With the booming popularity of EVs and focus on sustainability, governments have been building incentives for buying EVs and building EV charging sites. Thus, one of the best business moves is installing a charging station in your commercial space.
However, before installing the chargers, make a smart move by considering these considerations!
1. Installation Site
Check whether your location is convenient as an EV charger infrastructure. The site must be accessible, easy to find, and have enough space to accommodate several chargers and EVs.
While choosing the location, you must also consider the type of EV charger to be installed, power necessities, and how many EV chargers you plan to install.
Some factors to consider when choosing the right installation site are:
- Population density around the site
- The income rate of the local area
- Land value
- Closeness to roads, shopping malls, petrol pumps, parks, and green areas
2. Permits and Codes
While building an EV charging facility, you must learn about the local fire and building codes and abide by them. These codes require you to comply with all necessary permits and complete electrical inspections.
Some common permits also include utility approval and zoning approval. The site must also comply with accessibility laws. For instance, the station must be accessible to the disabled and have proper signage.
It’s best to drop by your nearest municipality office and get a detailed idea of necessary permits from officials.
You’ll be fined heavily if you fail to comply with these regulations. Worst case scenario: The charging station gets shut down.
3. Supplier and Installer
Most people buy an EV charger and get it installed by electricians. However, there are several downsides to this option.
For instance, you must find the right electrician for your EV charger model. You may need to stay on standby on a waiting list until the specific electrician company has a slot for you. It’s hard to know whether the group has any experience or training in this job.
Some also suggest seeking a solar retailer and entrusting the installation to them. However, they may not provide you with the perfect installation service.
The best option is to seek a brand that sells and installs chargers. For instance, if you’re based in New South Wales, look up the best EV charger installation Sydney facilities online. Choose a brand that’s straightforward about its costs and has no hidden charges.
4. Lighting and Visibility
An EV charging facility must have proper lighting for everyone’s safety and to make it visible to EV drivers. Prioritize lighting more, especially if the charging station will be built in a parking lot or garage.
Without proper lighting inside and around the facility, EV drivers won’t be able to spot the station easily.
5. EV Charger Type
Before you choose the type of charger, know which kind of EVs you’ll service the most. Ensure you choose something that can service commercial cars.
There are three primary charger types:
- Level I (slow), Level II (medium), and Level III (fast).
- Learn about the voltage levels and suitability for personal and commercial use for each of these.
- For commercial use, make sure you go for a Level III charger.6. Power Source
You need a strong continuous power source to establish an EV charging facility. So, consider whether you have enough power capacity and the correct electrical service.
Focus on voltage drop and power factor when deciding the charging station size. You must also consider how close the electrical service room will be to the charging location.
EV chargers’ most common power sources are grid-tied, off-grid, and battery-backed. Choose the right one depending on your priorities and circumstances. For instance, battery-backed is the best choice if the area has frequent power outages.
Alternatively, you can also go green and save money in the long haul with solar panels.
7. Cost and Funding
While setting up EV chargers, you must also consider a wide range of expenses like chargers, installation, inspections, permits, maintenance, electricity, etc. So, account for all the factors and budget properly.
Check for funding opportunities from the government. For instance, the New South Wales Government has decided to fund up to 75% of the primary expenses of building up to 4 EV charging ports for each new site. So, check the funding details and eligibility criteria right away!
Conclusion
Address these factors before you design or build an EV charging infrastructure. Communicate with authorities and existing owners to ensure you make the best of this venture and provide top-notch customer service!
