As more UK businesses transition to electric vehicles (EVs), fleet charging infrastructure has become a top priority. From delivery vans to company cars, a reliable charging setup ensures vehicles stay on the road and operate efficiently. But planning and installing workplace EV chargers isn’t always straightforward; it requires careful consideration of locations, energy supply, and long-term scalability.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial EV charging, from choosing the right charger installation approach to optimising load management for your fleet.
Step 1: Assess Your Fleet’s Charging Needs
The first step in planning fleet charging is understanding your vehicles’ daily requirements. Factors to consider include:
- Fleet size – How many vehicles need charging at once?
- Mileage – Do your vehicles require full charges daily, or just top-ups?
- Shift patterns – Will vehicles be charged overnight, during the day, or both?
For example, businesses with delivery fleets often benefit from overnight depot charging, while sales teams with company cars may require access to multiple workplace EV chargers throughout the day.
Step 2: Choose Charger Locations Strategically
Selecting the right charger locations is essential to maximise efficiency and reduce downtime. A well-planned workplace EV charging layout ensures vehicles can plug in without disrupting operations.
Some best practices include:
- Installing chargers close to parking bays allocated for fleet vehicles.
- Planning a mix of rapid and fast chargers depending on turnaround times.
- Leaving room for expansion as your fleet grows.
Long-term planning is crucial, especially when considering the best charging setup for delivery fleets that may need to scale up quickly.
Step 3: Consider Power Supply and Load Management
Installing multiple workplace EV chargers can place significant demand on your building’s electricity supply. This is where load management comes in.
Load management systems balance electricity usage across chargers, ensuring:
- The site doesn’t exceed its grid connection capacity.
- Energy is distributed efficiently between vehicles.
- Charging costs are reduced by avoiding peak tariffs.
For larger depots, smart fleet depot charging systems can prioritise vehicles based on departure times, ensuring the right vehicles are fully charged when needed.
Step 4: Select the Right Chargers
The type of commercial EV chargers you choose depends on your business model:
- Fast Chargers (7–22kW) – Ideal for overnight depot charging.
- Rapid Chargers (50kW+) – Best for quick turnarounds, such as delivery fleets with multiple daily shifts.
- Smart Chargers – Provide energy monitoring and integration with renewable energy sources like solar panels.
Knowing how to install EV chargers for fleet vehicles in the UK is easier with expert support, as compliance with safety regulations and grant eligibility (such as the Workplace Charging Scheme) must be considered.
Step 5: Plan for Future Growth
EV adoption is accelerating, and your charging needs will grow with your fleet. Planning scalable EV infrastructure for business now can save thousands in future upgrades.
- Leave spare capacity in your electrical supply where possible.
- Future-proof your site with additional cable runs for easy expansion.
- Integrate renewable energy and battery storage solutions to offset costs and reduce reliance on the grid.
By designing with growth in mind, you’ll ensure your investment in fleet charging continues to deliver value long term.
Step 6: Work with Experienced Installers
A successful charging rollout requires more than just buying hardware—it needs expert design, safe charger installation, and ongoing support.
At McNally EV, we’ve completed over 20,000 installations across the UK, helping businesses transition to commercial EV charging with tailored solutions. Whether you need a small workplace EV charger setup or a large-scale fleet depot charging system, our experienced team can guide you through every stage of the process.
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Conclusion
Transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles is one of the best decisions your business can make for sustainability and long-term savings. But success starts with well-planned fleet charging infrastructure.
By assessing your needs, choosing the right charger locations, implementing load management, and future-proofing your setup, you’ll create a reliable and efficient system that keeps your vehicles on the road.
👉 Ready to explore workplace EV chargers for your fleet? Contact McNally EV today to discuss your business needs and build a tailored charging solution.