The UK is on a mission to hit net-zero emissions, and electric vehicles (EVs) are a big part of that, helping us cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions and fight global warming.
EVs started out as a luxury to most due to their high cost, and finding a charger while out and about was difficult.
However, more affordable models and extra charging points are popping up, making going electric much more attractive for everyone, from individuals to businesses.
While public charging stations are popping up fast, relying on them isn’t always the easiest or cheapest option. To make the switch to EVs smoother for everyone, the UK Government launched the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS).
This scheme helps UK businesses help their employees go electric, while also getting their sites ready for the future. And it’s not just about installing chargers; companies should also make sure those EV charging bays are clearly marked, compliant, and safe.
What is the Workplace Charging Scheme
The Workplace Charging Scheme, introduced by the UK Government in 2016, provides businesses with financial incentives to install a commercial EV charging point in their car park.
This scheme aims to bridge the gap by making electric vehicles more accessible by increasing the number of charging facilities.
The scheme is provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). It covers up to 75% of the purchase and installation costs, capped at £350 per charging socket, and a maximum of 40 sockets across all sites per applicant.
The OZEV grant is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations that meet the eligibility requirements.
Who can apply and how it works
To receive the EV charging installation support, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a registered business, charity, or public sector organisation in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- Must own the business premises or have permission from the landlord.
- Must have off-street parking used by employees or fleet vehicles.
- Must use OZEV-approved charge point models installed by an approved installer.
The process from application to electric charging point installation is straightforward and is handled mainly by the professional OZEV installer. The process is as follows:
- Apply for a WCS voucher via the GOV.UK website.
- If approved, you will receive an email with a voucher code within five working days.
- Choose an OZEV-approved installer.
- The installer completes the work within 180 days and redeems the voucher directly with OZEV on behalf of the business.
Why line marking is essential for EV charging bays
Installing EV charging stations for the workplace is only part of the process; clearly marking the bays is equally important.
Clearly defined spaces for wheelchair users, parent-and-child parking, and your new EV charging bays mean people who don’t need them won’t block those who do. Plus, it makes enforcing parking rules a lot simpler.
Beyond that, white line marking can guide traffic smoothly and show pedestrians where it’s safe to walk, making your car park a safer place all around.
While there are no strict rules for their appearance, EV charging bays must be easily identifiable to help drivers find them and support parking enforcement.
High-contrast colours like blue or green, with white borders and clear, recognisable symbols, help prevent non-EVs from blocking access to those who need to charge.
The good news? Since there are no strict regulations on appearance, you can even incorporate custom EV symbols and colours that align with your company’s branding!
Next, you’ll want to pick the right material for your markings. If you use the right material in the right environment, line markings can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance!
Acrylic and water-based painted markings typically last about 6 months to a year, depending on weather and traffic levels. They’re perfect for temporary lines or low-traffic spots, and they can be a cheaper alternative, though you’ll need to re-do them more often.
But if you’re looking for something that lasts, especially in busy areas, thermoplastic markings are your best bet and are very popular in the UK. While they might cost a bit more initially, they’re definitely more cost-effective in the long run!
MMA cold plastic can also be a long-term option, lasting 5-8 years even in harsh climates. This is typically the most expensive option, but it is the best at withstanding the elements, without fading.
At Riggotts, we support the planning and design process of your project, using our expertise to ensure you get the best solution for your specific needs.
Planning your workplace EV charging project
When planning the installation of your business EV charger, it can be helpful to consider the following points:
- The layout of your car park and the number of EV charging bays you are planning to install
- Future expansion of the business and the potential for more EV charging infrastructure
- Where the charging points would be best placed based on the power supply
- Any local regulations or permits that may be needed when installing charging points
- The ongoing costs of charging after installation
It is also important to ensure you use a trusted road marking specialist for the EV charger installation and the line marking of the bays. Discussing with a specialist can help ensure the bay markings are durable and long-lasting whilst suiting the needs of your business.
Your EV bay marking partner
With the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) covering up to 75% of installation costs, eligible businesses can benefit from support with installing EV charging points on their sites, helping to drive the switch to electric vehicles among employees and company fleets by providing convenient charging and addressing range anxiety.
Along with installing EV charging points, appropriate car park line marking is also important and should be the next consideration when planning to add charging infrastructure to your business site.
Feel free to get in touch today to chat about your project. Our experts are ready to offer advice and recommend the best line-marking strategies for your EV charging setup.
