How to Get EV Charging at Your Workplace

What workplace charging looks like and who provides it

Workplace charging means a plug installed at your employer's location — in a parking lot, garage, or reserved space — where you can charge while you work. Your employer may own and operate the chargers themselves, contract with a charging network company, or partner with a utility. Some workplaces charge employees a fee per session or monthly; others offer it free as a benefit.

The charger is usually a Level 2 unit, which adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. A few larger employers have installed DC fast chargers, but those are uncommon at workplaces because they cost more and take up more space. Most people use workplace charging to add 50 to 150 miles during an eight-hour shift, enough to cover a commute and local driving without stopping at a public station.

Who installs and manages the charger depends on your employer's setup. Some large companies — tech firms, utilities, government agencies — have their own charging infrastructure team. Others hire a third-party operator like Volta, EVgo, or ChargePoint to install and maintain the equipment. A few use their utility company's workplace program. Knowing who runs your chargers matters because they control the app, the payment method, and how you reserve a spot.

Key Takeaways

• Ask your employer's facilities or sustainability team whether chargers are already installed, planned, or available through a utility rebate program.
• If your workplace has no chargers, you can request them through your employee benefits or sustainability committee, or suggest your employer explore utility incentives that cover most of the installation cost.
• Workplace chargers are usually Level 2 and add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, enough for most commutes during a workday.
• South Carolina utilities and some state programs offer rebates and grants that cover 50 to 80 percent of workplace charging installation costs for employers.
• If chargers are installed, check the operator's app or website to understand how to reserve a spot, pay, and troubleshoot connection problems.

Finding out whether your workplace already has chargers

Start by asking your employer's facilities, sustainability, or human resources department directly. They can tell you whether chargers exist, where they are located, how to access them, and whether there is a cost. If your workplace has a sustainability or green team, they often manage or advocate for EV infrastructure and can answer questions about future plans.

If chargers are already installed, the facilities team should provide you with the operator's name and app or website. Download the app and create an account — you will need it to reserve a spot and start a charging session. Some workplaces use a shared account system where employees just plug in; others require individual registration. Ask whether your employer covers the cost or whether you pay per session.

If your workplace has no chargers, ask whether there are plans to install them. Many employers are adding EV charging as part of sustainability goals or to attract and retain employees. If there are no plans, you can still request them — see the section below on how to make that request.

Requesting chargers if your workplace does not have them

If your employer has no chargers, start by documenting the interest. Talk to coworkers who drive electric vehicles or are considering buying one, and ask them to express interest to management as well. A request from multiple employees carries more weight than one person asking.

Submit your request in writing to your facilities manager, sustainability coordinator, or human resources department. Explain that you drive an EV (or plan to) and that workplace charging would reduce your reliance on public stations and support your commute. Mention that it is a benefit that attracts employees — many job seekers now look for EV charging when choosing employers.

Point your employer toward financial incentives. South Carolina utilities, including Duke Energy and Dominion Energy, offer rebates and grants that cover 50 to 80 percent of Level 2 charger installation costs for businesses. The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center has a tool that shows available incentives by location. Your employer can also explore federal tax credits if they own the chargers outright. These incentives often make installation affordable, especially if multiple chargers are installed at once.

If your employer is hesitant, offer to help research. Provide the contact information for your utility's business development team or a charging network operator. Many utilities have programs specifically designed to help employers install chargers with minimal upfront cost.

Understanding costs and payment methods

How you pay for workplace charging depends on your employer's arrangement with the charger operator. Some employers cover the full cost as an employee benefit — you plug in and charge for free. Others charge a monthly fee (typically $10 to $30) that covers unlimited charging. Still others charge per session, usually $1 to $3 per charge or a small percentage of the electricity used.

If your employer uses a third-party operator like ChargePoint or Volta, you will typically pay through the operator's app or a card on file. Some operators offer monthly subscription plans that reduce the per-session cost if you charge frequently. Ask your facilities team which operator runs your chargers and whether your employer has negotiated a group rate or subsidy.

