A peer-to-peer network has been launched allowing businesses to share workplace electric vehicle (EV) charge points with customers or members of the public.
Zap-Work allows businesses with chargers that are not part of an established public network to share their details with registered users of the Zap-Map app, which helps drivers locate charge points.
Businesses are able to set a cost per charge to cover costs, with payment via PayPal.Me, and talk directly to drivers via the app to agree access.
Zap-Work has been launched alongside Zap-Home, which provides a similar service for people with domestic charge points.
Zap-Map CTO Ben Lane said: “We are delighted to be bringing Zap-Home and Zap-Work to the UK EV market in response to the growing demand for charger-sharing services.
“Of our 60,000 monthly userbase, we know that around half are willing to share their home point with other Zap-Map users.
“Businesses are particularly proactive, with 5% of workplace charging points already being shared, either for employee use or as part of improving customer service.”
In addition to workplace charging, Zap-Map says Zap-Work locations have the potential to provide regular charging options to EV owners who don’t have access to off-street parking or home point.
In return, workplace charge point owners would see the costs of installation recovered faster, with the option to charge non-company users for the amount of electricity used.