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Home charging represents a promising avenue for fleet managers looking to optimize their electric vehicle (EV) operations, offering both cost savings and logistical advantages. Vehicles can conveniently charge overnight, ensuring they start each day fully charged and ready for duty, thereby minimizing downtime.
Studies consistently show that a significant majority of EV drivers prefer to charge their vehicles at home. National Grid research reveals that approximately 75% of EV owners opt for home charging, while Zenith's survey of nearly 2,800 EV users found that 69% primarily charge off-street at home.
One such scenario involves fleet vehicles returning to a central depot overnight, where on-site charging infrastructure could be more practical. Additionally, a considerable number of properties lack suitable conditions for installing home chargers, posing a challenge for widespread adoption.
Cost Considerations
For employers, the cost of home charging involves two main components: the installation of AC ev chargers at employees' homes and the ongoing electricity expenses.
A recent survey by Fuel Card Services found that 61% of fleets assist employees with the cost of installing home chargers. This assistance often includes options like interest-free loans (offered by 33% of employers) or direct payment (offered by 28%), with no benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax implications for the employer.
When installed, home charging proves significantly cheaper than using public charging networks. Public charging costs can vary widely depending on factors such as charger speed and provider.
Organizations can further optimize costs by encouraging employees to opt for EV-friendly tariffs, which provide substantially lower rates during off-peak hours. For example, E.On's NextDrive Fixed V3 tariff offers an off-peak rate of 6.9p/kWh, resulting in charging costs as low as 2ppm, yielding significant savings for fleet operations.
Accessibility Challenges
Despite its advantages, home charging isn't feasible for a significant portion of UK households. Research from Lloyds Bank indicates that 44% of homes lack off-road parking, making it impractical to install a home charger. This issue is compounded for individuals living in flats or locations where access to a suitable parking spot near a charging point is limited.
In response, innovative solutions like pavement-based charging systems have emerged for properties like terraced houses, enabling EV owners to charge their vehicles conveniently. Companies such as Pavecross and Kerbo Charge offer products that involve minimal pavement disruption, providing a practical alternative in urban settings.
Additionally, the UK government has introduced incentives such as the £350 charge point grant to facilitate home charging solutions for residents without off-street parking. This grant covers up to 75% of the installation costs, encouraging broader adoption of EVs.
Mileage Reimbursement and Compliance
Fleet managers must navigate the complexities of reimbursing employees for business mileage using home electricity. Options include using HMRC's advisory electricity rate (AER), currently set at nine pence per mile, or calculating actual electricity costs based on the homeowner's tariff and vehicle efficiency.
However, accurately tracking and documenting these expenses can be challenging. Solutions like Rightcharge and Allstar Homecharge simplify the process by managing energy payments directly with suppliers and providing detailed usage reports to facilitate compliance with tax regulations.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for fleet managers aiming to leverage home charging effectively within their EV strategies. By addressing cost, accessibility, and compliance considerations, organizations can optimize their EV fleet operations while supporting sustainable mobility solutions.
Tags: #Home charging #AC ev chargers