Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging 

Stations at the Workplace

Margaret Smith, Energetics Incorporated

July 2016

Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office
2 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

Table of Contents

Level 1 Charging at Work ..............................................................................................................................3

Scenario A: Making a Level 1 Electrical Outlet Available..............................................................................4

Overview..........................................................................................................................................................4

Workplace Charging Challenge Partner Examples...........................................................................................6

General Motors (GM) – Detroit, MI..........................................................................................................6

Coca-Cola – Atlanta, GA............................................................................................................................7

Estimated Costs for Scenario A (Making an Electrical Outlet Available) .........................................................7

Installation ................................................................................................................................................7

Electricity Consumption and Demand ......................................................................................................8

Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................9

Sample Employee Fee for Scenario A (Making an Electrical Outlet Available)................................................9

Scenario B: Providing Level 1 EVSE .............................................................................................................10

Overview........................................................................................................................................................10

Workplace Charging Challenge Partner Examples.........................................................................................10

Melink – Milford, OH ..............................................................................................................................10

SAP – Palo Alto, CA..................................................................................................................................11

Estimated Costs for Scenario B (Providing Level 1 EVSE) ..............................................................................11

Equipment Hardware..............................................................................................................................11

Installation ..............................................................................................................................................12

Electricity Consumption and Demand ....................................................................................................13

Maintenance...........................................................................................................................................13

Sample Employee Fee for Scenario B (Providing Wall-Mounted Level 1 EVSE) ............................................13

Management Policies..................................................................................................................................14

Administration...............................................................................................................................................14

Registration and Liability ...............................................................................................................................14

Charging Sharing............................................................................................................................................15

Pricing ............................................................................................................................................................15

Comparing Level 1 and Level 2 EVSE...........................................................................................................15

Summary .....................................................................................................................................................17
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 3

Level 1 Charging at Work

Level 1 charging (110–120 V) can be a good fit for 

many workplace charging programs. For electric 

vehicles typically purchased by most employees, Level 1 

charging often has sufficient power to fully restore 

vehicle driving range during work hours. Level 1 electric 

vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) replenishes 2 to 5 

miles of range during one hour of charging.

1

If plug-in 

electric vehicle (PEV) drivers park their cars for 6.5–8 

hours each day, they can replenish 30 to 40 miles in one 

work day.2 More than 90% of employees in the United 

States commute less than 35 miles,

3 which means that 

Level 1 charging could adequately replenish the battery 

capacity used to travel to work. Having access to Level 1 

charging at home and at work could meet the charging

needs of over 92% of U.S. drivers’ workday travel.4

While the installation and management of PEV charging 

stations requires planning, the U.S. Department of 

Energy (DOE) Workplace Charging Challenge, launched 

in 2013, aims to support these efforts. This document 

highlights the experiences of a selection of Workplace 

Charging Challenge partners that use Level 1 charging.

Workplaces can provide Level 1 charging using two 

main ways: (1) using a Level 1 outlet for employees to plug in their own charging equipment, and (2) 

providing a Level 1 charging station with the EVSE charging equipment installed at the workplace. In 

either situation, having a proper workplace charging policy in place is critical to program success. For 

instance, appropriate signage, a policy for who can use the charging stations, and a well-thought-out fee 

structure can have a large impact on how happy the employer and employees are with the workplace 

charging program.

When evaluating the cost of any PEV charging station, 

consider the hardware, installation, electricity consumption 

charges, electricity demand charges, and maintenance. 

Offering an electrical outlet is usually the lowest-cost 

scenario. Providing EVSE has the additional cost of the 

purchased equipment. Generally, a pedestal-mounted EVSE

has higher installation costs than a wall-mounted EVSE. If a 

 

1 Alternative Fuels Data Center - http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html.

2 Assuming a Level 1 EVSE that replenishes 5 miles of range during one hour of charging.

3 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ October 2003 OmniStats report, Volume 3, 

Issue 4.

4 Charging Ahead on the Transition to Electric Vehicles with Standard 120 V Wall Outlets, S. Saxena. Lawrence Berkeley 

National Laboratory. Applied Energy. June 2015.

Photo 1.This Level 1 outlet is available for electric 

vehicle charging at the U.S. Senate parking lot. 

Photo from Sarah Olexsak, DOE.

To obtain estimates for a specific 

project, contact electricians and 

EVSE manufacturers. 
4 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

site requires electrical service upgrades to accommodate the power used by PEV charging stations, 

installation costs can rise significantly. To obtain estimates for a specific project, contact electricians and 

EVSE manufacturers.

Scenario A: Making a Level 1 Electrical Outlet Available

Overview

Most PEVs come with a cordset that on one end 

has a standard, three-prong household plug that 

plugs into a Level 1 outlet (110–120 V) and on 

the other end has an SAE J1772 standard 

connector that plugs into the vehicle. Making 

Level 1 charging available to an employee could 

simply mean offering electrical outlets for 

drivers to plug in their own cordsets. Offering an 

outlet for charging is usually the lowest-cost 

option for providing workplace charging

because it requires no EVSE purchase and the 

installation costs are minimal (see Estimated 

Costs for Scenario A section below). 

