Commercial EV Charging: A New Revenue Stream and Employee Perk
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, forward-thinking organisations are discovering that electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure represents far more than just an environmental commitment—it's becoming a strategic business asset that generates revenue while enhancing workplace appeal. As the UK's transition to electric mobility accelerates, commercial EV charging installations are emerging as a powerful tool for business growth, employee satisfaction, and future-proofing commercial properties.
The Growing Workplace Charging Demand
The statistics speak volumes about the shifting automotive landscape. With over 1.1 million electric vehicles on UK roads and government mandates phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, workplace charging has transformed from a luxury amenity to an essential facility. Research indicates that employees who drive electric vehicles are increasingly prioritising charging accessibility when considering employment opportunities. A recent survey revealed that 78% of EV drivers consider workplace charging availability "important" or "very important" in their job selection process.
This demand isn't limited to current EV owners either. As more employees contemplate their next vehicle purchase, the presence of workplace charging infrastructure significantly influences their decision-making process. Businesses that install charging stations today are positioning themselves as employers of choice for tomorrow's workforce.
Monetisation Opportunities for Businesses
Direct Revenue Generation
Commercial EV charging installations offer multiple revenue streams that can transform what was once a cost centre into a profit-generating asset. Through public charging access during non-business hours, businesses can:
- Generate income from public users through pay-per-use charging sessions
- Implement subscription models for regular visitors or local residents
- Create partnership opportunities with charging network operators
- Leverage government grants and incentives that significantly reduce installation costs
Enhanced Property Value
Commercial properties equipped with EV charging infrastructure are experiencing notable increases in market valuation. Estate agents report that buildings with charging facilities command premium rental rates and attract higher-quality tenants. The presence of EV charging is increasingly viewed as a standard amenity rather than an optional extra, much like broadband connectivity became essential in the early 2000s.
Employee Attraction and Retention Benefits
The Modern Workplace Perk
In an increasingly competitive job market, EV charging represents a tangible benefit that demonstrates an employer's commitment to both employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility. Organisations that offer workplace charging report:
- Improved employee satisfaction scores among both EV and non-EV drivers
- Enhanced employer branding as a forward-thinking, sustainable organisation
- Reduced staff turnover particularly among technical and managerial staff
- Increased productivity as employees can charge during work hours rather than making special trips
Cost Savings for Employees
For employees driving electric vehicles, workplace charging represents significant financial benefits. With electricity costs typically lower than public charging rates and the convenience of charging during work hours, employees can save hundreds of pounds annually on fuel costs. This indirect compensation boost strengthens the employer-employee relationship without increasing direct salary expenses.
Visitor and Customer Amenity Enhancement
Improving the Customer Experience
Commercial EV charging isn't just for employees—it's becoming an expected amenity for visitors, clients, and customers. Businesses that offer charging facilities report:
- Extended visitor dwell times as customers wait for their vehicles to charge
- Increased footfall from EV drivers specifically seeking charging locations
- Enhanced corporate image demonstrating technological advancement and customer care
- Competitive differentiation from similar businesses without charging facilities
Hospitality and Retail Applications
For hotels, shopping centres, and leisure facilities, EV charging represents a powerful customer attraction tool. Hotels with charging stations report higher occupancy rates from EV-driving guests, while retail centres see increased spending from customers who combine shopping with charging sessions.
Future-Proofing Commercial Car Parks
Strategic Infrastructure Planning
Installing EV charging infrastructure today represents a strategic investment in the future viability of commercial properties. As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, properties without charging facilities risk becoming obsolete. Forward-thinking businesses are:
- Installing scalable systems that can easily expand as demand grows
- Future-proofing electrical infrastructure to support additional charging points
- Planning for smart charging capabilities that optimise energy usage and costs
- Considering vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology that could generate additional revenue
Regulatory Preparedness
With governments increasingly mandating EV readiness in new commercial developments and planning regulations evolving to require charging infrastructure, early adoption positions businesses ahead of regulatory requirements. This proactive approach avoids costly retrofitting and ensures compliance with future legislation.
CRG Direct's Commercial EV Infrastructure Solutions
At CRG Direct, we specialise in designing and installing comprehensive EV charging solutions tailored to commercial requirements. Our approach combines technical expertise with business acumen to deliver installations that maximise both operational efficiency and financial returns.
Our Commercial Installation Services
- Site assessment and feasibility studies to determine optimal charging placement
- Scalable infrastructure design that grows with your business needs
- Grant application assistance to access available government funding
- Ongoing maintenance and support ensuring reliable operation
- Revenue management systems for paid charging implementations
Case Study: Office Park Transformation
One of our recent projects involved transforming a 500-space corporate car park into a revenue-generating charging hub. By installing 50 dual-port chargers with smart management systems, the client:
- Generated £45,000 annual revenue from public charging
- Reduced employee turnover by 18% in technical roles
- Increased property valuation by 7%
- Achieved full return on investment within 3.2 years
The Business Case for Commercial EV Charging
The financial justification for commercial EV charging installations has never been stronger. With installation costs decreasing and usage increasing, most commercial installations achieve:
- Return on investment within 2-4 years through direct revenue and indirect benefits
- Operating cost reductions through smart energy management
- Asset value appreciation enhancing balance sheet strength
- Brand value enhancement difficult to quantify but increasingly significant
Getting Started with Your Commercial EV Project
Implementing commercial EV charging requires careful planning and expert guidance. The key steps include:
- Demand assessment analysing current and future charging needs
- Infrastructure planning considering electrical capacity and physical layout
- Funding exploration identifying available grants and incentives
- Technology selection choosing appropriate charger types and management systems
- Implementation strategy minimising business disruption during installation
Conclusion: Charging Towards a Profitable Future
Commercial EV charging represents a rare convergence of environmental responsibility and business opportunity. By installing charging infrastructure today, businesses not only contribute to the UK's net-zero ambitions but also position themselves for financial success in the electric vehicle era. The combination of revenue generation, employee benefits, customer amenity enhancement, and future-proofing creates a compelling business case that grows stronger with each passing month.
As electric vehicle adoption continues its exponential growth, the window for early-mover advantage is closing. Businesses that act now will reap the benefits of being charging pioneers, while those who delay risk playing catch-up in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Ready to transform your commercial property with EV charging infrastructure? Contact CRG Direct today to discuss how we can help you create a revenue-generating, future-proof charging solution that enhances your business appeal and supports your sustainability goals.
