Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ambition Magazine

FEATURE

T he EV Infrastructure Action Plan for Northern Ireland, published in 2022, set out a series of key actions for delivery of a new, expanded and more accessible EV charging network. These included EV charging points at park and ride facilities, review of connection costs and future-proofing electrical capacity at key strategic sites along key transport corridors. The purpose of these changes was to expand the EV charging network throughout Northern Ireland which would encourage further EV ownership and boost consumer confidence. Also complimenting the Action Plan is a wide range of EV grant schemes, from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) for Northern Ireland business to make the switch to a greener, zero emissions electric vehicle. Businesses can avail of EV grants which cover up to 75% of the cost of installing EV charging sockets to their parking sites. Workplace and depot charging schemes provide support for organisations and businesses with the cost of installing EV sockets – a prime solution for those who may wish to electrify their company fleet to achieve net zero transport emissions. The cost of doing business has become a burden for many local businesses across Northern Ireland with inflation and wider economic conditions making it more difficult for our local businesses to grow and expand their contribution to decarbonisation on the road to net zero. Many may ask: is an EV grant worth the time and effort for my business? Can an EV grant really help decarbonise my business fleet? By April 2025, the Workplace Charging Scheme in Northern Ireland funded the installation of 1,044 charging sockets across Northern Ireland, so the answer would be ‘yes’ to both questions. Each of these funded installations has delivered reductions in cost to power company vehicles, reduced employee reliance on petrol or diesel motors and contributed significantly towards reducing carbon emissions for many local businesses across the region. Whether a construction company running a fleet of small vans or an office-based firm providing company cars for employees, the Workplace Charging Scheme provides the best road towards carbon emissions reduction. Many businesses will look to best practice from partners and industry leaders before making the switch to EVs. NI Chamber has replaced its company car with a fully electric vehicle, significantly

future through EV ownership. NI Chamber’s example to local businesses throughout Northern Ireland shows us that the transition to EVs is achievable, beneficial and a key part of future proofing business operations. For many businesses locally, transition to EV ownership will make a positive impact on their staff and their customers. Business cannot power the switch to electric vehicles alone. Government must continue to develop new policies to ensure EV ownership continues to grow – the ZEV mandate’s introduction to Northern Ireland earlier this year was one such step in the right direction. By introducing new targets for EV manufacturing and EV ownership, government can set the right tone for consumer confidence in the EV industry. Most recently, the introduction of a new electric vehicle grant of up to £3,750 will further support consumer uptake. Boosting consumer confidence in the EV sector is the most important part of the jigsaw for the transition to net zero vehicle emissions. The more we can encourage people to choose an EV as their next car, the more confidence is built within the industry. We can only do this by alleviating the concerns of business and consumer about electric vehicles and educating them about the real benefits of an EV. Weev, alongside the many other charging point operators, has worked extremely hard in recent years to expand the public charging point network throughout Northern Ireland. New, high powered, quick charging stations are now dotted along some of our main roads providing a vital connection to the grid for many commuters each day. To expand the public charging network further, government must continue to encourage further EV ownership among consumers. The EV grant schemes available to both business and consumer are vital to ensure Northern Ireland continues along the road to net zero and government must ensure that EV ownership is as sustainable and affordable for business as it is for the consumer. The extension of the OZEV grant scheme across the UK earlier this year was a key component of this. Businesses throughout Northern Ireland can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the cost-of-doing business with net zero transition for their company fleets or employee vehicles. The question for is: are you ready to power up your business with EVs?

cutting emissions and aligning transport choices to reduce their carbon footprint. The organisation has also installed workplace EV charging points, supporting both operational efficiency and staff convenience. To further encourage adoption and support its team, NI Chamber has introduced a salary sacrifice scheme that enables employees to access EVs in a cost-effective way. This forward thinking initiative not only promotes the early uptake of electric vehicles but also strengthens staff retention by offering meaningful, future-focused employee benefits. Recently, NI Chamber’s CEO Suzanne Wylie remarked on the work that NI Chamber and the many businesses around Northern Ireland have already begun to build a greener, sustainable “Weev, alongside the many other charging point operators, has worked extremely hard in recent years to expand the public charging point network throughout Northern Ireland. New, high-powered, quick charging stations are now dotted along some of our main roads providing a vital connection to the grid for many commuters each day. ”

60