Employers that offer an outlet for employee 

charging rather than purchase and install 

charging equipment do not have access to the selection of management features available with networked 

Level 2 EVSE. They can still manage employee charging habits but will need to consider separate 

management solutions. Employers that want to track the energy consumed by PEV charging at the Level 

1 outlet can install an energy monitor near the control panel for the PEV charging circuit. Energy 

monitors are available that can track the power consumed during each charging event and provide online 

access to the information. Organizations that want to ensure the outlet is used only by certain individuals 

can use an outlet cover and padlock to restrict access. 

Although a Level 1 outlet may be the preferred workplace charging scenario for an employer, it may not 

be the preferred scenario for employees. Some employees may consider it a hassle to bring and use their 

own cordsets and would prefer to have Level 1 EVSE installed at the workplace. Many PEV drivers 

prefer to leave their cordsets at home for convenient charging at home, or they may have concerns about 

vandalism or cordset theft. Some cordsets have an anti-theft feature that allows the driver to use a simple 

padlock to prevent anyone from removing the connector from the vehicle without a key. If the charging 

station is outdoors and there is inclement weather, drivers may object to putting a wet, snow-covered, or 

muddy cordset back in their car trunks after charging. For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), 

drivers can simply leave their cordsets in the vehicle and use gasoline if they are concerned about 

inclement weather. Despite the disadvantages, most employees interested in workplace charging would 

prefer to have a Level 1 outlet available over having no option for workplace charging.

Photo 2. This Level 1 cordset comes standard with a MY16 

and MY17 Chevrolet Volt.

Photo from GM.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 5

Level 1 outlets used for PEV 

charging should be National 

Electrical Manufacturers 

Association (NEMA) commercial 

grade outlets that meet National 

Electric Code (NEC) 

requirements.

5 These outlets must 

be on a dedicated circuit, 

preferably rated for 20 amps.6

Using a ground fault circuit 

interrupter (GFCI) outlet with an 

outlet cover is required for 

outdoor use or anywhere the 

outlet could get wet. If an 

electrical outlet that does not meet 

these requirements is used for PEV charging, there can be sparks, damage, or injury. An electrician can 

inspect an existing outlet to determine if it meets these specifications or install a new electrical outlet on a 

dedicated circuit. Products are also available that allow site hosts to install multiple electrical outlets 

mounted to a wall or a pedestal. This enables site hosts to place outlets in a convenient location for PEV 

drivers to plug in their portable Level 1 EVSE cordsets.

For an electrical receptacle to function safely, there needs to be 

sufficient tension to keep the plug securely inserted into the 

receptacle.7 Receptacle tension should be tested a minimum of 

every 12 months in electrical receptacles that are frequently 

used for plugging in and unplugging a cordset. This 

preventative maintenance step can identify safety hazards and 

avoid potential down time. Little data is available on the 

performance of different types of outlets used for Level 1 

charging. Higher quality commercial grade outlets, such as 

hospital grade outlets, may be more durable and retain optimal 

tension longer than lower quality outlets.

Employers are encouraged to consider cordset weight and 

typical length of the cord when determining the Level 1 outlet 

height. Putting strain on the Level 1 outlet or the cordset by 

having the cordset hang in the air, as shown in Photo 4, should 

be avoided.

 

5 Consult National Electric Code NFPA 70, 2014 edition, sections 210.17, 511.10, 625.1 and 625.44.

6 Some cordsets are rated for 15 amps but many are 20 amps.

7 The UL498 standard requires 3lbs of retention force after 100 cycles of conditions.

Photo 3. Over 150 Level 1 outlets are available for workplace charging at GM 

worksites. 

Photo from GM.

Photo 4. This cordset is hanging from an 

outlet which may cause strain on the 

cordset and outlet. 

Photo from Don Francis, Clean Cities-Georgia.
6 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

It should be noted that safety standards for standard residential and commercial outlets were not 

developed with repeated operations for charging plug-in electric vehicles in mind. The current safety 

standard that covers 120 volt/20 amp electrical outlets is UL 498, the Standard for Safety for Attachment 

Plugs and Receptacles. The protocol recommends that these electrical outlets (which are the type typically 

used for Level 1 charging) complete a number of tests to pass safety standards. These include tests in 

which the receptacle has a plug inserted and removed 250 times in various conditions without sustained 

flaming of the material in excess of five seconds duration. 