A few South Carolina employers participate in utility-sponsored programs where the utility owns the chargers and the employer pays a monthly fee to the utility. In these cases, the cost is often lower because the utility is subsidizing the equipment. Ask your facilities team whether your utility offers a workplace charging program.

Reserving a spot and troubleshooting common problems

Most workplaces with multiple chargers use a reservation system to prevent conflicts. Download the charger operator's app and check how far in advance you can reserve a spot — some allow reservations a week ahead, others only the day before. Arrive during your reserved time window and plug in. The app will show you when charging is complete and remind you to unplug so others can use the spot.

If a charger is not working, check the app first — it usually shows which units are offline and why. If the app does not explain the problem, contact the charger operator's support line. Most operators respond within a few hours during business hours. You can also notify your facilities team, who may have a direct contact with the operator.

If you cannot reserve a spot because all chargers are booked, talk to your facilities team about adding more chargers or adjusting the reservation window. If your workplace is considering expansion, this is useful feedback. In the meantime, you can use public charging stations on your commute or during lunch breaks — the South Carolina Department of Energy and Natural Resources maintains a map of public chargers statewide.

What to do if your employer is resistant

If your employer says chargers are too expensive or not a priority, remind them that utility rebates cover most of the cost. Provide specific numbers: a Level 2 charger costs $500 to $2,500 installed, but utility rebates typically cover $400 to $2,000 of that. After the rebate, the employer's net cost is often under $1,000 per charger, and some utilities cover the full cost.

If cost is still a barrier, suggest starting small — one or two chargers in a high-traffic area. This allows your employer to test the concept and gather data on usage before expanding. Many employers find that a small pilot program leads to a larger rollout once they see employee demand.

If your employer is concerned about liability or maintenance, point out that third-party operators handle those issues. The operator installs, maintains, and insures the chargers. Your employer's only responsibility is providing the parking space and electrical connection.

If your employer remains uninterested, you still have options. Public charging networks are expanding across South Carolina, and many are free or low-cost. You can also explore whether your utility offers a residential charging rebate if you install a charger at home — that may reduce your need for workplace charging.

State and federal incentives for employers

South Carolina employers can access several funding sources for workplace EV charging. Duke Energy and Dominion Energy both offer rebates that cover a significant portion of Level 2 charger installation. Contact your utility's business development team to learn about current programs and application timelines.

The federal government offers a tax credit for businesses that install EV chargers. The credit covers 30 percent of the cost of the charger and installation, up to a limit. Your employer can claim this credit on their federal tax return. The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center has details on federal incentives and how to claim them.

Some South Carolina municipalities and counties also offer grants or expedited permitting for workplace charging projects. Ask your employer to check with your local economic development office or planning department to see whether additional incentives are available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my EV at work if I do not have a dedicated parking spot?

It depends on your workplace's setup. If chargers are in a shared lot and you can reserve one, yes. If chargers are only in assigned spots, you would need to request a reserved space or ask your employer to install a charger in a shared area. Talk to your facilities team about your situation.

What if my workplace charger is broken and I need to charge today?

Use a public charging station instead. The South Carolina Department of Energy and Natural Resources maintains a map of public chargers across the state. Many are free or cost $1 to $3 per session. You can also check the ChargePoint or Volta apps to find nearby stations and see real-time availability.

Will charging at work affect my electric bill?

No. Your employer pays the utility for the electricity used at the workplace charger. You may pay your employer a fee per session or monthly, but that goes to your employer, not the utility. Your home electric bill is not affected.

How long does it take to install workplace chargers after my employer decides to do it?

Timeline varies. If your workplace has available electrical capacity, installation can take two to four weeks. If electrical upgrades are needed, it may take two to three months. Your employer should contact the charger operator and utility early to understand the timeline for your specific location.

Can my employer install DC fast chargers at work?

Yes, but it is less common. DC fast chargers cost $20,000 to $50,000 installed and require significant electrical upgrades. They are usually found at fleet facilities or large corporate campuses. For most workplaces, Level 2 chargers are more practical and cost-effective. Ask your employer whether a DC fast charger makes sense for your situation.