A third of EV fleets don’t have on-site charging

One third of companies – either considering or already using electrified vehicles – don’t have charging points available at their company premises, research from the latest Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer shows.

When the same businesses were asked: “What are your current arrangements for company car and van charging points?”, the responses were that 33% had no charging points at their company premises, while 17% plan to install charging points at company premises in the next 12 months. 

Shaun Sadlier, Head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, said: “We’re at a stage in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) where companies are still in the process of aligning the cars and vans they operate with their charging needs, and the third who don’t yet provide charging at their premises may be experiencing some operational difficulties as a result.

“Within a relatively short period of time, it’s likely that all business operating vehicles which have their own parking will offer charging and the 17% who aim to do this within the next year indicate this shift is underway. Within a relatively short space of time – perhaps 2-3 years – we expect this kind of provision to become commonplace.”

The research also showed that 29% of businesses had free charging points at their premises, while 5% had charging points at company premises for which drivers paid.

“It’s also notable that where charging is being offered, it is much more common for it to be free rather than a pay-on-use model. It will be interesting to see whether this persists as EVs move towards becoming the norm, especially if the price of power continues to rise in the manner we have seen in recent times.

“It could be that providing free electricity to all EV users who wish to use their chargers actually becomes quite a considerable cost for some companies, especially those who have undertaken large scale installations.”

More than a quarter subsidise home charging point costs

A further question in the Arval Mobility Observatory Barometer showed that when it comes to home charging, 27% of companies subsidise the cost of home charging points while 16% make drivers pay for home installation of charging.

Shaun said: “This is an interesting finding, we feel, and there are quite strong arguments for businesses adopting both approaches. Home charger installation is arguably a necessity for a driver who wants or is being told to adopt an EV but it is also a benefit.

“However, with charger installation costing in the region of £1,000, we believe that employers should probably bear the cost or make a substantial contribution – particularly for job EV need drivers –simply because that amount is likely to prove a potential barrier to adoption for many individuals.”

Arval Mobility Observatory carries out its authoritative research of key trends in the fleet and mobility sectors every year. The 2022 Barometer talked to fleet decision makers in 26 countries and the figures shown here cover UK responses to this section of the survey. Sign up to receive research packs at arval.co.uk/amo-insight

What are your current arrangements for company car and van charging points? (Base of companies considering or already using plug-in hybrids or battery electric vehicles)