As the UK races towards net-zero emissions by 2050, businesses are embracing electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce running costs and future-proof their operations.
With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans ending in 2035, investing in commercial EV-charger installation is no longer a “nice-to-have” - it’s a strategic move.
Whether you’re electrifying a company fleet or offering staff and visitor charging at your premises, this guide covers everything you need to know: from charger types and installation steps to costs, grants, and return on investment.
Businesses that provide EV-charging often see clear financial and reputational benefits - lower fuel and maintenance costs, happier employees, and stronger sustainability credentials. While ROI varies by usage and tariffs, UK case studies suggest payback within a few years when chargers are well-used and smart-managed.
Plus, with incentives such as the Electric Car Grant, offering up to £3,750 off qualifying EVs under £37,000, the switch to electric makes more sense than ever.
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Types of Commercial EV Chargers
Choosing the right commercial EV charger depends on how your business uses its vehicles.
In the UK, most chargers fall into two main categories - fast and rapid - each available in AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) versions.
Fast Chargers (7–22 kW AC)
Perfect for workplaces, hotels, and retail sites where vehicles are parked for several hours.
Fast chargers typically add 20–65 miles of range per hour, making them ideal for staff charging during the workday or customers topping up while shopping.
They’re affordable to install, especially when combined with smart load balancing and off-peak tariffs.
Rapid Chargers (43–50 kW DC)
Best suited for fleet depots, service stations, and busy car parks.
Rapid DC chargers can deliver 80–100 miles of range in around 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle model and battery size.
They cost more upfront but minimise downtime - crucial for fleets or commercial vehicles with tight schedules.
Ultra-Rapid Chargers (100 kW + DC)
Designed for high-throughput sites such as logistics hubs or motorway service areas.
These ultra-fast systems can charge most modern EVs to 80 % in under 20 minutes, offering the fastest turnaround possible.
They require three-phase power and high-capacity grid connections, but provide a future-proof solution as battery sizes grow.
Quick Tips:
Fleet depots - Go for rapid DC units to keep vehicles on the road.
Retail car parks - A mix of fast and rapid chargers balances cost and convenience.
Office sites - Start with fast AC chargers for staff and visitors, expanding as EV adoption increases.
Commercial EV Charger Installation: Step-by-Step Explained
Installing commercial EV chargers is straightforward when handled by a qualified specialist.
From your first site survey to final commissioning, the full process usually takes 1–4 weeks, depending on project size and power requirements.
Here’s what to expect:
Site Survey & Power Assessment
A certified installer visits your site to assess the existing electrical supply, parking layout, and grid capacity.
This step identifies any upgrades required - such as new cabling, distribution boards, or substation work - to ensure your system can safely support multiple chargers.
Charger Selection & System Design
Using the survey data, you’ll choose the most suitable units for your usage.
For example, fast AC chargers suit staff and visitors, while rapid DC units are ideal for fleets.
Many businesses also select scalable systems that can expand as more EVs are added.
Electrical Installation & Testing
Qualified electricians then handle the full installation - from mounting and wiring to circuit protection, earthing, and commissioning tests.
All work must comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations, OZEV grant standards, and IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation.
Smart chargers are configured for load balancing and energy management, preventing grid overloads.
Software Setup & Ongoing Maintenance
Once powered up, your installer connects the system to its back-office software, enabling features like usage tracking, payment integration, and remote diagnostics.
Annual safety checks and firmware updates keep chargers compliant and reliable, while smart scheduling helps reduce electricity costs by charging off-peak.
Top Tip: Many UK businesses now integrate smart-charging software that automatically shifts charging to cheaper overnight tariffs - cutting operating costs and carbon footprint simultaneously.
Commercial EV Charger Costs & Grants (2025 Update)
The cost of installing commercial EV chargers in the UK depends on charger type, site size, and electrical capacity - but there are solid ballpark figures to help you plan.
Typical Installation Costs
Fast Chargers (7–22 kW AC) - £1,000–£3,000 per unit, plus £1,000–£1,500 for professional installation.
Rapid Chargers (43–50 kW DC) - £10,000–£25,000 per unit, depending on power output and brand.
Ultra-Rapid Chargers (100 kW + DC) - £25,000–£60,000 + per unit, with additional costs for three-phase power or grid upgrades (typically £5,000 and above).
For a typical office or retail car park installing 10 fast AC chargers, total project costs might range from £15,000–£20,000 before grants - dropping to under £12,000 with government support.
Grants & Incentives (Verified October 2025)
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) remains the main business grant for EV-charger installation in the UK.
It covers up to 75% of purchase and installation costs, capped at £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets per business.
Valid until March 2026.
Administered by OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles).
As of July 2025, the WCS has funded over 63,000 charging sockets nationwide. (gov.uk – Workplace Charging Scheme)
Additional support is available through the EV Infrastructure Grant for Fleets, which helps businesses fund the electrical upgrades and cabling needed for multiple charge points - ideal for depots and logistics hubs.
Return on Investment
Many UK firms report payback within 2–4 years, driven by:
Lower fuel and maintenance costs.
Smart-charging savings via off-peak tariffs.
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax advantages for company EVs.
By combining smart chargers, grant funding, and cheap-rate energy, EV infrastructure can quickly move from a sustainability win to a genuine financial asset.
Choosing the Right Commercial EV Charger Installer
Selecting the right installer is just as important as choosing the right charger.
To qualify for government grants and ensure full compliance, always work with an OZEV-approved installer (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles).
These specialists are certified to design and install safe, scalable charging systems that grow with your business - and meet the latest UK wiring and safety standards.
Installer Checklist:
Before signing on, make sure your chosen installer:
Is OZEV-authorised - check the official GOV.UK installer list.
Has proven experience with commercial or multi-site projects.
Offers warranties, servicing, and maintenance plans for long-term reliability.
Provides smart-charging and load-management integration to reduce energy costs.
Has positive customer reviews for aftercare and support.
Skipping these checks can lead to non-compliance, voided grants, or expensive rework later.
Choosing an OZEV-approved expert ensures your installation meets the highest UK standards for safety, performance, and grant eligibility.
Next Steps For Your EV Charger Journey:
When planning to install an EV charger for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section or check out our YouTube channel for informative videos.
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