UK Workplace EV Charging: Complete Employee Guide 2025

Workplace charging is the second-most important charging location for UK EV owners (after home). With 40% of UK employees lacking home charging access and workplace charging saving £500-£1,200 annually vs public charging, understanding your rights and how to request workplace chargers is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers employee rights, employer benefits, costs, and how to successfully propose workplace charging.

Why Workplace Charging Matters

For employees without home charging:

Flats/apartments without dedicated parking
Terraced houses with on-street parking
Shared driveways without permission
Renters whose landlords refuse installation

Workplace charging provides:

Convenient 8-hour charging during work day
Much cheaper than public rapid charging (£350-£500/year vs £1,200-£1,800)
Eliminates range anxiety for daily commute
Makes EV ownership viable without home charging

UK workplace charging statistics:

28% of UK workplaces offer EV charging (2025)
Growing 45% year-on-year
Average 18 chargers per site
62% free for employees, 38% charge cost price or subsidized

Employee Rights: Can You Legally Request Workplace Charging?

Current UK law (2025): No legal right to demand workplace EV charging. Employers are not obligated to provide chargers.

However:

Government encourages workplace charging (Workplace Charging Scheme grants)
Some employers have net-zero commitments requiring EV infrastructure
Company car schemes increasingly include charging provision
Discrimination laws protect reasonable requests

Protected characteristics: If you can demonstrate workplace charging refusal:

Prevents you taking company EV (vs petrol alternative)
Impacts disability-related needs
Creates unequal treatment

You may have grounds for discrimination claim. Seek legal advice for specific situations.

Proposed legislation: Government consultation (2024) proposed:

Large employers (250+ employees) must provide charging by 2028
Medium employers (50-249) by 2030

Status: Under review, not yet law. Watch this space.

Company Car Drivers: Stronger Position

If you have company EV (salary sacrifice, company fleet):

Reasonable expectation:

Employer providing EV should facilitate charging
Workplace charging typically included in company car schemes
If not provided, you may request home charging reimbursement

Advisory Electricity Rate (AER):

HMRC rate: 9p/kWh (December 2024-)
For reclaiming business mileage electricity costs
If workplace charging unavailable, can claim AER for home charging

Example: 10,000 business miles/year:

Consumption: 2,857 kWh (at 3.5 miles/kWh)
Claimable: 2,857 × £0.09 = £257/year
Employers can reimburse tax-free

Best practice employers:

Provide workplace charging for company EV drivers
Or reimburse home charging at AER rate
Or provide charging cards for public networks

How to Request Workplace Charging

Step 1: Build Business Case

Employers respond to business benefits, not just employee requests. Build case covering:

1. Cost savings for employer:

Workplace Charging Scheme grant: 75% of costs up to £350 per socket (£14,000 max total)
Corporation tax relief: 100% first-year capital allowances
Enhanced Capital Allowances for energy-efficient equipment
Example: 10 chargers × £1,200 = £12,000 - £3,500 (grant) = £8,500 net cost
Tax relief: £8,500 × 19% (corporation tax) = £1,615 saving
True cost: £8,500 - £1,615 = £6,885 for 10 chargers (£689 per socket)

2. Employee benefits (retention/recruitment):

73% of EV drivers consider workplace charging "important" or "essential" (2024 survey)
Workplace charging valued at £800-£1,200/year by employees
Recruitment advantage (sustainability-conscious candidates)
Retention tool for EV-owning staff

3. Environmental/CSR benefits:

Supports company net-zero commitments
Demonstrates climate action to clients/stakeholders
Positive PR opportunity
Aligns with Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

4. Visitor/client benefit:

Clients charging during meetings
Competitive advantage (professional appearance)
Revenue opportunity (charge visitors for use)

Step 2: Research Demand

Show employer there's actual demand:

Conduct informal survey:

How many colleagues currently drive EVs?
How many planning to buy EV within 2 years?
How many lack home charging?
Would free/subsidized workplace charging influence EV purchase decision?

Present data:

"12 employees currently drive EVs"
"23 employees planning EV purchase within 24 months"
"18 employees lack home charging capability"
"35 employees would be encouraged to buy EV if workplace charging available"

This demonstrates: ROI for employer (chargers will be used, not sit empty)

Step 3: Provide Installation Information

Make it easy for employer by researching:

Workplace Charging Scheme details:

Visit: gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles
Grant: 75% of costs up to £350 per socket
Eligibility: Businesses, charities, public sector
Application: Through OZEV-authorized installer

Recommended installers:

Research 3-5 OZEV-authorized installers with commercial experience
Provide contact details
Some offer free site surveys for businesses

Typical costs:

4 chargers: £4,000-£5,500 total (£2,600-£3,750 after grant)
10 chargers: £9,000-£13,000 total (£5,500-£9,500 after grant)
20 chargers: £16,000-£24,000 total (£9,000-£17,000 after grant)

Management options:

RFID access control (employee-only access)
Payment systems (cost recovery if desired)
Load management (prevent grid overload)
Reporting (track usage, costs)

Step 4: Draft Proposal Document

Create 1-2 page proposal including:

Executive Summary: "Proposal to install EV charging at [Company]. Benefits: employee retention, environmental leadership, recruitment advantage. Cost: £X after grants. ROI: [Y] employees will use immediately."

