How to Evaluate Employee Demand for Workplace EV Charging Stations

As electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly become the new normal, businesses must ask: Is there real demand for EV chargers at our workplace? Installing EV infrastructure is a smart move—but only if it meets your employees' actual needs.

Understanding employee attitudes toward EV adoption and their charging preferences is essential to make informed, cost-effective decisions. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to assess internal demand, the role workplace EV charging plays in electrification, and how to future-proof your organization.

Why Workplace Charging Matters

The global transition to electric mobility is accelerating. EV sales are hitting record highs, and governments are incentivizing infrastructure buildout. More employees than ever are showing up to work in electric cars—and expect charging options.

According to recent data:

• 34% of EV drivers already charge at work
• An additional 27% would charge at work if stations were available

Offering EV charging not only supports your sustainability goals, but also increases employee satisfaction, helps attract top talent, and contributes to a more future-ready business environment.

How to Assess Demand for EV Charging at Your Workplace

1. Understand Commuting Patterns and Vehicle Types

Start by evaluating how your team gets to the office:

• Is your workforce fully in-office, hybrid, or mostly remote?
• What percentage commutes by car?
• Are there existing parking registration or permit systems to analyze?

Next, estimate the proportion of EVs among employee vehicles. Walk the parking lot, or better yet, conduct a digital survey asking:

• Do you drive an EV, hybrid, or combustion engine vehicle?
• Would you consider switching to an EV within the next 1–3 years?

This gives you a snapshot of both current and future charging needs.

2. Gather Employee Feedback Through Surveys

Quantitative data is crucial, but direct feedback uncovers motivations, hesitations, and potential blockers to EV adoption.

Key questions to ask employees:

• Would workplace charging encourage you to switch to an EV?
• Do you have access to home charging?
• How long is your daily commute?
• Would you be willing to pay for workplace charging? If yes, how much?
• Do you support sustainable initiatives at work?

Surveys should also highlight basic EV charging info—such as charging times and station types—for those unfamiliar with the technology.

3. Consider Charging Time vs. Work Schedules

Work patterns matter:

• Do most employees follow 8-hour shifts (ideal for AC charging)?
• Or is the workplace dynamic, requiring shorter stays (better suited for DC fast chargers)?

This determines whether Level 2 AC chargers suffice or if a DC fast-charging solution is required for quick top-ups.

4. Plan for Growth and Scalability

While you may have a small number of EV drivers today, adoption is expected to surge. Your EV infrastructure should scale with:

• Modular station setups
• Smart charging and load balancing
• EEBus or ISO 15118 compatibility for future-ready communication
• Grid capacity and energy management considerations

Alternative Approach: Support Home Charging

If infrastructure limitations prevent widespread deployment, consider offering home EV charger subsidies for employees. This alternative:

• Reduces grid load at the office
• Minimizes installation complexity
• Still supports employee electrification goals

Workplace Charging as a Strategic Asset

Besides serving internal staff, EV chargers can also attract external users:

• Guests
• Clients
• Public EV drivers

Monetizing access or using workplace chargers to increase foot traffic can open up new revenue streams. Your site may even appear on EV charging maps, boosting brand visibility and eco-credentials.

Final Thoughts: Build a Demand-Driven Workplace EV Charging Strategy

Installing EV charging stations isn't just about going green—it's about being strategic. Before investing, take the time to understand employee needs and long-term trends. With proper data and planning, workplace charging can become a high-impact initiative that:

• Enhances your sustainability record
• Boosts employee retention and satisfaction
• Future-proofs your facilities
• Delivers measurable ROI

Want to get started? Download our free [employee EV charging demand survey template] to evaluate interest and design the right solution for your organization.