Workplace Charging Challenge Partner Examples

General Motors (GM) – Detroit, MI

GM, a Workplace Charging Challenge 

Partner, started a workplace charging 

program in 2010 by installing over 100 

Level 2 EVSE across key employee 

parking lots. A few years later, GM 

wanted to provide more charging stations 

to keep up with demand as more 

employees purchased new Chevrolet 

Volts. Not only did GM choose to 

expand its Level 2 offerings, but it also 

chose to start installing Level 1 outlets to 

maximize the number of employees that 

would have access to workplace 

charging while staying within available 

budgets. Installing Level 1 outlets cost 

significantly less than installing a Level 2 EVSE. GM reported a rule-of-thumb estimate in March 2016 of

$10,000 to install a Level 2 EVSE and $1,000 to install a Level 1 outlet. Considering the available 

parking lot power supply, (generally) GM could install twice as many Level 1 outlets than Level 2 before 

it needed to pay for more costly electrical upgrades. Overall, choosing Level 1 outlets enabled GM to 

expedite workplace charging projects and provide workplace charging for many more employees than it

could have if it only chose Level 2 EVSE. 

Many of GM’s employee parking lots are located a long distance away from employee work areas, and 

Michigan winters can be cold. Leaving a vehicle at a Level 1 charging station all day can be more 

convenient and a better use of an employee’s time than having to move a vehicle mid-day to share a Level 

2 EVSE. 

GM now has over 150 Level 1 outlets for employee PEV charging and almost 350 Level 2 EVSE at its

locations around the country as part of its free workplace charging program. Offering Level 1 outlets 

became such a successful strategy that it is now standard GM practice to install Level 1 outlets near a 

parking space whenever they can easily be added as part of electrical work on a building or parking lot. 

For example, a conversion of a parking lot lamp post to use more efficient lighting can also include 

Photo 5. GM installs Level 1 outlets on parking lot lamp posts for 

convenient workplace charging. 

Photo from GM.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 7

installing several Level 1 outlets on the lamp post. The incremental cost of adding a Level 1 outlet is 

minimal when electrical work is already being done.

Coca-Cola – Atlanta, GA

The Coca-Cola Company, a Workplace Charging 

Challenge Partner, started its workplace charging 

program in 2012 by offering 12 Level 1 outlets in one 

of its parking garages. Spaces were in such high

demand that Coca-Cola installed an additional 12 

Level 1 outlets in a different parking garage. As 

employees continued to purchase PEVs, the company

continued to install Level 1 outlets and now has 75 

Level 1 charging stations spread over multiple parking 

garages. Coca-Cola chose Level 1 outlets because they 

were a low cost option and allowed employees to park 

at the charging station without having to return during 

the day to move their vehicle or EVSE connector. 

About 160 Coca-Cola employees drive PEVs and use 

the free workplace charging on a first-come, firstserve basis. Additionally, Coca-Cola has two Level 2 

EVSE available for visitors and a DC fast charger 

(DCFC) station that can be reserved in 30 minute slots 

through a Microsoft Outlook room reservation tool. 

The DCFC provides piece of mind if there is not 

enough time for a vehicle to charge at a Level 1 outlet. 

It was donated by Nissan and has a CHAdeMO 

connector compatible with Nissan, Mitsubishi, and 

Kia electric vehicles. Generally, PHEVs do not have 

DC fast charge capability, but they can run on gasoline if they run out of electric miles.

The Level 1 outlets are located about four feet off the ground and each parking space has an “Electric 

Vehicle Parking Only” sign for high visibility. One challenge from having the outlet so high is that the 

weight of the cordset may pull on the plug and outlet. Out of concern for the lifespan of the plug and 

outlet, some drivers strap their cordset to the electrical conduit to relieve the tension as shown in Photo 6.

Estimated Costs for Scenario A (Making an Electrical Outlet Available)

Installation

At some sites, there may already be a Level 1 outlet located near a parking spot that can be used for Level 

1 charging. Before using it for charging, it is important to have an electrician inspect the outlet and 

confirm that it meets PEV charging requirements. If a new outlet or an upgrade to an existing 120 V 

Photo 6. One of many highly visible Level 1 charging 

stations at Coca-Cola. The driver straps the cordset to the 

electrical conduit so there is no strain on the plug and 

outlet. The parking spot is well marked with an Electric 

Vehicle Parking Only sign. 

Photo from Don Francis, Clean Cities-Georgia.
8 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

circuit is needed, this may cost around $200–$500, assuming no unusual construction is needed.

8 An 

employer may choose to install outlets along a row of parking spaces, as shown in Photo 7. Generally, the

cost range for installing an outlet and dedicated circuit in a parking lot or garage is $300–$1,000 per 

outlet9(installing multiple outlets on a site can result drive costs toward the lower end of that range). If a 

site requires electrical service upgrades to accommodate the power used by PEV charging stations, 

installation costs may increase significantly. Electricians can provide estimates for a specific project.

