The move to electric vehicles has reached a tipping point—and it’s now more affordable than ever.
From April 2026, Government grants for EV charge point installations have increased to up to £500, covering close to 50% of installation costs for homes and workplaces.
But while cost is no longer the main barrier, one question still holds many businesses back:
“How do we actually charge these vehicles in the real world?”
For many decision-makers—and drivers—the uncertainty isn’t about EVs themselves. It’s about the practicalities:
- How does home charging work?
- Can employees install chargers at their property?
- What happens if they live in a flat?
- Who pays for the electricity?
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we help businesses answer these questions every day—making the transition to electric simple, structured, and practical.
Why Charging Is the Biggest Question (And Why It Shouldn’t Be)
The perception is that charging is complicated.
In reality, for most drivers, charging an EV becomes easier than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle—once the right setup is in place.
The key is understanding the three main ways vehicles are charged:
- At home (most common and cheapest)
- At work (ideal for fleet bases)
- Public charging (for top-ups and longer journeys)
For the majority of business users, home charging is the foundation.
Charging at Home: What It Actually Involves
For employees, the process of charging at home is far simpler than most expect.
Instead of visiting a fuel station, drivers:
- Park at home
- Plug the vehicle into a charger
- Let it charge overnight
By morning, the vehicle is ready to go.
That’s it.
No queues. No detours. No lost time.
How to Get a Charger Installed at Home
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of EV adoption—but in reality, it’s a straightforward process.
Step 1: Check the Property
The easiest installations are at homes with:
- A driveway
- A garage
- Off-street parking
If the vehicle can be parked near the property, a charger can usually be installed.
Step 2: Choose the Right Charger
Most UK homes install a 7kW wall-mounted charger, which provides a full charge overnight.
Chargers are “smart” as standard, meaning they can:
- Charge at cheaper overnight rates
- Be controlled via an app
- Track electricity usage
Step 3: Book Installation
Installation is typically handled by a specialist provider and usually takes a few hours.
The process includes:
- A remote or in-person survey
- Installation of the unit
- Connection to the home’s electrical supply
In most cases, the installer also handles notifications to the local electricity network.
Step 4: Start Charging
Once installed, the charger is ready to use immediately.
Drivers simply plug in when they get home and let the vehicle charge automatically.
What If Employees Live in Flats or Apartments?
This is one of the most common concerns—and historically, one of the biggest barriers.
However, solutions are improving rapidly.
If There Is Allocated Parking
If an employee has a designated parking space, it may still be possible to install a charger.
This usually requires:
- Permission from a landlord or management company
- Access to the building’s electrical supply
Support is available through Government-backed schemes, helping reduce installation costs.
If There Is No Private Parking
Where home installation isn’t possible, drivers can rely on:
- Kerbside charging (e.g. lamp post chargers)
- Local public charging points
- Rapid chargers for occasional use
While not as convenient as home charging, these options are becoming increasingly accessible.
Rental Properties: Who Organises the Charger?
For rented homes, the process is still very achievable.
Typically:
- The tenant requests permission
- The landlord approves the installation
- A certified installer completes the work
In many cases, landlords are increasingly supportive, as chargers can add value to the property.
Who Pays for Charging?
Another key concern for businesses is cost management.
For company vehicles, businesses typically:
- Reimburse employees for home charging
- Use standard HMRC rates or actual usage data
- Track usage via smart charger apps
This ensures:
- Employees are not out of pocket
- Businesses maintain full cost visibility
Smart Charging: Making It Even Easier
Modern chargers remove almost all of the complexity from EV charging.
Drivers can:
- Schedule charging automatically overnight
- Take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs
- Monitor usage from their phone
In many cases, charging costs drop to just a few pence per mile.
Real-World Scenario: How It Works Day-to-Day
A typical employee experience:
A field-based employee arrives home in the evening, parks on their driveway, and plugs in their vehicle.
The charger is set to start automatically overnight when electricity is cheapest.
By morning, the vehicle is fully charged—ready for a full day’s work.
No planning. No disruption. No dependency on public charging.
What About Businesses Without Premises Charging?
Even if your business doesn’t have on-site charging, this isn’t a barrier.
Many fleets successfully operate using:
- Employee home charging as the primary solution
- Public charging for occasional needs
This model is already widely used across service, maintenance, and delivery sectors.
The Reality: Charging Is Simpler Than Expected
Most concerns around EV charging come from unfamiliarity—not complexity.
Once implemented, charging becomes:
- Routine
- Predictable
- Significantly cheaper than fuel
For most drivers, it quickly becomes second nature.
A Complete EV Solution – Not Just Vehicles
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we go beyond supplying vehicles.
We help businesses understand:
- How their drivers will charge
- What setup is required
- How to minimise cost and disruption
Our Support Includes:
- Guidance on home charger installation
- Advice for employees in flats or rented homes
- Help with grant eligibility
- Introduction to trusted installation partners
- Ongoing support as your fleet grows
Overcoming Common Concerns
“We don’t know how charging works”
- We guide you through the entire process—from first install to daily use.
“Our employees live in different types of properties”
- We help you plan solutions for houses, flats, and mixed situations.
“It sounds complicated”
- In reality, once set up, charging is often easier than refuelling.
The Opportunity Is Now
With increased Government support, falling costs, and rapidly improving infrastructure, EV adoption is accelerating.
Businesses that act now will benefit from:
- Lower running costs
- Simpler day-to-day vehicle management
- A smoother transition ahead of future regulations
Start Your EV Journey Today
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we make switching to electric simple, practical, and cost-effective.
If you’re unsure about charging, infrastructure, or how it would work for your team, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today for a free EV consultation and take the first step towards a smarter, electric fleet.
Start Saving with an EV Today
EVs are no longer just an environmental choice—they’re a smart business decision.
With the right support, charging doesn’t have to be a barrier.
Commercial Vehicle Contracts will guide you every step of the way—helping you reduce costs, simplify operations, and future-proof your fleet.
There’s never been a better time to go electric.
Why Commercial Vehicle Contracts is your EV partner:
Leasing is the smart, modern way to drive a brand-new vehicle. Discover some of the benefits that make it the preferred choice for thousands of UK drivers.
✅ Low initial outlay: Get started with minimal upfront costs compared to a large purchase deposit.
✅ Fixed monthly budgeting: Protect your cash flow with predictable, fixed monthly payments for the duration of your contract.
✅ Always drive the latest: Upgrade to a new model every 2-5 years, ensuring you always have the newest technology, safety features, and maximum efficiency.
✅ No depreciation worries: We bear the risk of the vehicle’s future value, so you don’t have to worry about resale value or market fluctuations.
✅ Professional image: Enhanced business presentation and credibility.
✅ Latest compliance: Always meet current emissions and safety standards.
✅ Expert guidance: Our dedicated team will solve all your lease queries and offer expert advice.
✅ A seamless, all-inclusive service: Our lease process is designed to be straightforward, saving you both time and money. We manage everything to get you driving your new van quickly and efficiently.
✅ 24/7 customer portal: Manage your lease easily online, track orders, check vehicle details, and contact your account manager anytime.
✅ Dedicated account management: Expert support throughout your lease term.
✅ Tax efficiency: VAT reclaim and capital allowance benefits.
Explore our extensive range of electric cars and vans available for lease.
Speak to our team today to find the right solution for your needs and see how Commercial Vehicle Contracts can drive your business forward.
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