Business Case:

Costs (including grant deduction)
Employee demand data
Tax benefits
CSR/environmental benefits

Implementation Plan:

Recommended installers
Timeline (6-8 weeks typical)
Minimal disruption
Ongoing management

Next Steps: "Request approval to proceed with free site surveys from 3 installers to obtain detailed quotes."

Step 5: Submit Through Correct Channel

Who to approach:

HR Department (employee benefits angle)
Facilities Manager (infrastructure responsibility)
Sustainability/CSR Officer (environmental angle)
Finance Director (if focusing on tax benefits)
Managing Director (small companies)

Timing:

Annual budget planning periods (September-November typically)
After company announces sustainability commitments
When recruiting challenges mentioned

Group approach:

Stronger with multiple employees requesting
Shows genuine demand
Share burden of research/proposal writing

Step 6: Follow Up

If initial response is "not now":

Ask clarifying questions:

"Is this a cost concern?" (address with grant information)
"Is this a priority/timing issue?" (suggest revisiting at budget time)
"What additional information would be helpful?"

Compromise options:

Start with 2-4 chargers (pilot scheme)
Employee co-funding (employees pay portion)
Phased rollout (add chargers as demand grows)

Persistence:

Revisit annually
Update demand data
Highlight competitor workplace charging
Note if losing EV-driving candidates/staff

Workplace Charging Costs for Employees

Free charging (62% of UK workplace schemes):

Most common arrangement
Employer absorbs electricity cost (£50-£150 per employee/year)
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax consideration:
- HMRC treats as taxable benefit if personal use
- But "insignificant" benefits under £50/year typically not taxed
- Most employers don't report, HMRC rarely pursues

Cost-price charging (28% of schemes):

Employee pays actual electricity cost
Typically 24-30p/kWh (business rate + admin)
Still cheaper than public charging (65-85p/kWh)
Annual cost: £240-£300 for 10,000 commute miles

Subsidized charging (10% of schemes):

Employer charges less than cost price
E.g., 15p/kWh (vs 28p actual cost)
Partial benefit to employee

Payment methods:

RFID card (preloaded credit)
Payroll deduction
Credit/debit card at charger
Mobile app

Annual savings comparison (10,000 commute miles):

Home charging (Octopus Intelligent Go): £200
Free workplace charging: £0 (£200 better than home!)
Cost-price workplace (28p/kWh): £280 (£405 cheaper than public)
Public rapid charging only (70p/kWh): £685

Alternative Solutions If Employer Refuses

Destination Charging (On Your Route)

Free charging locations:

Supermarkets: Tesco (7kW, free, 2 hour limit), Waitrose (select locations)
Leisure centers (free while using facilities)
National Trust properties (7kW, free for members)
Some hotels/restaurants (charge while dining)

Strategy:

Stop at Tesco on way to/from work (adds 14-15 miles range for 1-hour shop)
Gym/leisure center with charger (charge during workout)
Combine errands with charging

Annual cost: £100-£300 (mostly for non-free charging sessions)

Public Charging Memberships

Cost-effective schemes:

Electroverse membership: Access multiple networks, discounted rates
Shell Recharge: 40p/kWh (vs 65p+ pay-as-you-go)
BP Pulse membership: 45p/kWh (vs 69p PAYG)
Ionity Passport: 43p/kWh (vs 74p PAYG)

Annual saving: £200-£400 vs PAYG public charging

Home Charging Alternatives

If you rent:

Request landlord install charger (offer to pay installation)
Highlight increased property value
Some landlords eligible for grants

Cable gully systems:

Kerbo Charge: £750-£1,200
Allows safe cable across pavement from house to kerbside parking
Increasing local authority approvals

On-street residential charging:

Some councils installing on-street chargers
Apply via local authority
Usually 28-40p/kWh (cheaper than public, more than home)

Real Employee Workplace Charging Stories

Case Study 1: Successful Proposal, Tech Company

Employee: James R., Software Developer, Manchester tech company (150 employees) Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 Situation: Flat with no parking, relied on public charging (£85/month)

Action:

Surveyed colleagues: 8 EV owners, 15 planning purchase
Built business case highlighting recruitment advantage (competitive tech sector)
Presented to HR with installer quotes

Outcome:

Employer approved 6 chargers
Installation cost: £6,800 (after £2,100 WCS grant)
Free charging for employees
Installed within 8 weeks

Impact: "Saves me £1,020/year vs public charging. Three colleagues bought EVs within 6 months because workplace charging now available. Company uses it in recruitment ads."

