Founder Says EV Chargers Are a Key Employee Perk Amid High Gas Costs

The founder of a packaging company says EV chargers are a popular employee benefit, especially when gas prices spike.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:33am

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Hanko Kiessner, the founder and vice chairman of Packsize, a Salt Lake City-based packaging company, says providing EV charging stations at the workplace is an affordable employee benefit that can help attract and retain talent, especially as gas prices rise. Kiessner started a nonprofit called Leaders for Clean Air to promote the installation of EV chargers, and Packsize now has 53 charging stations at its Utah headquarters, leading to a 30% EV adoption rate among staff.

Why it matters

As air pollution and high gas prices become growing concerns, offering EV charging stations as a workplace perk can help companies attract environmentally-conscious, tech-savvy employees. It also encourages more people to switch to electric vehicles, which can have a positive impact on local air quality and emissions.

The details

Kiessner says he started researching electric vehicles and air pollution after developing asthma, which he attributed to Utah's air quality issues. He then founded the nonprofit Leaders for Clean Air to promote the installation of EV charging stations. At Packsize's Utah headquarters, the company started with just 3 charging stations but has since expanded to 53, leading to a 30% EV adoption rate among employees. Kiessner says the charging stations are an affordable perk, costing about $3 per day per station at corporate electricity rates, and have helped the company attract environmentally-conscious, tech-savvy talent.

  • Kiessner founded Packsize in 2002 after moving from Germany to Salt Lake City.
  • Kiessner started the nonprofit Leaders for Clean Air a few years after founding Packsize.
  • Packsize initially installed 3 charging stations at its Utah headquarters.
  • Packsize has since expanded to 53 charging stations at its Utah headquarters.

The players

Hanko Kiessner

The founder and vice chairman of Packsize, a Salt Lake City-based packaging company.

Packsize

A Salt Lake City-based packaging company founded by Hanko Kiessner.

Leaders for Clean Air

A nonprofit organization founded by Hanko Kiessner and other local entrepreneurs to promote the installation of EV charging stations.

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What they’re saying

“We just had a spike in gas prices, and everyone is complaining. I see an affordable solution for employers — one that could also grow worker loyalty: adding EV charging stations to their parking lots.”

— Hanko Kiessner, Founder and Vice Chairman (businessinsider.com)

“These stations are probably one of the cheapest benefits an employer can offer their staff. The cost of electricity at a corporate rate is low — for us, it's about $3 a day per charging station.”

— Hanko Kiessner, Founder and Vice Chairman (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Packsize plans to continue expanding its EV charging infrastructure to accommodate growing employee demand and attract more environmentally-conscious talent.

The takeaway

Providing EV charging stations as a workplace benefit can be a cost-effective way for companies to attract and retain talent, especially as gas prices rise and environmental concerns grow. It also encourages more employees to switch to electric vehicles, which can have a positive impact on local air quality and emissions.