CreatingaWorkplaceChargingPlanofAction

According to Drive Clean, 74 percent of EV owners express strong interest in workplace charging. Employers that offer EV charging as a benefit to their employees show that they understand the importance of EV adoption and they can even serve as a way of attracting and retaining employees. 

More and more, employees are looking at company values as important part of choosing where to work. EV charging can also make a statement to employees that both the environment and the latest technology are important to the organization. 

By designating a percentage of parking spaces for EV charging, companies can also gain points toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and other sustainability goals.

Creating a plan of action
While employees who have access to workplace charging are six times more likely to drive electric, the employer must engage directly with the workforce in order to propel staff towards this goal.

Smart Columbus developed a Workplace Charging Plan of Action to outline a seven-step process for workplaces to move through. The toolkit contains specific timing of each of the steps to align with the AEP Ohio rebate that is available in the Columbus Region. However, the plan emphasizes that workplace charging is a comprehensive program that goes beyond installing charging stations. The seven steps to workplace charging include: 

1. Survey staff to assess current and future charging needs

Use a sample employee survey developed by the Electrification Coalition to learn: 

• EV ownership interest 
• Impact of charging 
• Employee driving behavior

2. Work with facilities staff and contractors to determine a site plan

• Consider available electric access 
• Popular parking spaces 
• Ideal utilization and placement

3. Apply for EV charging rebates, if applicable

4. Write a workplace charging policy to govern charging practices

Create user policy for best use, considering: 

• Frequency and timing of access 
• Public availability 
• Fee vs. free 
• EV charging etiquette

5. Formal announcement to employees for maximum activation and celebration. - Share information with internal and external community 

6. Complete installation and make the charging infrastructure operational; and 

7. Host a Ride & Drive event to give staff the experience of driving electric. 

Learn more by downloading the Workplace Charging Plan of Action, sample employee survey and charging policy below.