Over the years, people’s concern for sustainability has gradually improved, eventually leading to the growing popularity of electric vehicles. Owing to this popularity, many businesses with outdoor spaces are considering installing EV charging stations to serve customers who drive electric vehicles. Installing EV chargers can help companies attract and retain environmentally conscious staff as well as consumers while fostering a greener future. In order to accommodate the expanding needs of both customers and employees, commercial electric vehicle charging stations are becoming increasingly important for businesses across industries. Companies that install EV charging stations on their premises reap numerous benefits and can position themselves as early adopters of the future of transportation.

However, on-site installation can be a complicated procedure, and the challenge is deciding which solution is ideal for your company. In order to help you develop your charging strategy, here are five key factors to consider when installing commercial EV charging stations at your business.

1. Charger Type

You should first understand the many types of EV chargers available to find the best solution that fits the needs of your end-users. EV chargers can be AC or DC-powered, feature various charging levels, have smart charging capabilities, and be linked to advanced remote monitoring software. The EV chargers are commonly classified as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC EV Charger). In general, a higher charging level allows a vehicle to charge faster. There are several criteria that will influence the type of charging station required for your business. 

• The amount of power available or accessible at the site.
• The speed at which vehicles require charging.
• The types of vehicles that will need charging facilities.

2. Location 

Once you have determined the best commercial EV charging solution that fits your objectives and business environment, the next step is to choose the ideal location for charging stations. When selecting a charging location, it is crucial to consider the distance between the electrical panel and the physical charging station. A longer distance will lead to more trenching and wiring, raising installation expenses. Therefore, you should try to reduce this distance while also looking into ideal placement areas such as building entrances, high pedestrian traffic zones or other areas near the required power source.

3. Investment 

Installing commercial EV charging stations is a challenging process in and of itself, let alone controlling its costs. Effective cost breakdowns rely heavily on cost estimations. However, this breakdown depends on a number of factors. Hence, understanding these components is essential for effectively managing expenses and power consumption.

• The type of charging equipment needed for the installation.
• The infrastructure that is available at the site and any upgrades required. 
• The software that connects with the utility company and provides them with all station data.
• The miscellaneous costs incurred as a result of any custom requirements.

There are also operating and maintenance costs associated with commercial EV charging station installations. 

4.  Quality 

Poor installation is often the leading cause of equipment damage and operational issues. While some installers have prior experience with EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), there are also those who lack the requisite training or certification. Therefore, make sure to inquire about their technician training and service quality before choosing an EV charging installation provider. Moreover, you can look for companies or electricians who specialise in EV charger installation and are familiar with the technical standards and often-complicated regulations that apply to EV charging stations.

5. Business Model

When selecting commercial EV charging station installers, make sure to look into their business models as well. Companies providing a zero-capex strategy are common, where the operator invests in hardware, software, and maintenance, as well as operates with a complete billing system, relieving the burden of upfront capital expenditure from your business. However, if your business has the financial power to purchase and own the entire EV charging infrastructure, it may benefit more financially in the long run. In addition, some vendors also provide a form of leasing model where the business pays a monthly fee for the vendor to manage the entire EV charging business while the business collects the revenue.

Partner with KED Energy for Your Commercial EV Charging Station Installation 

Whether you are trying to purchase slow, fast, and rapid chargers for your business or find a reliable EV charger installer, look no further than KED Energy. As a Singapore-based company with a solid understanding of the EV charger market, we deliver effective and affordable EV charging solutions for your business. The chargers we offer are well-designed and easy to use, with varied power ranges to accommodate your requirements. Our hardware, software and installation services are provided in accordance with Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) guidelines and include every step from design and installation to testing and maintenance. To discover more about what we can do for you, reach out to us at +65 6468 2536 with your queries today!