Employers can minimize charging station installation costs by choosing a location close to the electrical 

service. Wayfinding signage can be used to direct drivers to the charging stations as an alternative to 

placing the charging station in a prominent location with a more costly installation. Station signage is 

used to help PEV drivers identify charging stations and communicate restrictions on which vehicles are 

allowed to use the parking spot. Station signage and painted parking spots can be especially helpful when 

offering a Level 1 outlet since the small outlet may not be noticeable to drivers. Visit the Workplace 

Charging Challenge website (http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging-challengesignage-guidance) to find signage templates and learn how proper signage can optimize charging station 

usage.

Electricity Consumption and Demand

A major benefit to Level 1 charging is the lower electricity consumption costs compared to higher power 

charging options. Assuming drivers have a commute of 10–25 miles one-way, the potential electricity 

consumed by one Level 1 charging station could range from 867–2,167 kWh/year. Assuming a 

commercial electricity rate of 10.59 cents per kilowatt-hour10 results in an annual cost of $92–$229

electricity consumption for each Level 1 charging station.

In addition to consumption costs, many commercial and industrial sites may be subject to power demand 

charges from the utility. Each utility has its own threshold for demand charges, typically between 20 and 

50 kW. Once a site’s power usage exceeds that threshold, the site is charged a fee based on the site’s peak

demand, regardless of the duration of that peak demand. Using PEV charging stations may result in 

 

8 Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Roadmap for North Carolina, North Carolina Plug-in Electric Vehicle Taskforce. February 

2013

9 U.S. Department of Energy, November 2015, Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment 

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/evse_cost_report_2015.pdf.

10 Table 5.3 at http://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/pdf/epm.pdf

Photo 7. Electrical outlets are available along a row of parking stalls for PEV drivers to charge their vehicles using a Level 1 

cordset. 

Photo from Jonathan Kirchner, Coca-Cola.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 9

higher demand fees by increasing the facility’s peak electricity demand. Sites with charging stations can 

experience demand charges from $0 to over $2,000/month. This is more commonly a concern for sites 

that have DC fast charging or multiple Level 2 EVSE and rarely a concern for Level 1 charging. Contact

the utility prior to charging station installation for information about demand charges and how they may 

be minimized or eliminated.

Maintenance

Over time, the commercial grade NEMA electrical outlet used with Level 1 cordsets may need to be 

replaced. Depending on the outlet age, type, and use, the outlet should function appropriately for many 

years. The cost of an outlet can range from $1–$40 depending on whether it is for an indoor or outdoor 

application, the quality level, and if it protects against electrical shock (GFCI rated). Estimated

electrician’s fees for replacing outlets are in the $50–$75 range, depending on how many outlets need to 

be changed and the labor rates in the geographic region.

Sample Employee Fee for Scenario A (Making an Electrical Outlet 

Available)

If an employer wants to recover the entire cost of offering workplace charging, providing a Level 1 outlet 

may be the best option for both employers and employees. The table below provides an example in which

drivers pay $11.67–$17.50 per month (equivalent to $0.54–$0.81 per workday) to connect their own 

cordsets to electrical outlets. Actual costs will depend on the installation cost and the electricity 

consumption.

SCENARIO A 

Example for Recovering Level 1 Charging Costs

Annual Cost Monthly Cost

Electricity Consumption Cost for 1,039 kWh/yr* $110/yr $9.17/mo.

Installation for a Level 1 Outlet $300–$1,000** over 10 

years

$30–$100/yr $2.50–$8.33/mo.

PEV Driver Fee to Cover All Costs $140–$210/yr $11.67–$17.50/mo.

* Average one-way commute (12 miles, 2009 National Highway Transportation Survey, nhts.ornl.gov), Average PEV efficiency (3 miles per 

kilowatt-hour, U.S. Department of Energy, 2014 PEV Models, www.fueleconomy.gov), Average commercial customer electricity price (10.59

cents per kilowatt-hour, Energy Information Administration, 2015 Table 5.3 at http://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/pdf/epm.pdf).

** U.S. Department of Energy, November 2015, Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment 

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/evse_cost_report_2015.pdf. 

Table 1. Example for Recovering Level 1 Charging Costs when Making a

Level 1 Electrical Outlet Available
10 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

Scenario B: Providing Level 1 EVSE

Overview

Employers can install permanent wall mounted or pedestal mounted Level 1 EVSE so drivers do not have 

to provide their own cordsets. The additional expense of the EVSE increases the cost of this option

relative to offering only a Level 1 outlet. Since drivers can leave their cordsets at home, this option is 

more convenient for employees, as there is no risk of personal property (cordset) theft or damage. 

A simple installation could 

entail plugging a cordset into 

a Level 1 outlet and 

mounting the equipment on a 

wall. Alternatively, wallmounted or pedestal-mounted

Level 1 EVSE can be 

hardwired to the electrical 

system. Placing the EVSE on 

a wall is generally the most 

cost-effective design because 

it avoids the costs of 

underground electrical 

conduit. It is also possible to 

install a pedestal-mounted 

Level 1 EVSE next to a 

parking space but this is often 

the highest cost Level 1 

option.

