Fleet charging considerations and infrastructure
What the LEXperts say
Fleet managers can streamline their operations and could improve employee satisfaction by making charging easy – whether at home, at work or on the go. A range of flexible and cost-effective solutions are available.
How can employees charge their EVs?
Home charging
Home charging can be done through a dedicated wall-box. Installing home charge points, costing approximately £500 – £1200, offers convenience for employees reducing the need for public charging stops and minimising work disruptions.
A dedicated EV home charger operates at 7kW although you can charge via a three-pin plug socket, a dedicated home charge point significantly reduces charging times compared to a three-pin socket. For example, a 77kWh Kia EV6 can charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 6 hours 30 minutes with a 7kW home charger. It would take up to three times that with a three-pin socket.
Public charging
Many UK towns and cities offer on-street charge points from lamp posts or other electrical outlets. Charge points are also available at service stations and supermarkets, some of which are ultra-rapid units. With over 70,000 public charge points in the UK as of January 2025, fleets can leverage this growing network.
Most modern EVs come equipped with built-in sat nav systems that identify public charging points and, in some cases, integrate charging stops into route planning. Additionally, apps like ZapMap provide a useful way to locate charge points and check availability in real time. While fleet managers aren’t responsible for ensuring chargers are operational or available, they can support drivers by providing guidance on how to use these tools effectively, ensuring seamless access to charging during work travel.
Workplace charging
Installing workplace charge points requires careful planning to ensure efficiency and long-term viability. Businesses should first assess the best locations for chargers – considering employee parking habits and future EV adoption. If the premises are rented or leased, obtaining landlord permissions may be necessary.
Key considerations include selecting OZEV-authorised installers, determining the number and type of chargers needed (e.g. fast chargers for full-day parking or rapid chargers for short stays), and planning for future demand. Ongoing maintenance is also crucial. This may seem daunting but, charge point providers are well versed in recommending optimal workplace charging solutions and strategies.
Taking a strategic approach ensures workplace charging remains cost-effective, scalable, and beneficial for both employees and business operations.
What is the cost of charging an EV?
Understanding EV charging routines allows fleet managers to better forecast expenses and ensure optimal fleet operation. Compared to the cost of fuelling petrol vehicles, charging an EV can offer substantial savings. For example, here is a summary of typical charging specifications for a Kia EV6:
|
Charger type |
Power output |
Charging time (20% - 80%) |
Average cost (per kWh) |
Example cost |
Cost per mile |
Typical usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Charger type Home (EV tariff) |
Power output 7.4kW |
Charging time (20% - 80%) 6 hours, 30 minutes |
Average cost (per kWh) 8p |
Example cost £3.53 |
Cost per mile 1.9p |
Typical usage At home, overnight charging |
|
Charger type Home (domestic tariff) |
Power output 7.4kW |
Charging time (20% - 80%) 6 hours, 30 minutes |
Average cost (per kWh) 25p |
Example cost £11.03 |
Cost per mile 6p |
Typical usage At home, or workplace charging |
|
Charger type Public (fast) |
Power output <50kW |
Charging time (20% - 80%) 54 minutes |
Average cost (per kWh) 57p |
Example cost £25.14 |
Cost per mile 13.6p |
Typical usage Service stations or urban hubs |
|
Charger type Public (rapid) |
Power output >50kW |
Charging time (20% - 80%) 20 minutes |
Average cost (per kWh) 80p |
Example cost £35.28 |
Cost per mile 19p |
Typical usage Service stations and high-demand areas |
Example used: A Kia EV6 with a 77.4kWh battery with a range of 328 miles charging at 7.4kW, 50kW and 150kW speeds. Based on estimates, charging time and costs can differ by vehicle, the state of the battery and external factors. Costs taken from ZapMap price index November 2024.
Charging costs vary depending on location and rates. When charging at home, rates can be as low as 7p/kWh, translating to a cost of less than 2p per mile. This makes EVs significantly more cost-effective, often a fraction of the cost of petrol.
For context, a petrol vehicle averaging 40mpg costs around 17p per mile, while a diesel at 50mpg costs roughly 14p per mile. Over 16,000 miles per year, this could translate to savings of more than £1,500 per vehicle when switching to EVs.
Fleet managers should consider how and where vehicles are charged to maximise savings. Apps and in-car navigation systems help drivers find the best chargers, ensuring efficiency and cost control. Public charging is often more expensive, so it's best to top up just enough to reach a cheaper home or workplace charger.
Just like petrol and diesel prices, EV charging costs vary depending on the provider and location. For example, charging at motorway services is often more expensive than at supermarkets or urban charging points, in a similar way to refuelling with petrol or diesel. With over 20 providers in the UK, fleet managers should help drivers understand these cost differences and plan accordingly to minimise expenses.
Providing EV charge cards can further streamline payments, offering fleet managers greater oversight on costs, simplifying reimbursements, and enabling VAT recovery. Additionally, payment apps and RFID cards improve accessibility and provide valuable operational insights, making fleet electrification more manageable and cost-effective.
Article published February 2025