Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are the need of the hour. EV charging can be one of the top and fastest ways companies can achieve their business goals. It can diminish harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 50% or more compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. As more and more people begin driving EVs, they’ll need a place to charge. By offering EV charging at your workplace, you’ll not only provide your customers and employees a much-needed service, you’ll involve them in your sustainability initiatives.
The Time to Build Your EV Charging Infrastructure Is Now
In a recent survey of 500 UK-based business decision-makers by E.ON, almost three-quarters (72%) said that the pandemic has made them reconsider the environmental credentials of their organisation.
In August Sustainable Development Capital pumped £50m into The EV Network. The £50m commitment is the initial stage of an investment programme that could see the clean energy investor pump up to £200m into the charging network developer.
There is a growing need for charging infrastructure in the UK as we transition towards more efficient fuel choices that reduce harm to our environment, that are cost effective and reliable.
Success Stories
Back in 2018, Tesco partnered with Volkswagen in a bid to roll out more than 2,000 Pod Point electric vehicle charging bays across its estate by 2021. Triodos Bank then joined the initiative, committing to finance the installation of charging points at 600 stores.
In July this year Tesco announced a further milestone for the project after Covid-19 related delays – the installation of charging bays at its 200th store, Tesco Chester. The supermarket is now hosting 402 charging points and states that it is on track to meet its 2021 target. Since the first charger was installed, more than 669 MWh of energy has been provided to Tesco customers’ vehicles – enough for three million miles of range.
Other UK businesses on a journey to create sizeable EV charging networks include McDonald’s, Marston’s, Lidl, Morrisons and Mitchells & Butlers.
Investing in the future of your business
The EV market has grown exponentially over the past decade, and infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Business leaders recognise they need to be braver and more agile in their decision making to manage short-term priorities of stabilising their businesses and protecting employees. By championing EVs, companies will be making a visible commitment to sustainability and influencing customers and employees to go green as well.
As we navigate out of lockdown, it’s more important than ever to make sure sustainability is at the heart of their operations.