is only possible with networked charging.
Set Fees to Keep Stations in Use
Most employees have more than enough time to charge at work. In fact, some people stay plugged in longer than they need to, which keeps their coworkers from getting the chance to charge. Setting fees for charging or staying parked after a full charge can help keep stations in use.
Ensure Everyone Gets a Charge
A feature called Waitlist lets employees get in a virtual line to charge and receive notifications when a charging spot opens up. This makes sure everyone has a chance to charge, giving employees peace of mind during their busy day. See how to use it in the video.
Simplify the Workday with Tap to Charge
An app makes it easy to find available charging spots and check on charging status. With "tap to charge," it's also easy to start a charge. Just hold a phone with the ChargePoint app installed against any ChargePoint station to authorize the station for employee use, then plug in to start charging.
Tap to charge makes it super simple for employees to get the charge they need at work, hassle-free—no cards, PIN pads or access codes required.
ChargePoint allows me to be able to make a very long commute on a daily basis without getting charge anxiety.
ChargePoint app user
Control Costs and Install More Spots
Manage Power Requirements and Energy Costs to Install More Charging Spots
As more employees drive electric, you will need to install more charging spots to serve all of your EV-driving employees. Without networked charging, this could require electrical upgrades or result in expensive energy bills. Fortunately, smart features can help install more spots and control costs.
Power management enables businesses to install more charging spots than the rated electrical capacity, then share all available power across vehicles. Energy management lets companies set a maximum amount of power to use for charging, resulting in more reasonable utility bills.
Networked Solutions Deliver a Better Experience Overall
Networked EV charging stations are easier and more enjoyable for employees to use, so they get used more often. When you choose a networked solution, more employees can charge with less effort—good news for their productivity and your EV charging program.
Making EV Charging Happen at Work
Learn How to Get Funding and Set Your Workplace Up for Success
Make the Right EV Charging Investment for Your Workplace
There are so many EV charging options out there. It can be hard to sort through them. We lead you through the ins and outs of workplace charging options based on our experience.
Pick the Right Charging Speed
Level 2 AC charging, which adds about 25 miles of range per hour, is well suited to most workplace charging. It helps drivers recover their daily commute (about 30 miles on average) in an hour or two and lets them move on so their coworkers can get a charge during the workday.
DC fast charging can add hundreds of miles of range per hour. It's not necessary for most workplaces because employee vehicles are parked for more than enough time during the workday to get a full charge. However, workplaces with many EV drivers, valet parking or constrained parking scenarios may benefit from DC fast charging.
Valet attendants can move cars in and out of fast charging spots, or employees can check their charging status in an app so they know when to move their car and let others get a fast charge.
Because DC fast charging can be more expensive, AC charging may also fit better in budgets, letting companies install more charging spots and serve more employees with EV charging.
What Will Be Your Role in Bringing EV Charging to Work?
Facilities Managers Install It
Facilities managers will typically be involved in procuring the budget and managing installation for EV charging. ChargePoint makes it easy to fund and install charging with a subscription option that includes installation and maintenance.
HR Managers Promote It
EV charging helps attract, engage and retain employees. It’s a cost-effective, modern benefit that keeps you competitive. HR managers can advertise it on their websites, use it for company branding, mention it in interviews and more.
Sustainability Managers Track It
Sustainability is a key reason to invest in EV charging. Driving electric cuts a commuter's carbon footprint in half or more. A networked EV charging solution automates reporting on the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by EV charging, showing sustainability results with ease.
Ease the Transition with a Subscription
ChargePoint’s subscription solution, ChargePoint as a Service™, is a simple way for businesses to get started with EV charging. It includes installation and maintenance as part of a convenient annual subscription (you choose the term: 1, 3 or 5 years).
Manage Your Energy Costs
Energy solutions like ECO Site can help manage your EV charging costs by setting a ceiling for power use and avoiding expensive demand charges from your utility. This is crucial as more and more employees plug in, generating more demand for energy over time.
Find the Funding You Need
Grants, rebates, tax credits and other incentives are available to support EV charging in many locations worldwide. U.S. businesses are eligible for a 30% tax credit (up to $30,000) on the cost of EV charging hardware and installation. Many other funding programs are focused on workplace charging, and the total amount of public policy incentives potentially available to workplaces exceeds $1 billion in North America. We provide a comprehensive listing of funding opportunities and will walk you through the process of applying.
Find Funding
Charge Up Around the World
EVs make great company cars because they have lower fuel costs. They also help leasing companies build a green brand as they serve more customers. ChargePoint can help global companies offer EV charging to employees at work and at home. No matter where you live, ChargePoint has a solution that works for you and your drivers.
