Installation of charging stations on company premises

There are several different types of charging station for electric vehicles, with different features and functions. There are two categories of charging station: non-connected and connected, or "smart" charging stations:  

• Non-connected terminals: these are simple-to-use terminals that generally follow the plug and charge protocol. The vehicle that is plugged in charges, and the one that is unplugged stops charging.
• Smart charging stations are equipped with advanced functions, such as energy management, billing, station reservation and connection to mobile applications. They enable optimized management of charging stations, particularly for corporate fleets, as they are generally linked to software for managing the charging station fleet.

The charging stations installed by businesses can vary according to their needs and budget. Here are the different types of charging stations commonly installed by companies:

1. Standard charging stations: these deliver between 3.7 kW and 7.4 kW of power, enabling an electric vehicle to be recharged in just a few hours. They are often installed in private parking lots for company fleets, but can also be used for customers or visitors.
2. Accelerated charging stations: these deliver between 22 kW and 43 kW of power, enabling electric vehicles to be recharged more quickly than normal stations. They are often used for fleets of commercial electric vehicles that need to be recharged quickly.
3. Fast-charging stations: these deliver between 50 kW and 350 kW of power, enabling an electric vehicle to be recharged in less than an hour. They are often installed along main roads for long journeys.

These examples are not exhaustive, and there are many other options for corporate charging stations. It's important for businesses to choose the charging stations best suited to their needs, depending on the number of electric vehicles, distances covered, charging times and so on.

In France, the obligation to install charging stations in existing buildings depends on a number of factors, including the size of the building and its use. Here's a summary of the main obligations:

• For tertiary buildings (offices, shops, etc.), it is compulsory to provide infrastructure for electric vehicles. This means that one charging station must be installed for every 10 parking spaces in buildings for which the building permit application was submitted between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2017. 
• For multi-family residential buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, it is compulsory to provide infrastructure for electric vehicles, i.e. to install a minimum of one recharging point for every 10 parking spaces.

These obligations were introduced by the Loi d'Orientation des Mobilités, known as the LOM law, in 2018 and are set to last until 2025.  

In France, corporate charging stations are governed by several regulatory frameworks. The main regulations applicable are : 

1. The law on energy transition for green growth (LTECV) of August 17, 2015, which notably calls for the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles in new commercial buildings or those undergoing major renovation work.
2. The Loi d'orientation des mobilités (LOM) of December 24, 2019, which strengthens employers' obligations in terms of sustainable mobility, particularly in terms of electric charging stations.
3. Decree no. 2017-26 of January 12, 2017 on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles defines the technical standards applicable to charging stations and imposes transparency obligations on station operators.
4. Standard NF C 15-100, which lays down safety rules for low-voltage electrical installations, including charging stations for electric vehicles.

Employers are obligedto install charging stations for electric vehicles in new commercial buildings or those undergoing major renovation.

Developers must pre-equip part of the parking lot of new tertiary buildings used mainly for offices with a recharging point.

Pre-equipping a parking space consists of :

• The installation of conduits for the passage of electrical cables or conduits from the low-voltage main switchboard (TGBT) on at least 10% of the parking spaces (see table below).
• Power supply and safety devices 
• The law specifies that cable passages serving parking spaces must have a minimum cross-section of 100 mm.

This obligation is in fact pre-wiring: it's not a question of directly supplying charging stations for electric vehicles.

Installing charging stations on your premises has a number of advantages, for the company itself, for its employees and for society as a whole. Here are some of the most important benefits:

1. Promoting electric mobility: by installing charging stations for electric vehicles, companies help to promote electric mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles: installing charging stations on the company premises can encourage employees to adopt electric vehicles by offering them convenient and reliable access to recharging.
3. Improving the company's image: a commitment to electric mobility can improve the company's image with consumers and employees, positioning it as a company committed to sustainability and the environment.
4. Adding value to premises: charging stations can also add value to company premises by offering an additional service to employees or visitors.
5. Reinforce your company's CSR strategy: the installation of a charging station in your company is part of the reduction of CO2 emissions and is included in the calculation of your carbon footprint. 

In short, the installation of charging stations in companies is a virtuous move that contributes to the energy transition while enhancing the company's image and offering practical benefits to employees.

To help you make the transition to a greener future, the French government offers financial assistance for the installation of charging stations at your company. In particular, there are : 

• LADVENIR aid: this state aid subsidizes the installation of charging stations in companies with public parking lots. The public refers to people outside the company, i.e. not customers or suppliers. The Advenir grant reimburses 30% of the cost of installing a charging station, up to a maximum of €1,000 (excl. VAT) per charging point.
• Local authority grants: some local authorities offer financial assistance for the installation of charging stations on their territory. This assistance can take various forms, from subsidies to tax exemptions, and is specific to each region.

It is important to note that these grants are subject to specific conditions and eligibility criteria, and that they may evolve in line with changes in regulations and public policies. Assistance can often be combined.