Commercial EV Charger Installation and Charging Stations for Business
Exploring Maximum Efficiency in Commercial EV Charger Stations
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating across Europe; consequently, the need for a substantial EV charging infrastructure is rising.
There are many different varieties of EV chargers in terms of speed, connector types and modes. To simplify things, we have broken it down and compared each type to help you understand the uses and benefits of each one.
AC Chargers v DC Chargers
Electric vehicles can be charged in two ways: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current).
The power that comes from the grid is AC; however, only direct current can be stored in batteries, and therefore, a conversion from AC to DC needs to occur during the charging process. The technical difference between AC and DC charging is whether the power gets converted outside or inside the vehicle.
AC Charging
This is the most common charging method for electric vehicles and, whilst considerably slower than DC charging, it is usually much cheaper to top up at AC charge points (due to lower equipment production and installation costs), making them popular for home installation, workplace and general day-to-day charging.
When an EV is charged via an AC charger, the conversion to DC happens inside the vehicle.
Charging speeds depend on the charger’s output power and the invertor’s capabilities to transform the power to DC.
DC Charging
DC Chargers are larger and more expensive to build than their counterparts; they convert the current to AC before it enters the vehicle, and the power goes directly into the battery, bypassing the car’s inverter.
A DC installation requires a lot of power from the grid, resulting in higher tariffs for charging.
However, as it usually allows for much faster charging, it is the preferred method for quickly recharging during long-distance trips (for cars that support DC charging). It can provide the driver with an estimate of the charge time remaining. This type of charger is usually found along major roads rather than at home or business locations.
When EVs were first introduced to the market, there were very few DC chargers available, so charging at home (with a slow-paced AC charger) was far more common.
This prompted EV manufacturers to install larger onboard chargers (or inverters). This solution was more than adequate, as EVs were fitted with relatively small batteries.
The market has shifted towards larger battery cars requiring faster charging, increasing public DC chargers. Following this trend, most EVs now include AC and DC charging capabilities. AC onboard inverters are getting smaller and more cost-effective; consequently, EVs have fallen.
Charging Speed
The Different EV Charging Possibilities
As explained, the charging speed depends on the electric current (AC or DC), but other influential factors are the charger’s power and the power an EV can handle. In other words, if an EV is topped up at a 100kW charger but can only handle 50kW, it will charge at 50kW as the car and charger communicate with each other.
| Domestic/Workplace Station | Public/Workplace Station | Fast Charger Station | Ultra Fast Station | HPC Station | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 3.4kw-7.4kw Single Phase | 22kw Three Phase | 50kw Three Phase | 175kw Three Phase | Up to 350kw Three Phase |
| Time to Add 20 Miles | 90 minutes | 15 minutes | 7 minutes | 3 minutes | 1 minute |
| Range Added per 10 Minutes | 1.8 miles | 13 miles | 30 miles | 105 miles | 212 miles |
Plug Type
EV Charger Types
| Domestic or Workplace Chargers |
|---|
| They are called slow chargers, where EV drivers can charge their car overnight or for 8 hours or more. This could be at home, the office, or even a hotel. These chargers are almost always AC chargers. |
| Public Chargers |
|---|
| These fully charge a vehicle in a few hours and are, therefore, typically placed at public parking places, shopping centres and restaurants. Public chargers are usually AC, but mixing AC and DC chargers in these locations is expected. |
| Fast Chargers |
|---|
| They (like public chargers) are typically installed at car parks, supermarkets, leisure centres and restaurants. They can also be found at service stations, ideal for EV drivers with smaller batteries. |
| Ultra-fast and High-Power Chargers (HPCs) |
|---|
| The quickest way to charge an EV and are, therefore, perfect for motorway service stations or close to main roads, ensuring EV drivers can confidently complete long journeys. These chargers are exclusively DC chargers and can charge an electric vehicle rapidly from 0% to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes. These chargers can form new ‘Fast Charging Hubs’ when situated next to existing service stations. |
Fast chargers and HPCs are complex to install, requiring a complete site survey, Design, custom electricity supply from the distribution network operator (DNO), equipment supply and installation, maintenance and support.
Only a few vehicles on our roads can fully utilise the Ultra-fast and HPC units, but they are on their way.
