FAQS

1. How do I determine if my site is suitable for EV charging?

If you are ready to start your EV Charging Station, you must first assess you site from a logistical perspective. If your site is easily accessible, visible to passing traffic, and is located in an area where EVs are common, you have an ideal location for a successful EV Charging Station.

Before you make a final decision, however, you must consider these key elements:

• Parking Real Estate
• Electricity Supply
• Regulations and Permits
• Incentives
• Business Case
• Future Expansion
• Environmental Considerations

2. What type of EV charger should you install?

The type of EV charger to install will depend on your specific situation and factors such as the expected dwell time of your customer, the electrical infrastructure on site, requirements from regulators, as well as the desired capital to invest. At their most basic level, chargers are categorized across three categories:

• Level 1 EV chargers draw power from a standard 120V outlet. They provide about five miles per charge-hour and typically are used at home where users have very long dwell times.
• Level 2 EV chargers require professionally installed 208V or 240V outlets allowing for faster charging, typically up to 25 miles per charge-hour. These chargers are used where users dwell for at least 4-8 hours, such as home, hotels, or commercial fleet depots.
• Level 3 chargers require 480V connections, use direct current and can charge a vehicle upwards of 30 times faster than a Level 2 charger and taking 15-20 minutes to fully charge. These chargers are optimal for C-stores, highway stops, and quick-turnaround fleets.

One of our EV charging experts can help you determine what type of EV charger is appropriate for your specific situation and help you through the procurement process.

3. What regulations govern EV charger installations?

Compliance is a key part of any major electrical installation and EV charging stations are no different. Standards and regulations do vary by location and you need to do your homework before embarking in an EV charging project. Here are some websites you can visit to review the key standards and regulations to consider before you begin your EV charging project:

• Alternative Fuels Data Center Federal and State Laws and Incentives Database
• Code of Federal Regulations-Title 23-PART 680—National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements
• The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Standards and Requirements
• U.S. Dept. of Energy Building Codes, Parking Ordinances, and Zoning Ordinances for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

4. What are the main components of an EV charger?

Here's a closer look at the main components of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE):

• Housing/Enclosure
• Power Input
• Control Electronics
• Cable and Connector
• User Interface
• Safety Mechanisms

Our EVITP certified personnel have ample knowledge of each of the main components of an EV charger, and are highly qualified to install and to service your charging site safely and efficiently.

5. How much will this cost?

The cost of installing EV charging infrastructure and the return on that investment (ROI) can vary widely depending on several factors such as the type and number of charging stations, existing electrical infrastructure, local regulations, utility demand charges, and additional amenities. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs and considerations for your ROI calculations:

• Hardware Costs
• Installation Costs
• Operating Costs
• Charging Network Costs

Investing and managing an EV charging site can be a rewarding business. However, understanding your cost drivers, especially as your site scales, or as you deploy more EV charging sites, is critical to building a sustainable venture. We can help you develop an EV charging installation roadmap and leverage our fully integrated construction and electrical capabilities to keep your costs down. Additionally, our service team of more than 300 field technicians stand ready to answer your call.

6. What will be my return on investment (ROI)?

Having a clear line of sight to your potential ROI will feed right into your decision to green-light your investment in EV charging. Aside from understanding your costs, you should understand the customer demand for charging at your location, as well as its indirect impact on your site’s revenues. A few elements to consider:

• Customer Attraction
• Electricity Pricing
• Utility Demand Charges
• Indirect Revenue Generation
• Incentives

 One of our experts can help you think through or build an ROI model for you!

7. What federal and municipalities incentives are available?

Federal, state and municipal governments and utilities have been front and center in the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure, including EV infrastructure. There are expedited permitting processes, grants, tax incentives, low rate loans and leases, rebates, funding opportunities, as well as preferential electricity rates to encourage the deployment and use of EV chargers throughout the U.S.

Before embarking on your journey to deploy an EV charging site, get familiar with some of the benefits and incentives your site may be eligible for. For up to date information on Federal and State incentives for EV charging infrastructure, please visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center Federal and State Laws and Incentives Database, or contact us and we’ll guide you in the right direction.