Things To Consider When Installing A Commercial EV Charging Station
As more consumers purchase electric vehicles it will become necessary for businesses across Canada to install commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to meet this demand. There are numerous benefits for companies to install EV charging stations at their workplaces. On-Site EV chargers can provide the opportunity to retain talent, entice customers, and provide an additional revenue stream for the company.
When considering installing a commercial EV charging station for your business you have to analyze the infrastructure and installation costs, maintenance and repair, and how many EV’s are expected to charge per day.
Infrastructure and installation expenses will depend on:
- Cost to Deliver Power to the EV charging stations
- Labor and material costs for the electrical conduit and wire, (this will require digging)
- Labor and material costs for concrete work. When electrical equipment is installed below grade a concrete vault needs to be installed as well to protect and support the electrical equipment from the elements and animals.
- Labor and material for electrical panels
- Whether your charger is going to be networked or non-networked.
- Number of chargers
- Charger manufacturer
- Charger level
- Labor
- Permits
- Taxes
- Location
- Landscaping/lighting features
- Local rebates and incentives
Maintenance and repair expenses:
Ongoing maintenance and repair charges. This will vary dependant on type of unit, frequency of use, climate, and whether the unit is exposed to the elements
Other issues that may come up over the lifetime of the charger is the cost to replace parts such as the charge cord due to accidental damage or vandalism. As well as most units have a lifetime expectancy of 10 years and may been to be replaced after 10 years.
How many Electrical Vehicles will be charging each day?
Businesses will need to determine how many vehicles are projected to be charging each day at their location. This will help to determine the quantity and types of EV chargers required. The intention is to have enough charging stations to serve your clients, while not overspending on unneeded chargers.
Difference between a networked and non-Networked EV charger:
Non-Networked EV chargers do not access internet systems. With this system you are not able to monitor usage and A non-networked EV charger allows the user free charging when plugged In. these are typically less expensive to purchase
A networked EV charger offers full control of the units, including the ability to charge a fee for the electricity consumed. They connect to a larger network infrastructure and they also store the station’s usage data, including the number of charges per day/time, time of use, electricity consumed per charge, and more. Detailed reports can be run depending on your network provider. Network Chargers have more electronic components (Ex credit card swipes, touch screens, buttons etc.) and will require more maintenance and repair over time then a non-networked unit.
Types of EV charging stations:
Level 1
Level 1 chargers are not recommended for commercial facilities, they are designed for residential use. They are too slow to charge, and can cause electrical issues when used for a large operation.
These chargers are typically included with the purchase of an EV. It plugs into a standard 120 (v) AC outlet with a power output of 1.3kW to 2.4 k.W. This power outlet is equivalent to 3-4 KM of EV range per hour in ideal situations. This is the slowest charging rate outlet available.
Level 2
A Level 2 charger will operate between 208Volt -240 Volt. This charger can be either hard wired or plugged in. Commercial applications can be networked or non-networked depending on the set up your business requires.
Level 3
Level 3 Charger (super charger): Is 347 volts – 900 volts and uses Direct Current (DC), this is only practical for commercial use. You will find these at dealerships or dc fast charging stations. Level 3 chargers require continual maintenance and repair over time. Level 3 chargers require filers, cooling systems, and other advanced parts to function properly.
If you are looking to get a quote for your Commercial EV charger installation, or have any questions contact us at 1-877-353-0367 or email us at info@traditionalelectric.ca. We are more then happy to help. Traditional Electric has you covered, and will assist in all steps of the process with you, from design and installation to EV charger selection and software connectivity. We will also assist you in the permitting process and keep you informed of any rebates and incentives your local municipality is offering. Our continual customer service, maintenance and support will keep your EV charger operational and functioning for years to come.