Installing Electric Vehicle Charging the Right Way

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular, meaning it won’t be long until your employees and customers are counted among the nearly 2 million EV owners in the U.S. Your business could attract and retain great employees, increase customer satisfaction and more by adding electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE). Here’s what you should keep in mind as you contemplate this convenient addition.

Steps to Installing EV Charging

Careful planning and implementation is critical to optimizing your EV charging experience. Follow these steps.

Consider which level is best. There are three types of EV charging stations. Level 1 charging is typically too slow for commercial sites, so opt for Level 2 or Level 3 (now referred to as DC Fast charging). Level 2 charging stations can add between 12 and 40 miles to an EV per hour, while DC Fast chargers can fill up batteries much faster, adding between 35 and more than 100 miles in an hour.

Shop around. Installing an EVSE can be expensive, and one deal or incentive could make the process much more affordable. Consider all of your options when it comes to promotions, financing and warranties to select the right supplier for your business.

Check regulations and permits. Some cities or states may require a permit or inspection before you can get to work installing a charging station. Before starting any necessary construction projects or installing the EVSE, complete the proper paperwork to avoid unnecessary delays.

Get connected. Many stations can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to charge users for consuming electricity, monitor charger performance, distribute load when using multiple ports simultaneously, limit charging access and more. These will cost more, so determine if a charging network is necessary for your customers and employees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most careful plans can go awry, making your EVSE installation more expensive and difficult.. Keep these potential missteps in mind as begin the process.

Skimping on installation. Hiring an experienced and certified installer with relevant experience is important to ensure the station is properly and safely installed. Many EVSE manufacturers will have a recommended installer, so start there.

Overlooking the small things. Something as simple as cord length could make your EVSE more difficult to use. To ensure maximum satisfaction, ensure you’re paying attention to the little things that customers or employees would encounter as they use your charging station. Make sure your installer understands all of the parameters needed before the equipment is put in place.

An EV charging station can make your business a little greener, generate a little extra revenue and attract more customers and employees. These tips can help you choose the best station for your business.