The different types of plugs/connectors
As electric vehicles evolved, so did the corresponding plugs (or connectors), which were adapted to meet the electrical network characteristics and the current (AC/DC), resulting in many variations across the globe.
To establish common European plug standards and ensure interoperability, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFID) recommended charging points in the EU should be equipped with at least the Type 2 standard (AC) and the Combined Charging.
System 2 (CCS 2) standard for DC charging. CHAdeMO car plugs are also still found in Europe but will be gradually phased out, as most EV manufacturers are moving to CCS European Standard.
Commercial EV Charging Station Pricing Guide
Approximate cost ranges for Commercial EV Charging Station in the UK
Installing commercial EV charging stations involves financial considerations, especially in the UK. This segment delves into the cost factors associated with the installation of EV charging stations. From initial setup costs to ongoing operational expenses, businesses can gain insights into the economic aspects of deploying charging infrastructure in the UK.
The Different EV Charging Possibilities
Equipment Costs |
AC Charging Station: £5,000 to £15,000 per unit. DC Fast Charging Station: £25,000 to £50,000 per unit. |
Installation Costs |
Labour: £1,000 to £5,000 per charging point. Site Preparation: £2,000 to £10,000 depending on site conditions. |
Permitting and Approvals |
Local Authorities Fees: £1,000 to £5,000 depending on the region and complexity. |
Connection to the Grid |
Grid Connection Fees: £5,000 to £20,000 depending on the capacity and location. |
Operating and Maintenance Costs |
Network Subscription Fees: £500 to £2,000 annually per charging point. Maintenance: £500 to £2,000 annually per charging point. |
Technology and Features |
Innovative Charging Features: £2,000 to £5,000 per charging point. |
Accessibility and Amenities |
Accessibility Upgrades: £1,000 to £5,000 depending on requirements. Amenities: £5,000 to £15,000 for additional features like shelters and lighting. |
Project Management |
Consultation and Design: £5,000 to £20,000 depending on project complexity. |
Insurance |
Liability Insurance: £1,000 to £5,000 annually. |
Miscellaneous Costs |
Contingency: 10% to 20% of the total project cost. |
These figures are general estimates and should be used for reference purposes only. Specific project requirements, local conditions, and the choice of equipment and technologies may influence actual costs. For accurate and up-to-date cost estimates, it is recommended to consult with experienced professionals and obtain quotes from relevant suppliers and contractors based on the specific details of your project.
Charging Points for Business
Bespoke Charging Points Crafted for Your Business Needs
Crafting bespoke charging points for your business involves a detailed analysis of specific factors like space constraints, employee charging habits, and energy consumption patterns. This customisation ensures the charging infrastructure is strategically located and designed to enhance convenience and efficiency.
The physical Design is meticulously aligned with the architectural elements of your premises, seamlessly integrating the charging points into the overall aesthetic while accommodating the diverse charging needs of different electric vehicle models used within the business. Prioritising safety and compliance, bespoke solutions also incorporate features such as robust cybersecurity measures, emergency shut-off systems, and clear signage to guarantee a secure and legally compliant charging environment.
This tailored strategy goes beyond a generic provision of infrastructure, contributing to a harmonious integration of charging points that enhance your business space’s overall appeal and functionality. By adapting to the specifics of your environment, the bespoke charging points offer a versatile and future-proof solution that meets current needs and aligns with advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Economical Choices – Standard Electric Car Charging Points for Businesses
Opting for standard electric car charging points represents an economical and practical choice for businesses seeking a cost-effective yet efficient solution. Standard charging points provide a reliable and accessible infrastructure for electric vehicle users without the complexities associated with specialised or high-capacity systems.
Their simplicity ensures ease of installation, reducing initial setup costs and minimising potential disruptions to business operations.
These standard charging points are often designed for versatility, catering to various electric vehicle models and charging speeds. This adaptability ensures that businesses can support their employees’ diverse electric vehicles without requiring extensive modifications or customisations.
As electric vehicle adoption grows, investing in standard charging points becomes a scalable and budget-friendly approach, aligning with businesses’ economic considerations while contributing to sustainable transportation practices.
