Electric vehicles are changing the way we get from one place to another, but they’re also changing how we use energy. With an increase in energy consciousness, more and more drivers are switching to EVs.
The biggest obstacle? These vehicles require charging stations — rather than fuel — in order to continue working. You, as a business owner, are the solution. When more businesses, shopping centers, hotels, and entertainment venues offer EV charging stations for their customers and employees, the easier it will be to achieve sustainability goals and protect the environment.
While sustainability is the overarching benefit of EV charging stations, it’s not the only one. Learn more about how your business can benefit from offering EV charging stations, and contact Westside Solutions in Western Michigan today to schedule a free energy audit and talk about your options for installing EV charging stations.
Satisfied Employees
Generally, the more benefits you offer your employees, the more satisfied they are with their job. While healthcare benefits, PTO, FMLA, and 401(k) matching are great long-term benefits, offering EV charging stations to your employees is something that they can benefit from every day.
Employees will be able to make their EVs their daily driver knowing that they can charge their vehicle while they work. They’ll be proud to work for a company that supports them in reducing emissions and reaching their sustainability goals.
High-Caliber Talent
Not only will your current employees be happier with their workplace environment, but you’ll also start to attract more talented applicants. This is because environmentally conscious individuals are willing to put in the leg work to protect their resources, which means they’re more likely to be harder workers and more conscientious colleagues.
When you advertise the perks of working for your company, your efforts toward sustainability should be one of them. This includes whether or not you offer EV charging stations for your employees. The up-and-coming workforce is looking for these types of benefits so they know they’re working for a company whose values align with their own.
Sustainability Goals
Your employees aren’t the only ones setting sustainability goals. As a business owner, it bodes well for you to get involved in the green movement and set sustainability goals for your entire company. Find ways to reduce the use of materials that aren’t renewable, explore office supplies that can be reused or repurposed, and partner with a recycling company to make sure your company is recycling as many materials as possible.
On top of renewing, reusing, and recycling, you can achieve sustainability goals by offering EV charging stations to your employees. Depending on the size of your company, you can reduce commuting emissions drastically. And when other businesses see what you’re doing to better the community and environment, they’re more likely to jump on board and support as well. You’ll become a green leader in your community of businesses that people can rely on and be proud to have in their area.
Potential HOV Lane Access
Depending on the state your company is in, you and your employees may be allowed access to HOV lanes when commuting in an EV. This can save your employees hundreds of hours in travel time since they won’t be stuck in main traffic. A shorter travel time with less traffic will improve anyone’s mood and, as a byproduct, will help them be more productive in the office.
Michigan’s Rebate Program
As a huge incentive for installing EV charging stations at your business, Michigan offers the PowerMIDrive™ program, which offers incredible rebates on certain EV charging stations. So on top of all the other benefits, you also see a return on investment significantly sooner!
The PowerMIDrive™ program offers two different rebates for commercial-use EV charging stations. Learn more about the different EV charging stations you can have installed, as well as the rebate programs that you’ll qualify for.
Level 2 EV Charging
Your first option when installing EV charging stations at your place of business is the Level 2 Charger. In order to qualify for the rebate, you will need to install at least one Level 2 EV charging station from the approved list of charger models. Generally, these models must be able to send information like energy use, as well as be connected to a reliable network.
Other prerequisites for this include becoming a Consumers Energy electric service business customer, as well as applying for the rebate as soon as possible. This is because the number of available rebates are limited, so act soon! You could receive up to a $5,000 rebate!
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
Your next option for public EV charging stations is the most powerful one on the market yet: the Level 3 DC Fast Charger. This EV charging station is not only the most powerful, but it is also the fastest at charging EVs.
Similar to the Level 2 rebate program, you’ll need to have at least one approved DC Fast Charger installed to qualify, become an electric service business customer with Consumers Energy, and apply for the rebate as soon as possible. Qualify for up to $70,000 with this program!
Rely on the Best Installation and Service
Having EV charging stations installed at your business is one thing, but knowing that they’re installed and maintenanced correctly will make all the difference in the user’s charging experience. When it comes to reliable installation and service, trust Westside Solutions in Western Michigan.
We have experience installing a variety of EV charging stations, and we know how to set up and program your system. We are also experienced in installing EV charging stations in a number of public areas, such as multi-family lots, business complexes, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and much more. We know how to install your system so it’s easy for you, your employees, and your customers to use.
Contact Westside Solutions today to schedule a free energy audit and an appointment to discuss your goals for offering EV charging to your employees and your customers.