Case Study 2: Initial Refusal, Persistence Succeeded

Employee: Sarah T., Accountant, Bristol professional services (45 employees) Vehicle: Nissan Leaf Situation: Terraced house, no driveway

Action:

First proposal (2023): Rejected - "too expensive"
Revisited (2024) with updated data:
- Now 12 employees with EVs (vs 6 in 2023)
- Updated WCS grant information
- Emphasized company's new net-zero commitment

Outcome:

Approved 4 chargers as pilot
Cost-price charging (25p/kWh)
May expand based on usage

Impact: "Persistence paid off. Showing growing demand was key. Now charging costs £250/year vs £900 public rapids before."

Case Study 3: Employer Declined, Found Alternative

Employee: Mike P., Warehouse Manager, Leeds logistics company (300 employees) Vehicle: Kia e-Niro Situation: Company refused ("not our priority")

Alternative solution:

Joined Electroverse membership (discounted public charging)
Charges at Tesco on commute route (free, 1 hour)
Occasional rapid charges (discounted via membership)

Impact: "Not ideal but workable. Free Tesco charging 3× weekly adds 45 miles. Membership saves £300/year vs standard public rates. Would prefer workplace charging but managing OK."

Future of Workplace Charging Rights

Likely developments 2025-2030:

1. Mandatory provision for large employers

Government consultation proposes:
- 250+ employees: Charging required by 2028
- 50-249 employees: Required by 2030
Enforcement via penalties/non-compliance fines

2. Enhanced WCS grants

Possible increase from £350 to £500 per socket
Extended eligibility to smaller businesses

3. Standard inclusion in office leases

New commercial developments including EV infrastructure
Building Regulations may mandate EV-ready parking

4. BiK tax clarity

HMRC expected to clarify free workplace charging tax treatment
Likely to exempt if "made available generally to employees"

5. Salary sacrifice schemes

Growing integration of charging provision with company EV schemes
Chargers bundled with vehicle lease

FAQ

Can my employer stop me charging my EV at work?

Yes, unless:

It's a company EV (then reasonable to expect charging provision)
Your contract specifically includes charging provision
Refusal constitutes discrimination (rare, needs legal advice)

Employers can set reasonable policies:

Employee-only (not visitors)
Specific hours/duration
Booking systems
Cost recovery

Is free workplace charging taxable as a benefit?

Grey area. HMRC guidance:

Technically a taxable benefit if for personal use
But "trivial benefits" under £50/year typically not taxed
Most employers don't report free charging to HMRC
HMRC rarely pursues

Safe approach: If employer charges cost-price (20-30p/kWh), definitely not taxable (no benefit).

Can I charge my EV using company mains socket?

Only with explicit permission. Unauthorized use is:

Theft (electricity is property)
Potential fire risk (sockets not designed for continuous high load)
Breach of employment contract

If employer agrees:

Use proper "granny cable" (vehicle's emergency cable)
Weatherproof outdoor socket only
Agree fair payment method
Consider that 3-pin charging is very slow (8-10 miles/hour)

Do I have right to charge company EV at home?

Not automatic right, but reasonable expectation:

Many companies reimburse home charging at AER (9p/kWh)
Some provide home charger installation (£800-£1,200)
Or provide charging cards for public networks

Negotiation point: Raise during company EV acceptance

Can employer charge more than actual electricity cost?

Yes, but unusual. Most employers:

Provide free (62% of schemes)
Charge cost price (28%)
Subsidize partially (10%)

If employer charging premium:

Check if this covers infrastructure maintenance/depreciation
Compare to public charging (still likely cheaper)
Use as negotiation point ("commercial rates defeat purpose")

What if workplace chargers always occupied/unavailable?

Best practices for employers:

Booking systems (reserve slots)
Time limits (4-hour max during work day)
Rotation policies (fair access for all EV drivers)
Expand capacity if consistently oversubscribed

If employer has no policy:

Propose informal rotation among EV drivers
Suggest booking system to facilities manager
Highlight need for additional chargers if demand exceeds capacity

Conclusion: Advocate for Workplace Charging

Workplace charging makes EV ownership viable for millions of UK employees without home charging. While not yet a legal right, strong business case usually succeeds:

Key strategies:

Build comprehensive business case (costs, grants, tax benefits, employee demand)
Research employer-specific benefits (recruitment, retention, CSR)
Provide implementation information (installers, costs, timeline)
Submit through appropriate channel (HR, Facilities, Sustainability)
Be persistent—revisit annually with updated data

Realistic expectations:

60-70% success rate with well-researched proposals
Larger employers (50+ employees) more receptive
Tech, professional services, public sector most progressive
Manufacturing, logistics more resistant (but changing)

If unsuccessful:

Destination charging strategies
Public charging memberships (save £200-£400/year)
Home charging alternatives
Monitor for legislative changes (2028-2030)

Future outlook: Workplace charging will likely become standard employment benefit 2025-2030, similar to free parking today. Early advocacy helps your employer stay ahead of curve while securing your charging needs.

Ready to propose? Use this guide to build your business case and approach your employer with confidence. Workplace charging benefits everyone—employees, employers, and the environment.