Private and fleet EV drivers want smart EV chargers that are simple to install, use, and manage. They also want a mobile app that locates chargers, displays real-time information about availability and peak and off-peak pricing.
EV charging stations are a key part of business infrastructure. They help businesses meet their ESG goals, create new revenue streams and attract a new audience of EV owners. But there are a few considerations when installing commercial charging stations, including the return on investment, location and demand. Visit Website to learn more.
First, determine the number of EV drivers in your community and their charging needs. This will help you determine how many chargers to install and what types. A level 2 charger is sufficient for most EV drivers. But if you plan to offer fast or destination charging, it’s worth exploring additional options.
Next, consider your business model and how you can leverage EV charging to generate more revenue. Restaurants and hotels that offer EV charging see higher customer counts and revenues. The reason is simple: EV owners want to stop at establishments that offer convenient, safe and affordable charging.
In addition to generating ancillary revenue, you can also take advantage of local or regional energy incentives to reduce upfront costs and lower your electricity bills. For example, if your commercial EV chargers participate in SmartCharge NYC, you can earn cash for charging off-peak, which helps alleviate stress on the power grid and maintain service reliability for everyone.
Finally, make sure your EV charging solution is equipped with smart features to manage your EV fleet. Look for a platform that offers remote, automatic resolution of software-based issues to improve charger uptime and reduce maintenance costs. Ensure your solution has easy-to-use management tools like operator dashboards, alerts and notifications, advanced reports and analytics and integration with your business or building management systems.
In addition to a robust set of features, an ideal EV charging platform should support seamless driver-first experiences, including mobile apps and web portals to onboard and offboard employees, communicate with them and enable self-service EV charging. It should also support future capabilities like bidirectional vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-building (V2B) charging.
Industrial
As the EV market continues to grow, commercial properties – including shopping malls, airports, restaurants, office buildings and bigger and smaller venues – are installing EV chargers for their customers and tenants. Adding EV charging stations is a way to attract new customers, maintain employee satisfaction and boost sustainability.
A typical EV charging station consists of a power supply, control module, relay and a variety of ports, receptacles where cables attach. The power supply is connected to the grid and can be either a 120-volt household outlet (Level 1 charging) or a 240-volt, 208-volt commercial outlet for multi-charger private or public installations (Level 2 and Level 3). EVSE housing can be mounted on walls, pedestals or in the type of tower you see at many public locations.
If you’re planning to install a fleet of smart EV chargers, your organization will need EV charging management software. Look for a future-proof, scalable solution that offers brand-agnostic support for all EVSE types and configurations, advanced monitoring and controls, operational excellence and other features that enable a fully optimized and sustainable EV charging experience.
EV drivers are often looking for convenient, safe and reliable places to charge their vehicles. Businesses with EV charging stations are more likely to be chosen by these customers for a quick shopping trip, lunch, movie or meeting, which can increase revenue and customer satisfaction. Moreover, EV drivers tend to return to the same shops and restaurants that have the charging stations they need.
Landlords and property developers are also installing EV chargers on their leased spaces. As amenities that they can offer for a premium, these chargers serve as an enticement to attract new tenants and help retain existing ones. This can also result in higher property values, increased profitability and faster lease turnover.
It’s important for businesses to understand the demand for EV chargers before they make a commitment to invest in them. They should assess how many of their employees are likely to use them and consider incorporating a variety of charging infrastructure models. In addition, they should take into account the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance, as well as other factors like security and safety requirements.
Residential
Home EV chargers help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality by eliminating the need to burn fossil fuel. They can also add value to a property, as EVs are becoming more desirable in the market. However, a residential EV charging station requires proper installation by a professional electrician who has experience with the type of electrical work involved. A homeowner can easily find an electrician who is certified, licensed, and insured by using a trusted service like Qmerit. EV charger installations can also be eligible for federal and state tax credits, as well as rebates from local utilities.
The most basic EV chargers cost under $1,000, while high-end models are more expensive and offer top-of-the-line features like 80-amp charging speeds and the ability to charge two cars at once. These chargers can also work with a smart phone app, which lets users track energy usage and control the charging process. Many EVs have technology that can also schedule charging so it happens at off-peak hours to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.
If you don’t live in a place that has reliable power, it’s a good idea to invest in a smart charger with an automatic restart feature in case of a power outage. Otherwise, you’ll have to manually restart the charging session, which may not happen if you’re in the middle of your commute.
A good way to determine if your electrical panel can handle an EV charger is by checking the number on the big switch at the top of the panel. A large number, such as 200 amps, means you’re in good shape; a smaller number, such as 100 amps, indicates you might need a different type of electrical upgrade before installing a charger.
Another important consideration is whether your house or apartment has the space to accommodate a home charger. If you live in a condominium or multifamily building, you may need to work with your landlord to get approval for an EV charger. Some landlords have already installed them, and a few states require it as part of your lease agreement.
Public
As more EV drivers enter the market, cities and towns will need to make plans to add EV charging stations to public areas. Having easy access to public charging can make or break an EV driver’s experience with the new technology. Adding this infrastructure can bring additional revenue to a city and help offset installation, maintenance, and operational costs.
Incentives are available to private and non-profit organizations that install Level 2 EV chargers at workplaces, multifamily residences, fleets, and other parking spaces. Bonus incentives are available for sites located in disadvantaged communities.
EV chargers, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment or EVSE ports, are designed to safely deliver electricity from a grid to an EV’s battery. While a single EVSE port can have multiple connectors, only one car can charge at a time.
An EVSE plug connects to an EV’s socket outlet, which is usually located in the front of the vehicle. The plugs can have various connections, including CHAdeMO and CCS, to accommodate different EV models. EV charging stations can be public or shared. A public EV charging station is typically found in a public parking lot or garage, but can also be placed on the street or in a retail shopping center.
A privately owned EV charging station is typically found in leased or owned parking spaces, such as at businesses, workplaces, apartment complexes, and hotels. These spaces are primarily used by employees, customers, and visitors. Private EV chargers can also be installed at multifamily residences and other community spaces where residents are allowed to use the parking space for a fee.
If you are an EV driver, it’s important to be familiar with the different EV charging technologies and how they work. Knowing where to find EV chargers will be key to planning your trip. It’s also a good idea to join an EV charging network so you can take advantage of the growing number of free public EV charging stations and other incentives.
EV charging is a convenient and clean alternative to filling up at gas stations. However, many people, particularly those in low-income communities of color, don’t have easy access to public charging. If the EV charging experience doesn’t improve, these communities will miss out on the benefits of cleaner transportation and lower energy costs.