Most Level 1 EVSE units are designed to simply charge a vehicle; they are not networked and do not 

have additional software features that track energy use, process payment for a charging session, or 

determine which drivers are authorized to use the EVSE. Secondary systems that provide these features 

can be installed to supplement the Level 1 EVSE. Employers that want to track EVSE energy use can 

install a monitoring product that tracks power consumption. A secondary system is available that can 

provide access control and payment features for Level 1 charging. 

Workplace Charging Challenge Partner Examples

Melink – Milford, OH

Melink Corporation, a Workplace Charging Challenge Partner, is committed to reducing vehicle 

emissions and reliance on petroleum fuels. In an effort to share Melink’s vision for sustainable 

transportation, it provides free charging for employees and visitors as well as an incentive for employees 

to purchase a PEV. Wanting to offer a variety of charging methods, the company installed ten Level 1

PowerPost EVSE and four Level 2 EVSE on its campus in December 2014. Testing a new product on 

Photo 8. Steve Melink holding the connector of a Level 1 PowerPost part of Melink's 

workplace charging program.

Photo from Melink.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 11

campus had some challenges, but everything has been working smoothly after the electrical sub panel was 

upgraded in January 2015. As of April 2016, 80% of the charging stations were occupied on a daily basis 

and Melink intends to install additional EVSE in the near future. The Melink headquarters is a Net-Zero 

Energy and LEED Platinum building. Melink uses a custom building monitoring system to track the 

energy used throughout the building down to the individual breaker. This monitoring system helps 

identify excessive energy consumption in the building and track the energy used by the free PEV 

charging.

SAP – Palo Alto, CA

When SAP, a Workplace Charging Challenge Partner, began planning its workplace charging program, 

managers conducted an employee survey to identify how many employees were interested in charging 

their vehicle at work. Based on the survey responses, SAP determined that PEV drivers would have 

sufficient time during the work day to replenish their batteries using Level 1 EVSE. Since the equipment 

and installation for Level 1 EVSE cost less than Level 2 EVSE, SAP installed 20 ChargePoint Level 1 

EVSE (15 of them can charge two vehicles at the same time). Each parking space next to an EVSE is 

marked as EV charging only and signage is on the ground. Drivers have to sign up for an access card, but 

there is no fee for using the workplace charging. SAP’s PEV community uses a wiki page to maintain a 

calendar for who will need to use the EVSE or when an EVSE unit will be down for maintenance. 

SAP has 160 employees registered to use these 35 charging ports and the demand is increasing. This 

growing demand has been a challenge for SAP and is the reason the company may choose to install Level 

2 EVSE in the future. With Level 2 EVSE, SAP could implement a system in which two employees can 

take turns using one EVSE. When discussing additional EVSE installations, SAP faced some internal 

management challenges – including whether future EVSE installation costs should come from the 

facilities budget or represent an amenity that could be paid from the human resources budget. It has also 

faced challenges from employees who do not drive PEVs and think that it is an unequitable practice to 

provide PEV drivers with front row parking and free fuel.

Estimated Costs for Scenario B (Providing Level 1 EVSE) 

Equipment Hardware

Simple wall-mounted Level 1 EVSE units that plug into an outlet or can be hardwired to the electrical 

system cost around $300–$600. On the higher end of the Level 1 EVSE price range, a pedestal unit with 

access control costs about $1,500.
12 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

Installation

Charging station installation costs vary significantly and are influenced by how much electrical work is 

needed, how much trenching or boring is needed, and ancillary considerations like permitting, labor rates, 

and ADA requirements. Little data is available on the costs of installing Level 1 charging equipment. As 

an example, in North 

Carolina, an upgrade to a 

120 V circuit is needed 

may cost $200–$500, 

assuming no unusual 

construction is needed.11

Installing a wall-mounted 

Level 1 EVSE hardwired 

to the electrical service 

would also cost around 

$300–$1,000 assuming the 

unit is located within 50 

feet of the electrical service 

and no trenching or 

complex electrical work is 

needed. The installation 

cost for pedestal-mounted 

Level 1 EVSE will greatly depend on the selected location. Trenching or boring parking pavement to 

connect the EVSE to the electrical service can add a significant cost to the installation process. A ballpark 

cost range for a pedestal mounted Level 1 EVSE installation is $1,000–$3,000, assuming the unit is 

located within 50 feet of the electrical service and no major electrical upgrades are needed. If a site 

requires electrical service upgrades to accommodate the power used by PEV charging stations or 

extensive trenching, there may be a significant increase to installation costs. While there is little data on 

costs for installing pedestal-mounted Level 1 EVSE, the pedestal-mounted Level 2 EVSE units installed 

during the Department of Energy’s EV Project had an average installation cost of $2,305 with some 

installations costing over $4,000.

12 To obtain estimates for a specific project, contact electricians and 

charging station manufacturers.

