EV charging solutions are increasing in popularity for businesses and households across Australia. EV incentives are being offered in 2022/23, and charging infrastructures are being planned and built.
Fleet owners are looking to save money and improve efficiency by moving to electric vehicles. And workers are upgrading to EVs and looking to their workplace to make things more convenient with workplace EV chargers.
If you’re a business looking into EV charging for the first time, the choices can seem overwhelming. This article will explain what to consider so you can choose the best EV charger for your workplace.
Commercial EV Charging Stations Vary in Type and Functionality
When choosing a workplace EV charging system, you need to decide what type of business model you will use. Ask yourself whether your EV chargers are for employee benefit, as a paid service for customers or a mixture of both. Here’s what you should consider to help you make your decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Workplace EV Chargers
What Charging Speed is Suitable
Charging speed requirements will influence the EV charging stations you choose. The faster an EV is charged, the more power it needs and the more expensive the charging station will be to purchase and install.
A DC (direct current) charger can charge a vehicle in minutes, and an AC (alternative current) charger can take hours. If your EV charging station is used by employees only, a fast charger is not necessary, and an AC charger should suffice. If you have a fleet of vehicles, a DC charger would be worth the investment to keep vehicles on the road and staff productive.
How Will Your Charging Needs Evolve?
The need for EV charging will only increase in the coming years. This means electrifying your fleet today and thinking about future needs is smart. EV charging uses a large amount of electricity, and as your fleet grows, you need to be able to handle the demands.
Charging Management System
Your first few chargers can simply be connected to the grid. However, as your charging needs grow you’ll need to consider connecting your chargers with a charging management system (CMS). This optimises energy usage and allows you to monitor charging sessions and behaviours, so you can set it for different users.
Site Limitations and Restrictions
Once you know your workplace charging requirements, you should consider your site limitations and restrictions. This might mean talking with the site owner or landlord to apply for any permits or secure permissions. Avoiding this, could lead to costly delays further down the line. If you have multiple sites, it’s also recommended to assess each site separately, as they may have very different needs.
Electric vehicles are here to stay. Now is the time to adapt your workplace to accommodate this new trend. Contact EGen Electrical today for help choosing the right EV charging solution for your business.
