Summary
There are three types of EV chargers, but only two are suitable for commercial use. Level 2 EV chargers offer the best option when considering equipment and installation costs, future upgrades, additional requirements, and return on investment.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are looking to install commercial electric vehicle (EV) chargers in your space, consider a Level 2 EV charger. Commercial chargers will soon become the norm as more people adopt electric vehicle technology and the demand for charging infrastructure increases.
Whether you want EV chargers as a perk for your employees, to attract more customers, or as a way to boost revenue and your brand reputation, it all starts with selecting the correct charger type and ensuring your business is equipped to handle the additional load.
In this article, Tercero Inc. experts examine how your business can take advantage of commercial EV charging.
Understanding the Different Types of EV Chargers
There are three types of EV chargers. These chargers are categorized by their charging speed and the kind of power source they use. They include:
- Level 1 Charger
- Level 2 EV Charger
- DC Fast Charger (Level 3 Chargers)
Level 1 chargers, using a standard 120V outlet, are the slowest option. Level 2 chargers offer faster charging. While Level 1 and 2 chargers offer AC charging, Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, provide direct current charging, bypassing the AC/DC converter in the electric vehicle (EV).
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 chargers are the most basic type of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. They use a 120V outlet similar to the ones usually found in homes. While this type of charger may be the cheapest available, it is not suitable for public or commercial charging stations. With 4 to 5 miles of travel added per hour, this charger is best suited for locations where vehicles will be parked for extended periods, such as overnight stays at hotels.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 EV chargers are the standard commercial charging solution for electric vehicles (EVs). These chargers use a 240V outlet and can provide 12 to 80 miles of travel per hour of charging. Ideal locations for level 2 chargers include shopping centers, office buildings, and parking garages. They can fully charge a vehicle in 4-6 hours, depending on the battery size.
While level 2 chargers are more expensive than level 1 units, they offer better performance and flexibility. The installation may also require additional upgrades, but the improved charging speed, enhanced customer satisfaction, and increased revenue for your business make them a worthwhile investment for your commercial space.
DC Fast Chargers (Level 3 Chargers)
DC fast chargers are the fastest type of electric vehicle (EV) chargers available. They deliver direct current directly to the vehicle’s battery, skipping the onboard converter. They can charge your vehicle up to 80% in 20-30 minutes, adding 80 to 400 miles per hour of charging.
While this charging solution might seem like the best and most suitable for commercial purposes, DC fast chargers are not compatible with all electric vehicles (EVs). They are also costly to install, often requiring specialized information and additional upgrades to ensure your commercial space and electrical system can accommodate the new facility.
DC fast chargers are most commonly seen at highway rest stops, fleet charging depots, and fast-food restaurants.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an EV Charger for Commercial Use
Selecting the proper EV charging infrastructure can have a significant impact on user satisfaction, energy efficiency, and return on investment. Consider the following factors to make the right decision:
- Understand Your Business Needs: Before selecting a solution, determine how your chargers will be used. Are they a perk to boost employee morale, or for customers needing a quick top-up? The answer will determine whether you need a Level 2 EV charger or a DC fast charger.
- Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: Evaluate your facility’s current electrical capacity and determine whether upgrades are necessary to accommodate the increased power demand that an EV charger will generate. Additionally, select a charger that is compatible with a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) products.
- Look for Smart Charging Features: Consider features that help streamline operations and enhance user experience. Key features to look out for include user access control, remote monitoring and maintenance, load balancing, and billing and payment integration.
- Scalability: As EV adoption grows, so will customers’ charging needs and the advancement of battery technology. When choosing a charger for your commercial space, prioritize models that can be easily upgraded to reflect current safety and operational features.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: EV chargers are often located outside, so it is essential to choose a charger that can withstand harsh weather and exposure to the elements.
- Warranty and Support: Select an EV charger that comes with a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty against potential flaws and charger failures. Furthermore, timely assistance and support help minimize downtime and ensure that problems are fixed by the best hands possible.
The Role of EV Charging Software in Commercial Charging
EV charging software plays a crucial role in maximizing efficiency and ensuring customer convenience.
Energy Management
Electric vehicle (EV) charging software helps to balance power demand across multiple chargers, especially at peak hours. It protects your charging infrastructure by ensuring that no charger overloads the grid, minimizing wear and tear, costly repairs, and expensive demand chargers.
Billing and Payment
Charging software ensures a safe and secure payment processing, whether through RFID cards, mobile apps, or credit card readers. It offers flexibility and convenience for both users and operators. It also supports various pricing models including time-based fees, energy-based fees, and flat plugin rates.
User Access and Authentication
With EV charging management software, you can manage access to your electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Depending on your business needs, you can set up access for your employees, tenants, or customers. A common access and authentication method is linking your RFID cards to an electric vehicle charging software account.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
Operators can track charger usage and energy consumption, which helps determine charger utilization rates and make critical decisions such as adjusting tariffs based on demand patterns.
Some software is also paired with application programming interfaces (APIs), which enhance the capabilities of your software by seamlessly integrating with existing business systems, providing insights that help drive business efficiency.
Installation Considerations and Costs
Installing EV chargers in a commercial space involves more than just plugging in a station. EV charger installation requirements primarily focus on safety, efficiency, and compliance. Here is a breakdown of the level 2 EV charger installation cost and requirements:
Site Assessment and Planning
Before installation, conduct a site assessment to determine the ideal location for the chargers. Consider factors such as proximity to electrical panels, parking layout, and future growth.
Electrical Capacity and Upgrades
Level 2 chargers require a significant amount of power, so it is essential to ensure that your current electrical system can support the increased demand.
Permitting and Regulations
EV charger installations are classified as a significant improvement to a property and require building permits and zoning approvals in the City of Los Angeles. Ensure that the appropriate documents and approvals are given to prevent sanctions and non-compliance.
Upfront Costs
Level 2 chargers cost between $1,500 and $10,000, with installation adding $3,000 to $10,000 per charge, depending on factors such as trenching or conduit work, new electrical systems, transformer upgrades, and labor costs.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct charger for your commercial space is a substantial investment that can help boost revenue, increase customer and employee retention, achieve sustainability goals, and future-proof your business. A level 2 EV charger is the perfect choice for any commercial space, considering its compatibility with various EV models, equipment, and installation costs, as well as its potential for upgrades. If you need more information on choosing the best charger for your business, please contact the experts at Tercero Inc.
FAQs
There are three types of electric vehicle chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers.
A typical Level 2 EV charger requires a 208- 240V AC outlet to function reliably and safely.
To choose the right EV charging cable, consider the connector type, cable length, and charging power capacity of your charging station.
A Type 3 charger refers to a charging standard for electric vehicles. It refers to the IEC 62196 Type 3 connector and is commonly used in France.
The types of EV include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
A level 1 EV charger is the slowest and most affordable EV charger. It requires a standard 120V outlet.
Tesla utilizes the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for AC charging in the United States.
Type 1 EV chargers have a circular five-pin design that can’t lock, while Type 2 chargers have a seven-pin layout and can lock your charging cable in place.
EV charging infrastructure offers alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), and inductive charging.
Considering compatibility, cost, and installation requirements, level 2 chargers are the best for commercial use.