As noted above, employers can minimize charging station installation costs by choosing a location that is 

close existing electrical service. See the Costs for Scenario A section above for more information about 

signage. Visit the Workplace Charging Challenge website

(http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging-challenge-signage-guidance) to find signage 

templates and learn how proper signage can optimize charging station usage.

 

11 Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PEV) Roadmap for North Carolina, North Carolina Plug-in Electric Vehicle Taskforce. February 

2013

12 What were the Cost Drivers for Workplace Charging Installations?. 

https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/EVProj/WhatWereTheCostDriversForWorkplaceInstallations.pdf

Photo 9. At AeroVironment's Monrovia office, they offer workplace charging using 

TurboDocks which can be used for Level 1 or Level 2 charging.

Photo from AeroVironment
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 13

Electricity Consumption and Demand

For information about electricity consumption and demands, see the Costs for Scenario A section above. 

Maintenance

Since the PEV market is relatively new, little information is available about the maintenance costs or 

lifespan of EVSE. Regular maintenance is generally not required for Level 1 EVSE. If the EVSE is 

damaged due to vandalism or driving over a cord, it is more common to replace the damaged component 

than to try to repair it. 

Sample Employee Fee for Scenario B (Providing Wall-Mounted Level 1 

EVSE)

An employer may want to charge a fee to recover the costs of electricity, EVSE, and installation. In the 

example below, drivers would pay $14.17–$22.50 per month (equivalent to $0.65–$1.04 per workday) to 

offset the costs of electricity consumption and the EVSE. Actual costs will depend on which EVSE is 

selected, installation costs, and the electricity consumption.

Table 2. Example for Recovering Level 1 Charging Costs

when Providing Wall-Mounted Level 1 EVSE.

SCENARIO B 

Example for Recovering Level 1 Charging Costs

Annual Cost Monthly Cost

Electricity Consumption Cost 

for 1,039 kWh/yr*

$110/yr $9.17/mo.

Wall mounted Level 1 charging equipment with 

cord and connector

$300–$600 over 10 years

$30–$60 $2.50–$5.00/mo.

Installation for wall mounted Level 1 charging 

equipment

$300–$1,000** over 10 years

$30–$100/yr $2.50–$8.33/mo.

PEV Driver Fee to Cover All Costs $170–$270/yr $14.17–$22.50/mo.

* Average one-way commute (12 miles, 2009 National Highway Transportation Survey, nhts.ornl.gov), Average PEV efficiency (3 miles per 

kilowatt-hour, U.S. Department of Energy, 2014 PEV Models, www.fueleconomy.gov), Average commercial customer electricity price (10.59 

cents per kilowatt-hour, Energy Information Administration, 2015 Table 5.3 at http://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/pdf/epm.pdf).

** U.S. Department of Energy, November 2015, Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment 

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/uploads/publication/evse_cost_report_2015.pdf.
14 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

Management Policies

A clear and consistent management policy is important for any workplace charging program. It is

especially important for Level 1 charging since employees often use their own cordsets and a lack of 

networked features such as communications capabilities places more reliance on management policy.

Having an official written policy in place can make a difference between a successful workplace charging 

program and one that faces many problems. For instance, if an employer informally lets employees plugin their vehicles to a wall outlet without a written policy, that system could be disrupted if someone in 

authority objects to providing free electricity. Workplace Charging Challenge Partners have found the 

suggestions below helpful for managing a successful Level 1 workplace charging program.

Administration

Designate a responsible individual or group for ongoing charging station operation and maintenance 

issues, use clear and consistent signage and stall paint to indicate PEV parking designation, and identify 

which drivers have access to charging. Provide clear guidance on how workplace charging policy will be 

enforced. Read about laying the groundwork for a well-managed program on the Workplace Charging 

Challenge website: http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging-management-policiesadministration

Registration and Liability

Have PEV-driving employees register 

their vehicles with the employer to 

participate in the workplace charging 

program. Consider adding liability 

language to the registration form to 

address employer and employee 

responsibilities when using the charging 

stations. Examples include prohibiting

the use of extension cords and 

implementing other safety measures to 

avoid tripping hazards that may be 

associated with Level 1 outlets. Once 

registered, provide employees with 

rearview mirror hangtags or window 

stickers that signal they have permission 

to charge. Read simple sign-up 

procedures for helping employees get 

plugged in to workplace charging on the 

Workplace Charging Challenge website: http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging -

management-policies-registration-liability

Photo 10. This signage makes it clear that the parking spot is reserved 

for electric vehicle charging. 

