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How to Prepare for EV Charger Installation in the Workplace

Updated: Nov 22


Install EV chargers at the workplace for those employees who already own an EV and you’ll make loyal employees out of them. You might say they'll even become “charged up” about the idea.


For employees who live in the city and rent apartments, owning an EV is simply not possible because of the inability to install an EV charging system where they live. If you install EV chargers at work, you can help create converts for the EV revolution. 


To prepare for EV charger installation in the workspace, we can help you get ready, get set, and go! This is going to be electrifying (pun intended).


A woman seen from above plugging her electric car into an EV charger at a green parking lot.

Getting Ready for EV Charger Installation

Before installing, it’s wise to conduct a needs analysis for EV charging to determine the number of current employees with EV vehicles. To assess the potential size and use of the EV charging system, it helps to think of employees as customers of the system, so companies understand how to set prices for EV charging according to market trends. Companies can also subsidize ‌charging costs to be lower than nearby charging stations or give EV charging for free as an employee perk.


With the addition of EV charging stations, there are plenty of additional benefits, such as attracting talented workers and meeting sustainability initiatives. Include an estimate of the value of these additional benefits, so you can evaluate the business case to support the investment in an EV charging system. 


Additionally, EV charging stations are easy to upgrade, and your installation is flexible enough to respond to future needs.


There may be a needs case that supports the value proposition of starting with a modest EV charging system that can expand to accommodate increased usage. Work with the team at NetZero Energy to help you decide on the specifications and system requirements.


Standalone EV charging unit at a commercial parking lot, designed for high-power EV charger installation.

Getting Set Up for EV Charging Installation

Once you’ve decided on the added value of EV charging at the workplace, the following considerations are practical decisions you can make with our help. For example, you might want to ask yourself: What type of EV chargers do you need? How many? Where will the EV chargers be installed? What are the system power requirements? How will you manage the system?


Type of EV chargers

In terms of charging vehicles during a workday, you can use the lower-cost and slower-charging EV chargers. You may want a few emergency, fast-charging systems, but the low-cost slow chargers are more prominent in workplace installations. The number of EV chargers to install should be determined from the results of your needs analysis and usage estimates.


Where will the EV chargers be installed?

If you want the EV chargers to have higher usage levels, you may want to place the EV chargers in prominent places, conveniently near ‌building entrances. As an alternative, you can also consider valets to drive the cars to a remote EV charging area in a place that's less costly to use.


What are the system power requirements?

Installation engineers from NetZero Energy can help you evaluate the EV charging site and its connection to the electrical grid. In some cases, you may need to upgrade electrical equipment. However, there are alternatives, such as high-capacity battery recharging should the connection to the electrical grid be insufficient.


How will you manage the system?

This is the super-charged part, as you are always in control. If you are the business owner, you can manage the system using a mobile phone with a secure connection to the EV charger software. The interface is very intuitive, and your system supervisor will not need any special training. 


The system can automatically allocate power across all EV charging stations in balanced amounts or be programmed with overrides to give more power to specific EV charging stations. The load-balancing software is intelligent and flexible. It protects the system by prohibiting electrical loads greater than the system can handle. The system can reduce the charging or increase the charging rates as needed.


Overhead view of cars at an EV charging station installation, with a blue electric vehicle plugged in.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are not excited about EV charger installation at the workplace yet, you should be. Here are a few ideas on how to build enthusiasm for EVs and workplace charging. Encourage company executives to lead the way with their own EVs displayed out front, prominently charging in reserved spaces by the building entrance. You can also reward carpooling in EVs by letting them charge the carpool EVs at discount rates or for free. 


The world is moving away from gasoline-powered vehicles; however, the take-up rate of EV vehicles is hindered by the cost of EVs and the lack of EV charging stations. Forward-thinking companies see the opportunity for EV charging at work to gain a competitive advantage. 


This is helpful when trying to attract high-value employees and build brand awareness of the company’s support for sustainability initiatives.


Close-up of EV charger installation, showing a person connecting a cable to a modern EV charging station.

Electrify the Company Culture at Your Workplace

EV-charger-enabled businesses can boost employee morale, especially if you want to encourage people to come to the office. For those looking to minimize their carbon footprint and care for the environment, the act of driving a new EV to work and charging it while on the job can be a highly gratifying experience. 


This perk is more impactful in the northwestern states of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, which are in the service area of NetZero Energy. Additionally you can charge your EV knowing that the business is deriving their energy from sustainable and greener sources. 


Your go-to team to make this happen is NetZero Energy, so get in touch today and learn how to prepare for EV charger installation in the workplace.

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