Electric vehicles are now a growing reality across the UK, with more drivers, fleets, and organisations making the move to electric transport every year. As this shift accelerates, we are seeing a significant increase in demand for EV chargers for businesses, particularly from organisations looking to improve sustainability performance and futureproof their estates.
At Harvest Green Developments, we work with organisations across the public and private sectors to design and deliver EV charging solutions that align with operational needs and long-term energy strategies. One of the most common questions we are asked is simple but important: how much does it cost to install EV chargers at a business premises, and is it worth the investment?
In this blog post, we explore the cost of EV chargers for businesses, the factors that influence pricing, the role of grants and incentives, and how businesses are using charging infrastructure to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
Why EV chargers for businesses are becoming essential
The rapid rise in electric car ownership is reshaping expectations around workplace and destination charging. Employees increasingly expect charging facilities at work, while customers are more likely to choose locations where they can top up their vehicle during a visit.
Government policy continues to support this transition. With the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles firmly on the horizon, businesses that act early are better positioned to manage change smoothly rather than react under pressure. Installing EV chargers for businesses allows organisations to stay ahead of regulation, demonstrate leadership on sustainability, and support their stakeholders in the move to electric transport in a seamless way.
Beyond perception, EV charging also plays a role in reducing operational costs, particularly for businesses with company vehicles or fleets. Charging on site is significantly cheaper than public charging, especially when combined with smart energy management or on-site generation with solar panels.
What impacts the cost of EV chargers for businesses?
There is no single price for installing EV chargers at a business premises. Costs vary depending on several key factors, and understanding these early helps businesses plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenditure.
Charger type and power rating:
The type of charger installed has the biggest influence on upfront cost. In broad terms, EV chargers for business fall into three categories:
- Slow chargers, typically up to 7 kW, are suited to workplaces where vehicles are parked for long periods, such as offices or depots. These are the most affordable options.
- Fast chargers, ranging from 7 kW to 22 kW, are commonly used in car parks, retail sites, and public-facing locations where vehicles stay for a few hours.
- Rapid chargers, usually DC units, deliver very high power and are designed for quick turnaround. These are more expensive and typically used at high-traffic or fleet-focused sites.
Selecting the right mix is key. Many businesses find that installing a combination of chargers provides the best balance between cost, flexibility, and future scalability for customers and staff.
Electrical infrastructure and grid capacity
The condition and capacity of a site’s electrical infrastructure play a significant role in overall project cost. Some sites can support EV chargers with minimal upgrades, while others require additional cabling, new distribution boards, or grid connection upgrades.
This is why a professional site assessment is essential. We always review existing infrastructure in detail to understand what is required not just for current needs, but for future expansion. Planning ahead can significantly reduce costs.
Groundworks, location, and accessibility
The physical layout of a site also affects installation costs. Groundworks such as trenching, ducting, and surface reinstatement can vary depending on distance from the power source, surface type, and existing services.
For customer-facing sites, charger placement is equally important. Well-positioned EV chargers for business improve usability, visibility, and safety, which directly impacts uptake and overall value.
Software, monitoring, and smart charging
Many organisations choose to include smart charging software as part of their EV infrastructure. This allows for monitoring usage, managing loads, controlling access, and setting pricing where relevant.
While this adds to upfront cost, it often delivers long-term savings by optimising energy use and reducing peak demand charges. For larger sites, smart systems are increasingly essential rather than optional.
Typical cost ranges for EV chargers for business
While every project is different, businesses can expect broad cost ranges depending on charger type and site requirements:
- Slow chargers are typically the most cost-effective option.
- Fast chargers sit in the mid-range and suit most commercial environments.
- Rapid chargers represent the highest investment and are usually justified where speed and throughput are critical.
Additional costs may include grid upgrades, groundworks, software, signage, and future-proofing measures such as spare capacity or ducting. A detailed proposal will always make these elements clear, allowing decision-makers to understand both immediate and long-term financial implications.
Grants and incentives supporting EV chargers for businesses
The UK government continues to recognise the importance of workplace charging in supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Several grant schemes and incentives can help reduce the cost of EV chargers for businesses:
The Workplace Charging Scheme remains one of the most widely used options, offering financial support towards installation costs at eligible sites. For public-facing or larger infrastructure projects, local authority funding and regional schemes may also be available, depending on location and project scope.
In addition to direct grants, tax relief through capital allowances can further improve the financial case, allowing businesses to offset part of the investment against taxable profits.
Navigating these options can be complex, which is why many organisations choose to work with an experienced delivery partner who can identify applicable funding and support the application process.
Supporting the growth of electric vehicles
The number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to rise year on year, driven by falling vehicle costs, improved range, and increasing consumer confidence. Businesses that install EV chargers today are not just responding to current demand, but preparing for a future where electric vehicles are the norm.
From fleet operators transitioning away from diesel to offices supporting employee charging, EV chargers for business play a vital role in enabling this shift. They remove barriers to adoption and give drivers confidence that charging will be convenient and reliable.
For organisations with multiple sites, a phased rollout often makes sense, allowing infrastructure to grow in line with demand while spreading investment over time.
Long-term value and return on investment
While the upfront cost of EV chargers is an important consideration, the long-term value often outweighs initial expenditure. For many businesses, EV charging delivers benefits well beyond the balance sheet.
Operational savings from reduced fuel costs, improved staff satisfaction, increased customer dwell time, and enhanced sustainability credentials all contribute to a strong return on investment. In some cases, businesses also choose to generate revenue through charging fees, particularly at visitor or destination sites.
There is also a less tangible but equally important benefit: reputation. Organisations that invest in EV chargers for businesses demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation, which supports ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, and long-term brand value.
The importance of ongoing maintenance
Installing EV chargers is not a one-off exercise. Like any critical infrastructure, chargers require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure reliability, safety, and performance.
A proactive operations and maintenance approach helps identify faults early, reduce downtime, and extend asset lifespan. This is particularly important as usage increases over time and EV chargers become a core part of day-to-day operations.
At Harvest Green Developments, we view aftercare as an integral part of any EV charging project and any other renewal project we complete; supporting clients throughout the full lifecycle of their assets, no matter the delivered solution.
Get a step ahead of your competitors
The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating, and EV chargers for businesses are quickly becoming a standard requirement across commercial and public sector estates. Understanding the cost of installation, along with the available support and long-term value, allows organisations to make informed, strategic decisions.
By investing in EV charging infrastructure now, businesses can control future costs, support the shift to electric transport, and strengthen their sustainability position. With careful planning, professional delivery, and a long-term energy strategy, EV chargers are not just an expense but a valuable asset for the future and can work standalone or alongside projects such as solar panels or battery storage installation.
Contact our team to discuss your EV charger needs and how we can support the delivery process.