Photo from City of Auburn Hills, NREL 27653.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 15

Charging Sharing

A key reason why employers provide Level 1 

charging is to avoid the need for employees to

move their vehicles in order for others to charge 

over the course of the workday. In this case, the 

employer may find it helpful to either assign 

PEV drivers to a specific charging-capable 

parking stall or issue only a certain number of 

Level 1 charging permits. Read about charging 

sharing practices that mitigate problems when 

the number of employee-driven PEVs exceeds 

charging station availability on the Workplace 

Charging Challenge website: 

http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplacecharging-management-policies-sharing

Pricing

Many existing workplace charging programs are 

free for employees. As the number of PEVs expands, employers may implement a fee to discourage 

employees who do not truly need to charge at work from occupying the stations. Additionally, an 

employer may require a fee to recover some or all of the costs of offering workplace charging (electricity, 

installation, and hardware). Since Level 1 options often lack a fee-collection feature, the employer may 

choose to set a certain biweekly, monthly, or annual fee that can be collected in the employee’s paycheck, 

alongside submission of their parking fee or at the time of PEV registration. Example fee structure can be 

found in the “Sample Employee Fee” sections above. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of 

fee-based and free employee charging on the Workplace Charging Challenge website:

http://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/workplace-charging-management-policies-pricing

States are considering implementing a regulation (NIST HB44) that will require transaction reporting any 

time a driver is charged a fee for PEV charging (Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging). The EVSE 

would need to measure the energy used during the charging session and provide a kWh receipt via web, 

SMS text, QR code, etc. As of May 2016, this requirement is being implemented in California on an 

interim basis and other states are considering adopting it. Since this type of transaction reporting is not 

available for Level 1 charging, it is unclear how it will affect situations in which employers want to 

charge a fee for Level 1 charging.

Comparing Level 1 and Level 2 EVSE

The main difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EVSE is the charging speed. Since Level 2 EVSE uses 

higher power, it can replenish 10–20 miles of range in one hour of charging, with PHEVs typically on the 

lower end of the range.

13 If a driver relies on workplace charging for the return commute and is at work 

 

13 Alternative Fuels Data Center - http://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html

Photo 11. This energy monitor installed next to the control 

panel tracks energy consumption on up to 12 EVSE and 

provides access to the data through an online interface.

Photo from Evolution Electric Vehicle Systems, LLC.
16 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

for a shorter period of time than anticipated, having access to Level 2 EVSE may meet his or her needs, 

whereas Level 1 EVSE would not. An employer could consider a mixture of charging options with the 

Level 1 EVSE for those with typical work schedules and Level 2 EVSE available for emergency 

situations that require faster charging.

Although slower than Level 2 charging, there are many advantages to choosing Level 1 charging. The 

cost to install a charging station depends on many site-specific factors, but generally, installing a Level 1 

station costs less than installing a Level 2 station. Some employers that offer Level 2 charging arrange for 

vehicles or connectors to be moved during the day to charge multiple vehicles on the same Level 2 EVSE.

While this may be good fit for some organizations, others may prefer a workplace charging program that 

does not involve employees visiting the parking facility mid-day to tend to their vehicles. Each Level 1 

station can be paired with one vehicle so there is no need to design and enforce a policy for moving cars 

or equipment during the day.

With an annual networking fee, networked Level 2 EVSE provide additional features such as 

communications capabilities, access control, point of sale, energy monitoring, and energy management.

These features are not available on the lowest-cost tier of Level 1 EVSE. Some Level 1 EVSE on the 

higher end of the cost range do have access control systems. Secondary systems can be purchased to 

incorporate additional features such as access control, payment systems, and energy monitoring into a 

non-networked EVSE. These secondary systems can be useful if an employer wants to use Level 1 

charging but also wants to have additional features that do not come with the EVSE. Since they have a 

one-time purchase cost instead of an 

annual fee, these products can be 

more cost effective than paying 

annual networking fees. An employer 

that is considering Level 1 charging 

and would like additional features 

should ask the EVSE manufacturer 

for recommended companies that 

offer secondary systems.

The site’s overall electricity 

consumption, demand fee structure, 

and time of use rates may contribute 

to choosing between Level 1 and 

Level 2 charging. In some situations, 

a workplace may prefer to choose 

Level 1 over Level 2 EVSE since 

charging can be provided to more 

vehicles without pushing the site’s 

peak electricity usage above the 

utility’s threshold for demand fees. In 

other situations, a workplace may prefer Level 2 over Level 1 EVSE since the vehicles can complete 

charging in the morning and not increase the site’s afternoon peak demand, assuming a management 

policy that prohibits beginning a second round of charging mid-day. Time of use rates may also factor 

Table 3. Comparing Level 1 and Level 2 Charging

Level 1 Level 2

Charging Speed 2–5 miles of range 

in 1 hr.

10–20 miles of 

range in 1 hr.

Costs Generally lower Generally higher

# Vehicle Using 

EVSE/Workday

1 2 or more

Access Control Available on some 

units

Available on some 

units

Energy 

Monitoring

Not available on 

unit*, but available 

on secondary 

system

Available on some 

units

Point of Sale Not available on unit*, 

but available on 

secondary system

Available on some 

units

*Based on Level 1 EVSE units available in April 2016.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 17

into the decision. Contact the electric utility to discuss demand fee rate structures and understand how 

different charging scenarios can affect your utility bill.

