Electric vehicles are rapidly gaining popularity around the world, and their adoption is expected to continue to grow in the future. With this growth comes a growing need for appropriate charging stations to help drivers fill up their vehicles and maximize the mileage they get for each gallon of gasoline consumed. Providing charging stations at workplaces, public buildings, and other locations is a way for companies to demonstrate leadership in the green economy while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
When planning for commercial EV charging station installation, it is best to have a licensed electrician assess the electrical service capability and create an appropriate plan for the location. It is important to ensure the site has sufficient power for the EVSE, including enough capacity to accommodate additional chargers in the future.
During this phase, the electrician may recommend ways to improve the electrical service at the site. This can include trenching through hardstanding or digging underground to bury cables, installing an uprating of the fuse at the local utility distribution panel, or installing a new transformer to increase capacity at the site. The final step is to secure the necessary permits and approvals from the jurisdiction in which the project will be installed. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the project and jurisdiction.
Once the necessary permits and approvals have been obtained, the EV charging station can be installed. This can take from a few weeks to several months, again depending on the complexity of the project and availability of equipment. The installer can then register the EV charging station with PlugShare and other charging-locating websites to promote it to the broader EV driving community. Many EV owners want to know where charging stations are located, so registering your station with these sites is a great way to spread the word.
Some businesses choose to manage their own EV charging stations, rather than hiring an outside company. If this is the case, it is important to consider how the station will be used and to determine whether any fees will be collected from EV drivers to offset costs. In addition, a business that manages its own EV charging stations must be prepared to handle maintenance issues.
Installing EV charging stations at a commercial location is a process that requires a team of experts with experience in all aspects of EV charging station installation. This includes electricians, permitting specialists, and engineers. Moreover, a business that is familiar with all available incentives and rebates for EV charging stations will be able to secure funding that can cover up to 90% of construction costs. Future Energy offers a concierge-style service to help companies navigate the entire process, from permitting to filing paperwork with the utilities. To learn more, click here.