You Say People at a Work Location Want EV Charging. How Do You Know Whether or Not This Is True?

Workplace charging.? As we work to expand the nation’s EV charging infrastructure, it’s one of the areas being touted as the next big thing. If you’re proposing installing workplace charging, or it’s being proposed to you, how do you know it will have the effect(s) you’re looking for? The simplest way? Ask your workforce with a well-crafted anonymous, quantitative survey.?

Information gathered with anonymous surveys has a long history of use backing data-driven business decisions.? Sometimes it is qualitative, where you capture observable qualities and characteristics not quantifiable by numbers. It is collected from interviews, focus groups, and other similar methods. Quantitative data can be counted, measured or can be given a numerical value. It is collected using numerical ratings, Likert scales, yes/no questions, and similar methods.

Why quantitative?? For a decision like this, you want decision-driving data to be as concrete as possible.? There is a time and a place for qualitative surveys, where you ask for and receive free-form responses.? In this case, you want data that can be statistically analyzed and presented in a clear and concise manner.? For a case like this, I suggest an anonymous survey using discrete Likert-type scale will be useful.??

What is a Likert-type scale? It is simply a range of choices, from agreement to disagreement.? For example, “Strongly Disagree - Disagree - Somewhat Disagree - Somewhat Agree - Agree - Strongly Agree.”? Using this, you can determine how much a person agrees or disagrees with a statement.? Couldn’t you also have “yes/no” as the responses?? Absolutely.? The data might be easier to analyze, but it will be less granular.? Note that I’ve used an even number of responses to force them to choose between agreement and disagreement.? Use an odd number if you want to allow neutral responses.

Here are some sample statements designed to be answered using a Likert-type scale that gauge everything from a general knowledge of EVs and charging to the degree that workplace charging affects worker retention. In this case I’ve focused on Level 2 charging, given its smaller capital outlay and greater ease of installation. Note: These they’ve been phrased as questions to minimize acquiescence bias.

• Do you know what a Level 2 electric vehicle charger is.
• Do you know how to charge an electric vehicle?
• Do you understand how electric vehicle charging is priced?
• Are you interested in having Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations available at your workplace?
• If Level 2 charging stations were available at your workplace, would you use them regularly?
• Do you currently own or lease an electric vehicle? [yes, this might make more sense as a yes/know question.]
• Are you considering purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle within the next 12 months.
• Would Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at work make your commute more convenient?
• Would providing Level 2 electric vehicle charging at work would demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainability?
• Would access to Level 2 electric vehicle charging at work be an incentive to purchasing an electric vehicle?
• Would you be willing to pay a fee for using Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at work?
• Do you believe the company should completely cover the cost of using Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations?
• Do? you believe the company should partially cover the cost of using Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations?
• Would you prefer to have access to multiple Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at work to avoid waiting times?
• Is it important that the Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to all employees regardless of their parking location?
• Would installing Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations align with the company’s environmental goals.
• Would the presence of electric vehicle charging stations improve the company's reputation as a green and forward-thinking employer?
• Would having Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at work would reduce your? need to charge your vehicle at home?
• Would you find it convenient to charge your electric vehicle during work hours?
• Would offering Level 2 electric vehicle charging at our workplace foster a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility?
• Do you believe that having Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations would enhance employee satisfaction and retention?

These are only examples.? They have not been evaluated to reduce distortions. Examining the responses to statements like these, whether you’re the owner of a business or the owner of a business park, can help you make better decisions regarding installing workplace EV charging.?

Installing workplace EV charging is not a small decision.? Whatever your reasons for installing EV charging, you want to make sure that your reasons for this considerable capital expense are sound.? Whatever expectations you have, you want to be as sure as possible that the effects you’ll get are the effects you want and expect.??

Credits / References

• Sample quantitative survey - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yFZGTfvW1RpmzvbCNUgW5ca5FKlpbKOB6qY1XQ4F3jA/edit
• Quantitative vs Qualitative Surveys - https://resources.pollfish.com/market-research/the-difference-between-quantitative-and-qualitative-research/
• Free statistical analysis software -?https://u.osu.edu/qmc/open-source/, https://libguides.library.kent.edu/statconsulting/free-software, https://fellowshipbard.com/free-statistical-analysis-software/
• The Likert scale - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Likert_scale

Short Bio

It is my mission to accelerate the electrification of the transportation system!

I'm an Experienced Technical Support / Customer Success specialist with years of telephone / email support with novice to expert customers leading to customer success with a variety of PV BoS components including writing documentation for KiloVault LFP batteries.

Credentialed as a LEED Green Associate (#11157031) by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and as both a Solar Energy Expert and a Net Zero Expert by the Renewable Energy Institute (European Energy Center (EEC)) / UN Environment Programme . I've recently completed SkillFusion 's EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) Diagnostic Technician Credentialing Program (EDT).

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