What do workplace EV chargers cost?

Employees are going electric

Electric vehicle sales have reached a new record in 2022, reinforcing the growing trend toward electric mobility. If you’ve looked around your office parking lot lately, you may have noticed an increasing number of employees driving electric cars.

The workplace is no longer just a place to park—it’s becoming a key location for charging. In fact, 34% of EV drivers regularly charge at work. Meeting employee expectations is important, but installing EV chargers comes with costs. So how much does it really cost, and how can you get the most value from your investment? Let’s take a closer look at the costs of a workplace EV charger below.

The costs of a workplace EV charger

When considering workplace EV charging, there are three main cost categories:

• Upfront costs
• Ongoing costs
• ROI and savings

Upfront Costs of workplace EV charging stations

Upfront costs are the first thing that come to mind when thinking about EV charging stations. They include the price of the equipment itself, labor for site preparation, and installation.

Price of workplace EV charging station

A typical AC workplace charging station usually costs around €1,300 per charging port (excluding installation). The price varies based on features like charging speed, power output, socket type, cable length, and smart charging capabilities.

Installation costs of workplace EV charging stations

Installation costs often represent the largest portion of the investment. On average, they can be between 60-80% of the total cost. For larger installations—like 5, 10, or 25 stations—these costs can reach tens of thousands of euros.

Factors like location, labor rates, and site complexity can affect these costs. Be sure to check for any government incentives or rebates that could help reduce the initial expense.

Ongoing costs of workplace EV charging stations

While installation is the biggest upfront cost, ongoing expenses like maintenance and electricity usage should also be considered.

Maintenance cost of workplace EV charging stations

Charging stations require minimal maintenance, but regular checks are recommended. A yearly inspection can help identify issues like damaged cables or sockets. Opting for a service agreement with a trusted provider ensures reliability and avoids unexpected costs.

Operational costs of workplace EV charging stations

Electricity costs depend on local rates. For example, the average U.S. rate is $0.15/kWh, while in Europe it's around €0.25/kWh. Charging a Nissan Leaf (64 kW) would cost about $8.68 or €14.88, and a Tesla Model S (100 kW) would cost around $14 or €24.

If you have space for 10 cars, charging them for 8 hours a day would cost approximately $86.80 (€148.80) for 10 Leafs or $140 (€240) for 10 Teslas.

You don’t have to bear all the electricity costs. Various business models allow you to offer free or paid charging, which can generate revenue over time.

ROI and cost savings of workplace EV chargers

Installing EV charging at your workplace may seem costly initially, but it can lead to long-term savings or even generate revenue, depending on your business model.

You can choose to offer free charging as a benefit to employees or charge users for access. By offering discounted rates to employees and full prices to visitors, you can create a steady income stream.

Over time, your EV chargers may not only break even but start generating profit—especially if you open them to the public, making your business a known charging location.

If you operate a fleet, EV charging can help manage and control costs more effectively, ensuring you always choose the most cost-efficient options.

Workplace EV charger ROI: an example

Let’s say you installed 5 charging stations for €16,500 (including installation). Each station is used 5 days a week, with an average of 25 kWh per session. Employees pay €0.45/kWh, while visitors pay €0.75/kWh.

• Employees: 3 sessions/day × 25 kWh × €0.45 = €33.75/day
• Visitors: 2 sessions/day × 25 kWh × €0.75 = €37.50/day

Total daily revenue: €71.25

Monthly revenue: €2,137.50

With this model, you’d break even in roughly 16 months and then see pure profit after that.

Of course, actual numbers may vary based on your setup, usage, and pricing strategy.

For a more detailed calculation, download our free EV charging revenue calculator.

*These numbers are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect actual costs.

The importance of future-proofing your workplace EV charging investment

Investing in EV charging infrastructure isn't just about today's needs—it's about preparing for tomorrow. Consider designing your site to easily accommodate additional stations in the future without redoing wiring or upgrading power capacity.

Also, keep in mind that EV technology is constantly evolving. Here are some key considerations to ensure your system remains up-to-date:

EEBus compatibility

EEBus compatibility allows standardized energy management between the grid and connected devices, including electric vehicles.

Load balancing

Advanced load balancing helps distribute power efficiently across multiple charging stations, preventing overloads and optimizing performance.

ISO 15118 compatibility

ISO 15118 enables direct communication between EVs and chargers, allowing for automatic identification and billing, among other benefits.

OTA (Over-the-Air) updates

Modern EV chargers support OTA updates, which allow for remote software upgrades and troubleshooting, improving efficiency and user experience.

Workplace EV chargers: An investment in the future

Electric mobility is now a reality, and it's only a matter of time before more of your employees switch to electric vehicles. Installing EV charging at your workplace not only meets their needs but also provides long-term value.

It boosts employee satisfaction, supports your sustainability goals, and can even become a source of revenue. Offering EV charging can also help attract and retain talent by providing a valuable perk.

To learn more about integrating EV charging into your company’s strategy, check out our in-depth guide. If you're ready to start installing EV charging at your workplace, explore our EV charging solutions here.