EV Workplace

How to set up Electric Vehicle Charging in your workplace

Vancity have installed both Level 2 and DCFC chargers at branch locations for employee and customer use. Installation of EV charging is a part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy. Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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Township of Langley is installing 2 chargers at municipal hall for employee use only. These chargers are complemented by an additional one available for visitors only. Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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Ethical Bean in Vancouver installed 2 chargers in their leased building. They offer free charging for staff, employees of other companies in the same building, and customers. Cafe customers are also offered a free coffee if they stop by to charge their vehicle. Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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MEC head office in Vancouver boasts 4 Level 2 chargers for use by employees and public. These stations were installed as part of the building’s LEED Platinum Certification. Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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Traction On Demand is a Burnaby-based business that encourages staff to commute electric by providing charging and purchase incentives for electric cars.Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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BCIT has two DC fast chargers, six Level 2 (240V) chargers and two Level 1 outlets for staff and employee use, powered by solar and battery. Download the PDF to learn more about this initiative.

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Steps To Get Started

If you are ready to explore EV charging at work, here’s how to get started:

Step 1. Engage

Gain support from management and staff for this initiative. This might entail some education and outreach or possibly a staff survey.
If your company does not own the parking, talk to the landlord to determine what they might consider, or find out if they may have plans to install charging.

Step 2. Evaluate

After you’ve made the decision to move ahead, you will want to evaluate your needs and options. This stage includes:

Determining the number of chargers you wish to install.
Selecting level and type of chargers (Click for more information about Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers).
Selecting a site in the parking area.
Check if your project is eligible for any incentives (Plug-in BC maintains a list of active EV charging incentives available in BC.)

This step typically involves engaging an electrical contractor with expertise in EV charging to provide you with guidance and site design options, as well as provide a budget estimate. Plug-in BC maintains a list of charging manufacturers, suppliers and installers servicing BC.

Step 3. Install

Procure the equipment and installation.

Step 4. Operate (and Promote!)

Now that you’ve installed your new chargers, it’s time to use them! Some things to consider:

Creating usage policies, including time limits, fees, access rules, etc.
Establishing a user’s group so that EV driving employees can self-manage the use of the equipment.
Promoting them internally or externally by submitting a case study to us at EVInfo@metrovancouver.org

Please note that the information on EVWorkplace.ca is intended only to be used as a starting point and is not a substitute for getting legal or other professional advice. For more details, refer to our Copyright Notice & Disclaimer.

Key Benefits

Why (for employers)

Providing workplace charging is similar to offering transit discounts or cycling facilities. For as little as $1 per day in electricity, providing workplace charging can:

Produce happier employees. EV drivers can drive solo in HOV lanes, which could mean a shorter commute.
Recruit innovators: Attract and retain employees that adopt new tech, people that could help the company become a market leader.
Show leadership: Build your brand as socially and environmentally responsible. Your parking lot may become your best marketing tool.
Reduce commuting emissions: Supporting your employees to go electric can significantly reduce your corporate environmental bottom line.
Increase parking revenue: Having EV charging makes your lot more attractive and can increase occupancy and revenues.

Why (for commercial property owners)

As a commercial property owner, you may wish to consider putting in EV charging at your facilities.

Attract and retain tenants: Many commercial property owners are already receiving requests from tenants for EV charging, either for staff or fleet use. EV charging is an amenity which can attract and retain tenants.
Increase property value: With rising demand for EV charging, having sufficient EV charging capacity will help increase your property values as future buyers look for this service.
Boost your brand: Providing EV charging will enable your tenants to reduce their carbon footprint.

We Can Help!

Metro Vancouver can help get the conversation on Workplace EV Charging started.

We offer FREE:

Workplace Info Sessions: For employers who want to engage with their staff on EVs, we offer free info sessions at your workplace. This might include:
- EV Info booth in a prominent place to engage in one-on-one conversations about EVs. We bring engagement staff to answer all your questions and provide consultation with staff interested in going electric.
- Lunch-time presentation about EVs, charging infrastructure, the benefits of driving electric, current incentives, etc.
- Test Drive event. In some cases, we can try to organize a private EV test drive event for staff to attend.
Surveys: Want to gauge interest among your staff for workplace charging? We can help you administer a survey and can create a result report for your review.
Promotion: We would love to hear from employers who have successfully installed workplace EV charging. Contact us and we can create a case study to promote your good work!

Helpful Links

Emotive: General website about electric vehicles in BC.
Plug-in BC: A lot of resources on electric vehicles and charging, including government incentives.
List of EVITP Certified Installers: Reference list of certified EV charging equipment installers.
Plugging in at Work: How to Effectively Install, Share and Manage Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (2015): Excellent resource for workplace charging.

Contact Us

What You Need to Know

Can any certified electrician install EV chargers?

Yes.
However, the Province established a voluntary additional certification for EV installers known as the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP™). List of EVITP Certified Installers

If an employer provides EV charging for free, is it a taxable benefit?

No, for the time being.
More information on taxable benefits and charging stations

Are there any government grants to help with the cost?

Yes! The Province has just launched the Charging Solutions and Incentives (CSI) Program. This Program provides rebates towards the cost of EV charging equipment and support services for planning and installing EV chargers. Workplaces and employers are eligible for these incentives and services. Visit the program website for more information.

Do I require a special permit to install EV charging?

No. The only permits required are the standard electrical and building permits. Your electrical contractor should advise you on what permits are required for your job.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Growth In Metro Vancouver

Between 2012 and 2016, the number of registered EVs in Metro Vancouver increased from 120 to almost 3,000. That is almost 30-fold growth in only four years.

1 car = 100 registered electric vehicles in Metro Vancouver

Researchers predict that by 2020, there will be 44,000 EVs on the road in the Lower Fraser Valley (Metro Vancouver and FVRD) and that by 2030, there will be over 400,000 EVs on the road, or, 1 in 5 vehicles on the road.

Pioneers (<1%)

These folks probably already drive an EV (or have one on order)! This group of consumers generally have higher incomes and education than the regional average, and possess pro-technology and pro-environmental values. They mostly live in single-detached homes. They have the greatest willingness to experiment and are risk takers who feel strongly about their purchase.

Early Mainstream Buyers (24%)

These are the next wave of EV buyers. They are interested in EVs already, and have a high likelihood of buying electric for their next purchase. However, unlike the Pioneers, they have characteristics more in-line with mainstream values and interests.

Late Mainstream Buyers (73%)

These members of the population are not currently ready to buy an EV. Substantial changes in policy, costs, technology or cultural norms will likely be required before these more cautious and traditional consumers purchase EVs. However, it’s important to remember that the pace of technology adoption is speeding up.

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