Benefits of Commercial EV Charging

Public charging stations are becoming a popular choice for EV owners who need to charge their vehicles on the go. They are located in a variety of public spaces and provide the necessary facilities for charging electric vehicles.

• Restaurants 
• Libraries 
• Hospitals 
• Car parks
• Shopping centres 
• Office buildings

These chargers are also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and typically, electric utility companies or private businesses provide them. Some charging stations are also equipped with advanced features such as metering and network connectivity.

The time it takes to charge your EV at a public charging station is determined by a variety of factors. Among them, battery size and charging station type are crucial. For instance, DC EV chargers can charge faster than AC chargers. Furthermore, an EVSE can charge both plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Since BEVs have larger batteries, they take longer to charge than PHEVs. Other factors, such as environmental conditions and charging habits, can also influence the EV charging speed.

The main distinction between AC and DC charging is where the AC power is transformed. DC chargers convert AC power to DC within the charger, while AC chargers convert AC power to DC within the vehicle. Even though DC chargers are faster, multiple studies have indicated that regular DC charging can influence battery health. They impact battery deterioration by about 0.1% on average. Temperature management, on the other hand, can have a substantial effect on the degradation of an EV battery.

When travelling, it is essential to confirm that your EV is compatible with the charger you intend to use. Most EVs utilise the same standard plug for Level 2 chargers, with a few exceptions, such as Tesla. As a result, most vehicles, regardless of manufacturer, can easily use Level 2 chargers at public charging stations. However, depending on the model, Level 3 DC fast chargers may be compatible or incompatible. It is also advisable to keep a backup charging cable on hand since not all charging stations will have them.

Commercial EV charging stations can be found in both public and private spaces, such as parking lots and office buildings. These charging stations often have higher charging speeds and can charge an EV in an hour if needed. They also help to attract new customers and strengthen a company’s reputation, which can generate additional income for a business. Many commercial EV charging providers offer revenue-sharing agreements, allowing businesses to profit from charging electric vehicles.

While commercial EV charging stations can be a profitable business venture, there are various aspects you should consider before installing them. Before proceeding, you should look into the site of the charging stations, the number of potential customers, and the pricing strategy. You may also require planning clearance depending on the location and type of installation. It is also essential if you have to make significant changes to the surrounding area or buildings.

When it comes to choosing between slow, fast, and rapid chargers, most experts agree that slow charging is the best way to charge an EV. It uses low voltage and provides enough time for ion stabilisation. While modern EVs include Battery Management Systems (BMS) to manage the battery pack, slow charging enables the BMS to condition and balance the battery more thoroughly. However, using fast chargers at public or commercial electric vehicle charging stations on occasion will have no substantial impact on battery health.