The site must have sufficient electrical capacity at the 

appropriate voltage flowing from the utility to the site’s 

electrical panel to meet the charging stations’ power needs. 

If the site does not meet these requirements, it will need 

electrical service upgrades. In some cases, electrical service 

upgrades have cost $10,000–$25,000, including installing a 

new transformer and significant trenching. To avoid 

electrical service upgrades, employers are encouraged to choose the EVSE type and quantity that fit 

within the available electrical capacity. Since Level 1 EVSE draws less power than Level 2 EVSE, a site 

could install more Level 1 than Level 2 EVSE before meeting the limit of the electrical capacity. For 

example, a site that has 20 kW of available electrical capacity could install two 7.2 kW Level 2 EVSE or 

ten 1.9 kW Level 1 charging stations. Keeping in mind that most PEVs charge at a rate of 3.3 kW or 6.6

kW when using a Level 2 EVSE, installing 7.2 kW Level 2 EVSE may not be the ideal design. Lower 

power Level 2 EVSE are available, which could enable a company to install more EVSE without needing 

electrical upgrades. Since offering workplace charging encourages more employees to obtain PEVs for 

their work commute, employers should make decisions about the level and quantity of charging stations 

based on their expected long term need.

Summary

Successful workplace charging programs choose the charging station design that best fits the needs of the 

employer and employees. Taking into account the available budget, program goals, employee interest, 

and site specific requirements, Level 1 charging can be a great workplace charging solution. The low-cost 

option of simply providing a Level 1 outlet for employees to plug in their own cordset is a viable scenario 

Contact the electric utility to discuss 

demand fee rate structures and 

understand how different charging 

scenarios can affect your utility bill.

Photo 12. Atlantic Station offers ten Level 1 outlets in a parking garage underneath one of their office towers. These spaces 

are reserved for the office workers in the building.

Photo from Don Francis, Clean Cities-Georgia.
18 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

for organizations that have minimal available capital and prioritize recouping all costs associated with 

workplace charging through relatively low employee fees. An employer may be able to cover the costs of 

offering a Level 1 outlet by charging employees $11.67–$17.50 per month. For increased convenience, 

installing Level 1 EVSE at the workplace can allow PEV drivers to replenish their batteries during the 

work day without needing to use a personal charging cordset. An employer may be able to cover the costs 

of offering a Level 1 EVSE by charging employees $14.17–$22.50 per month.

Well-thought-out and documented management policies are crucial for a workplace charging program to 

operate smoothly. Information about administration, registration and liability, charging sharing, and 

pricing can be found on the Workplace Charging Challenge website.

In addition to retaining talented employees, offering the option to charge PEVs during the workday can 

incentivize more employees to purchase PEVs. Replacing conventional vehicles with PEVs can reduce

greenhouse gas and other emissions that contribute to climate change and smog while also saving drivers 

money and reducing the nation’s dependence on petroleum.
Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace 19

NOTICE

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States 

government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, 

makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, 

completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents 

that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial 

product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily 

constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any 

agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect 

those of the United States government or any agency thereof. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications

Available electronically at SciTech Connect http://www.osti.gov/scitech

Available for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors, in paper, from: 

U.S. Department of Energy 

Office of Scientific and Technical Information 

P.O. Box 62 

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062 

OSTI http://www.osti.gov

Phone: 865.576.8401 

Fax: 865.576.5728 

Email: reports@osti.gov

Available for sale to the public, in paper, from: 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Technical Information Service 

5301 Shawnee Road 

Alexandria, VA 22312 

NTIS http://www.ntis.gov

Phone: 800.553.6847 or 703.605.6000 

Fax: 703.605.6900 

Email: orders@ntis.gov
20 Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Workplace

U.S. Department of Energy’s

Workplace Charging Challenge 

In March 2011, President Obama announced the EV Everywhere Grand 

Challenge, which is a Clean Energy Grand Challenge to PEVs that are as 

affordable and convenient for the American family as gasoline-powered 

vehicles by 2022. To help accomplish this goal, the Workplace Charging 

Challenge encourages U.S. employers in all sectors of the economy to 

provide PEV charging access at their worksites. 

The Workplace Charging Challenge provides resources, tools, and technical 

assistance to implement and manage workplace charging programs, and 

Challenge partners are nationally recognized for their sustainability efforts. 

For more information on workplace charging or becoming a partner, 

contact the Challenge at workplacecharging@ee.doe.gov. 

For more information, visit: energy.gov/eere

DOE/EE-1399  July 2016

Cover photos:

Lamppost with outlets photo from John Smart, INL; 

wall-mounted EVSE photo from ClipperCreek; and 

pedestal-mounted EVSE photo from Telefonix