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Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in California's South Coast

About the Workplace Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Initiative

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Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations can be used to charge company plug-in hybrid and battery electric fleets, as well as employee’s personal vehicles. 

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Benefits of Workplace Charging

Benefits for the employer:

  • Companies and organizations with +250 employees can apply EV workplace charging towards compliance with the South Coast Air District On-Road Motor Vehicle Mitigation Rule 2022
  • Increase employee productivity by driving in HOV lanes, spending less time in traffic
  • Attract and retain top talent by providing competitive employee benefits
  • Commercial EV fleets can help save money in fuel costs
  • Demonstrate environmental leadership while achieving sustainability goals

Benefits for the employees:

  • Provide reliable refueling, allowing the employee to commute round-trip in their EV
  • Help save money in fuel costs.
  • Achieve personal sustainability goals.
  • By driving in HOV lanes, reduce commute time and maximize time at work and with family

Benefits to Fleet Operators:

  • Lowers the total cost of ownership and fuel costs.
  • Reduce dependence on foreign oil, emissions and your carbon footprint while increasing fuel efficiency

Basic Information on EV Charging Stations

EV charging stations supply electric energy to recharge electric vehicle batteries. The time to fully charge a vehicle depends on the type and size of your vehicle’s battery and level of battery depletion. Charging speed is also determined by the type, size and power level of the charger. The following are the different types of chargers:

  • Level 1, 120-volt: plugs into a standard socket-outlet. This source of charging is generally slow and provides 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging or 8 hours to completely charge a depleted 40-mile range battery. Depending on your building load and number of EVs charging at any given time, no additional infrastructure may be needed, however a dedicated 40 amp circuit is required. This type of charging is ideal for plug-in hybrid EVs or vehicles traveling short distances.
  • Level 2, 240-volt: uses AC charging and requires a charging station or special equipment, which generally provides 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging or 4-6 hours to completely charge a depleted battery. This charging equipment has a cord that plugs into the vehicle in the same connector location used for Level 1 equipment.
  • Direct Current (DC) Fast Charge, 500-volt: uses DC high-current charging, which can deliver over 60 miles of range in 10-30 minutes or generally charges 80% of a vehicle’s battery in 30 minutes. This equipment is not compatible with all vehicles. These stations are often located at public parking lots for quick charging, especially for longer distance trips or commuters parked for shorter periods of time. The Tesla Supercharger station is one type of charging station that is only compatible with Tesla vehicles.

Additional Considerations for Siting Charging Stations

  • Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates to lower your charging costs.
  • Ensure the security or prevention of vandalism and them of the charging station.
  • Consider demand management and energy storage, especially combined with solar PV, to minimize charging during peak demand hours.

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Case Studies

DOE’s EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Challenge Partners provide EV charging for their employees. Learn about their efforts.

California Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative’s EV Charging at Work case studies in southern California include:

Incentives to Install Electric Vehicles Charging Stations

Federal Tax Credit for EV Charging Stations (PDF) installed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016, are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost, not to exceed $30,000. Residential fueling equipment may receive a tax credit up to $1,000.

Loans for EV Charging Stations at Small Businesses can be used for the design, development, purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations at small business locations. The California Capital Access Program may provide up to 100% coverage to lenders on certain loan defaults. Borrowers may be eligible to receive a rebate of 10-15% of the enrolled loan amount.

Local Utility EV Charging Station Rebates and Rate Options: rebates or financial incentives may be available to purchase or install EV charging stations. Utilities also set electric rates, including time-of-use and vehicle charging rates. Contact your local utility to learn more about the following programs:

NRG EVgo’s Take Charge! Program provides businesses up to ten wired EV charge-ready parking spaces free or up to $3,000 per parking space.

California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Credits can be generated and sold by at eligible public EV charging stations.

Incentives to Purchase Electric Vehicles

Federal EV Tax Credit up to $7,500 for consumers who purchase a new qualified EV.

California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) administered by the state for the purchase or lease of qualified EVs, the rebates offer up to $2,500.

California’s Alternative Fuel & Vehicle Incentives: Through the Alternative and Renewable Fuel Vehicle Technology Program, various financial incentives existing for EVs, including:

Free Parking: Free metered parking in Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica for electric vehicles displaying a Clean Air decal. A number of hotels are providing discounted parking.

Driver’s Insurance Discount: Farmers Insurance offers a discount of up to 10% on certain auto insurance coverage for EV owners. AAA Insurance offers a 5% discount on auto insurance for EVs. Geico Insurance provides a 5% discount to eligible vehicles. Travelers Insurance offers up to a 10% discount.

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