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Created on 01.22
What Factors Should Be Considered When Installing Commercial EV Chargers?
As electric vehicles become a common sight on the roads across Europe and Asia, businesses are realizing that offering EV charging is no longer a luxury—it's a competitive necessity. But installing a commercial ev charging station is more complex than just putting a plug in the ground. It requires careful planning to ensure it’s a smart investment, not a costly headache.
This guide will walk you through the essential factors you need to consider, from picking the right spot to understanding the power requirements, so you can create a charging solution that benefits both your business and your customers in these rapidly growing markets.
Key Takeaways
- Location is everything. The right spot can attract customers, while the wrong one can be an expensive mistake.
- Know your power. Understanding your building's electrical capacity is the most critical first step.
- Choose the right tool for the job. The type of charger you need depends entirely on how long your customers stay.
- Plan for the future. A smart installation today will save you money and headaches as EV demand grows.
The Growing Demand for Commercial EV Charging Stations
The EV market, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, is exploding. For businesses, this isn't just a trend—it's a massive opportunity. Installing EV chargers can attract high-value customers, encourage them to stay longer, and showcase your commitment to sustainability. It's a powerful way to stand out from the competition.
Charger Types: Choosing the Right Speed for Your Business
Not all chargers are created equal. The right choice depends on your business model.
AC Chargers (Type 2): The Workhorses
While Level 1 (a standard wall outlet) is too slow for commercial use, Level 2 AC chargers using the European standard Type 2 connector are the workhorses of the industry. They use a higher-voltage connection and can add a significant amount of range per hour. They are perfect for locations where people will be parked for an hour or more, like shopping centres, restaurants, and workplaces.
DC Fast Chargers: The High-Speed Solution
DC Fast Chargers are the heavyweights. They can charge an EV to 80% in under 30 minutes. They are ideal for high-turnover locations like convenience stores, travel plazas, and businesses right off a major motorway, where drivers need to get back on the road quickly.
Site Selection: Where You Put It Matters Most
Choosing the right location for your commercial ev charging station is critical. A well-placed charger gets used; a poorly placed one is just an expensive lawn ornament.
High-Traffic vs. Convenience
Should you place it in a high-visibility spot to attract drivers, or in a more convenient location for people already at your business? Research consistently shows that the placement of EV Charging Infrastructure has a massive impact on its usage.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
- Outdoor: This is the most common choice. You'll need chargers with a high weather-resistance rating (like IP65 or higher to protect against dust and water jets) and clear, visible signage.
- Indoor: Great for parking garages, but you must ensure proper ventilation according to local building codes.
Finally, all publicly accessible stations must comply with local accessibility regulations to ensure they can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.
Installation Type | Key Considerations | Benefits |
Indoor | Ventilation, Space | Protection from weather, Aesthetics |
Outdoor | Weather Resistance (IP Rating), Signage | Accessibility, Visibility |
Power and Electrical Needs: The Unseen Hurdle
This is where most projects get complicated and expensive. A bank of EV chargers is a massive electrical load.
Assess Your Current Capacity
Before you do anything, hire a qualified electrician to perform a "load calculation" on your building. They will tell you if your current electrical panel and grid connection can handle the new chargers or if you'll need a costly service upgrade.
Load Management is Key
Smart charging technology can help you avoid expensive upgrades. It allows your chargers to communicate and share the available power. For example, if you have two cars plugged in but only enough power for one full-speed charge, the system can split the power between them. This "load management" is essential for keeping costs down.
Cost and ROI: What's the Real Price Tag?
The cost of a commercial ev charging station can be broken down into three parts:
1. Equipment Costs
Prices vary wildly. A simple AC charger might be a few thousand Euros, while a single DC Fast Charger can cost tens of thousands.
Equipment Type | Budget Option | Premium Option |
AC Charger | 500-1,000 | 1,500-3,000 |
DC Fast Charger | 10,000-20,000 | 30,000-50,000 |
2. Installation Costs
This often costs more than the charger itself. It includes labor, trenching to run cables, pouring concrete pads, and any necessary panel or grid upgrades.
3. Operational Costs
Will you offer charging for free as a customer amenity, or will you charge a fee to generate revenue? Fee-based charging requires a networked charger with payment processing software.
Don't forget to look for national and local incentives, which can significantly offset the initial cost.
Software and Networking: The Brains of the Operation
A modern commercial ev charging station is more than just a plug; it's a networked device.
The software allows you to:
- Set pricing and process payments.
- Track usage and energy consumption.
- Monitor the health of your chargers remotely.
- Control who has access to the chargers.
You can choose a proprietary network (locked to one company) or an open network (using the OCPP protocol), which gives you the freedom to switch software providers in the future.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment in the Future
Installing a commercial ev charging station is a significant project, but it's also a smart investment in the future of your business. By carefully considering the location, power requirements, and the right type of charger for your customers, you can create a valuable amenity that attracts new business and showcases your forward-thinking vision. For more in-depth guidance, resources like Charged Future's planning tips can be invaluable.
Recommendation: Before you make a final decision, it is crucial to consult with experienced charging infrastructure integrators, professional electricians, and contact your local power grid company to understand the possibilities for expansion.
FAQ
What are the most important factors to consider when installing a commercial EV charger?
The top three are: 1) The location of the chargers on your property, 2) your building's electrical capacity, and 3) choosing the right type of charger (AC vs. DC Fast) for your specific business needs.
Which type of charger is best for my business?
It depends on how long your customers stay. For long-dwell locations like offices or shopping malls, AC chargers are perfect. For high-turnover locations like fuel stations or convenience stores, a DC Fast Charger is a better investment.
How much does it really cost to install a commercial EV charger?
The total cost includes the hardware, the installation (which can be expensive due to trenching and electrical work), and any necessary software or network fees. It can range from a few thousand Euros for a simple AC station to over 100,000 for a multi-station DC fast charging site.
Can I make money from my EV chargers?
Yes. By using networked chargers with payment software, you can set a price per kilowatt-hour or per session. This can turn your charging station from a simple amenity into a revenue-generating asset.
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