SME workplace charging works best as a small, well-managed bay group with clear staff rules, not as a car-park-wide speculative build. Start with a utilisation survey, a load assessment and a decision on whether charging is a benefit, a recharged cost or fleet-only. OZEV workplace grants may offset part of eligible per-socket costs where you qualify, but live rates must be checked on GOV.UK and civils often dwarf the grant. Appoint an installer who can deliver load management, certification and a support path for faults on Monday morning.
Size the first phase to behaviour
Count how many staff already drive plug-in vehicles and how long cars sit during the day. Two to four sockets with scheduling often teach you more than twelve idle posts.
Include accessible bays and lighting in phase one so early adopters are not forced into awkward corners.
Electrics and load management
Most SME sites share a finite incoming supply with HVAC, kitchens or workshop loads. Load management that shares capacity across sockets prevents nuisance trips and expensive DNO upgrades you do not yet need.
Ask for a maximum demand assessment before you promise every employee a full charge by 17:00.
- Map meter capacity and diversity
- Decide AC power per bay for typical dwell times
- Leave ducting for a second phase
Policy, billing and etiquette
Write rules for bay hogging, overnight parking, visitor use and fault reporting. If staff pay, choose RFID or app billing that finance can reconcile without spreadsheet pain.
Company car drivers may need mileage and benefit policy updates alongside the hardware.
Grants and budgets
Workplace chargepoint grants have historically contributed a fixed amount per eligible socket rather than funding full civils. Confirm open status and values on GOV.UK. Education and landlord routes differ.
Board papers should show gross project cost, assumed grant, operating software fees and a maintenance line.
Procurement without lock-in regret
Prefer hardware your local installer can warrant and replace quickly. Proprietary networks that need a remote vendor for every reset frustrate SMEs.
Compare whole-life cost across five years, not only the cheapest posts.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need planning permission for a few wallboxes?
Many small EV chargepoint installs on private land proceed without a full planning application, but listed buildings, change of use car parks and larger arrays can trigger consent. Check locally.
Should charging be free for staff?
Free charging is a strong benefit but can create congestion. Many SMEs start free for a pilot, then introduce fair-use or paid sessions.
Is DC rapid charging needed at an SME office?
Rarely for standard office dwell times. AC with load management usually fits better and costs less.
Can we claim a grant and still charge staff a fee?
Operational policy is separate from grant eligibility. Confirm any scheme conditions on GOV.UK and take finance advice on VAT and benefits.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.