Charging Made Simple for Busy Businesses
If you’re a tradesman or small business owner considering the switch to an electric van, charging is often the first concern that comes up. Where will you charge it? How long will it take? And will it slow you down?
The reality is, once you understand your options, charging an electric van in the UK is easier than you might think — and with the right setup, it can fit seamlessly into your daily routine without costing you time or money.
This guide will walk you through how charging works, what options are available, and the smartest ways to keep your van ready for the road.
Understanding the Basics of EV Charging
There are three main charging speeds for electric vans:
Slow charging (3–7kW) — Usually from a home socket or basic workplace charger. Ideal for overnight charging.
Fast charging (7–22kW) — Most common in public car parks, supermarkets, and some workplaces. Great for topping up while you work.
Rapid charging (43–150kW+) — Found at motorway services and some urban hubs. Charges to 80% in under an hour.
For most small businesses, a mix of overnight charging at home or the depot and occasional fast charging during the day is the most efficient approach.
Home Charging: The Easiest Way to Start
If your van can be parked off-street, installing a dedicated home EV charger is the simplest solution. Benefits include:
Charging while you sleep — start every day with a full battery.
Lower overnight electricity rates if you’re on an off-peak tariff.
No queuing or waiting at public chargers.
The UK government previously offered the OZEV grant for home chargers, and while it’s now limited to certain renters and flat owners, installation costs are still relatively low compared to the long-term savings.
For tradesmen, this means finishing a job late at night and knowing your van will be fully charged by morning without thinking about it.
Workplace Charging: Powering Your Fleet On-Site
If you run a small fleet or operate from a workshop or yard, installing workplace chargers can:
Allow multiple vans to charge overnight.
Reduce reliance on public charging networks.
Enable employees to top up during the day between jobs.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) still offers grants to cover up to 75% of installation costs (capped at £350 per socket, up to 40 sockets).
Even for a one- or two-van operation, this can future-proof your setup as you expand your fleet.
Public Charging Networks: Your On-the-Go Solution
Public chargers are improving rapidly across the UK. The main networks include:
Pod Point — Found at many supermarkets and retail parks.
bp pulse — One of the largest UK networks with both fast and rapid chargers.
Instavolt — Highly reliable rapid chargers, often at service stations and coffee shops.
Gridserve — Focused on electric forecourts with ultra-rapid chargers.
Public chargers are ideal for:
Midday top-ups while grabbing lunch.
Covering unexpected extra mileage.
Long-distance jobs outside your normal range.
The Farizon SV supports rapid charging, so even a short stop can get you back on the road quickly.
Planning Charging Around Your Schedule
The key to running an electric van efficiently is integrating charging into your existing routine:
Charge overnight so you always start with maximum range.
Top up during planned breaks to avoid downtime.
Plan jobs with charging locations in mind using apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare.
For tradesmen, this could mean choosing a café near a charger for lunch, or finishing the day at a job site close to a public charging point before heading home.
How Much Does Charging Cost?
Charging costs vary depending on where and how you charge:
Home charging (off-peak) — Around 7–10p per mile.
Workplace charging — Often free for company-owned chargers.
Public fast chargers — Around 40–50p/kWh.
Rapid chargers — Typically 60–85p/kWh.
For a van that does 150 miles on a full charge, charging at home could cost under £15, compared to £30–£40 in diesel for the same mileage.
Charging for Multiple Vans
If you’re running more than one electric van, stagger charging times to avoid overloading your electrical supply. Some smart chargers can:
Automatically schedule charging during the cheapest tariff hours.
Limit charging speed to keep costs down.
Prioritise vans with the lowest battery levels.
This is especially useful for businesses with mixed-use vehicles where some may need to be fully charged before others.
Overcoming Common Charging Concerns
“There aren’t enough chargers near me.”
The UK now has over 57,000 public charging points, with hundreds more added each month — and most tradesmen will do the majority of charging at home or work anyway.
“Charging will slow me down.”
If you plan charging into natural breaks, it rarely causes delays. Rapid charging can also get you back on the road in under an hour.
“What if a charger is broken?”
Apps like Zap-Map show live availability and status, so you can always find an alternative nearby.
Future of Charging in the UK
The UK government and private sector are investing heavily in expanding charging infrastructure. Expect to see:
More rapid chargers in towns and cities.
Dedicated van charging hubs with larger bays.
Wireless charging trials for depot fleets.
Faster charging speeds as technology improves.
This means that going electric now will only get easier as the infrastructure grows.
Making the Switch with Confidence
The fear of running out of charge — “range anxiety” — is common before switching, but most new electric van drivers find it’s unfounded once they’ve adjusted to the routine.
By installing a home or workplace charger, using public networks strategically, and understanding your van’s real-world range, you can run your business smoothly without disruption.
Conclusion: Charging is No Longer a Barrier
For UK tradesmen and small businesses, charging an electric van is already simple, affordable, and reliable — and it’s only getting better.
With home or workplace chargers handling most of your needs and public networks filling the gaps, your van will always be ready for the next job.
If you want to see how easy it is to integrate electric into your workflow, book a 24-hour test drive and experience the Farizon SV in your day-to-day business.
Aug 10, 2025