Commercial and Destination EV Charging Solutions
Empower Your Business and the Environment
Offering electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions not only caters to the evolving needs of your customers but also presents a unique opportunity for your business. By providing the EV option, you can unlock new revenue streams, enhance in-store retail spending, and showcase a commitment to sustainability.
Here’s how our comprehensive EV charging solutions align with these goals:
Strategic Charging Habits:
Home Charging: |
Recognizing that EV drivers primarily charge at home. |
Public Charging Stations: |
Acknowledging the importance of public charging infrastructure. |
Destination Charging Locations: |
Embracing the rising significance of destination charging spots. |
Benefits for Your Business
Transform your location into a destination for EV drivers, capitalizing on the growing network of public charging stations in the UK. This attracts more footfall to your business and prolongs customers’ dwell time there.
The advantages extend beyond foot traffic, including the potential for:
New Revenue Streams: |
Fees at Your Location: Generate additional revenue by implementing fees for EV charging at your location. |
Increased In-Store Retail Spend: |
Entice customers waiting for their cars to charge and encourage retail spending during this time. |
Commitment to Sustainability: |
Showcase your commitment to sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious customers and employees. |
We provide end-to-end services to support your commercial EV charging infrastructure. Our services are designed to provide a smooth charging experience, from planning to maintenance.
Key services include:
Groundworks |
Meticulously planned and executed to accommodate charging infrastructure requirements. |
Installation |
Professional installation services tailored to your business needs. |
CPO Integration |
Seamless integration with Charge Point Operators for efficient management. |
EV Reporting |
Comprehensive reporting capabilities to analyze usage, sessions, income, and user data. |
EV Charge Point Maintenance |
Ongoing maintenance to keep your charging points operating optimally. |
OZEV Approved Installer |
Compliance with the highest industry standards the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles sets. |
Charging Flexibility |
Offering chargers ranging from 7kW AC up to 150kW DC, catering to diverse charging needs. |
EV Charging Solutions for Fleet Services and the Workplace
Embark on a seamless journey towards electrifying your fleet services and workplace with our comprehensive EV charging solutions.
Here’s how we can assist you:
Charging Solution Consultation |
Our experts collaborate with you to identify and implement the optimal charging solution for your business needs, guaranteeing scalability and growth for your EV infrastructure over time. |
IOZEV Approved Installation |
Compliance with the highest industry standards the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles sets. |
Range of Charging Capacities |
We provide and install EV chargers ranging from 7KW AC to 150KW DC, sourcing equipment from approved EV charger suppliers to ensure quality and compliance. |
Precision Groundworks |
Groundworks are meticulously measured and executed to exact specifications, ensuring the foundation for your charging stations is robust and reliable. |
Project Management Excellence |
Each project is assigned a dedicated account manager, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with your budget. |
Custom Bay Marking and Signage |
Tailor the appearance of your charging stations to your business needs with bespoke bay marking and signage. |
Chargepoint Management
Effortlessly operate your electric vehicle charging stations with our ChargePoint management services. We provide end-to-end solutions that seamlessly integrate hardware with major charge point manufacturers, employ secure software and cloud-based Charge Point Operators (CPOs), and offer insightful data analysis capabilities.
Here’s what our charge point management includes:
Hardware Integration: |
Our hardware is designed to integrate seamlessly with leading charge point manufacturers, ensuring compatibility and flexibility for your charging infrastructure. |
Software and Cloud-Based CPOs: |
Utilize our advanced software and cloud-based CPOs equipped with secure PCI-compliant payment gateways. |
Comprehensive Data Analysis: |
Gain valuable insights into charge point usage, session numbers, income tracking, and user metrics with our analytical capabilities. |
Maintenance Packages
Choose reliability with our EV Commercial Care Packages, providing dedicated support and maintenance to keep your charging infrastructure operating optimally. From dedicated customer support to emergency call-outs and annual tests, we offer a complete maintenance solution tailored to your needs.
Here’s what our maintenance packages cover:
Dedicated Customer Support |
Access prompt and dedicated customer support for any required assistance. |
Emergency Call-Outs |
Benefit from immediate issue resolution with our emergency call-out services. |
Annual Test and Inspection |
Ensure the longevity and efficiency of your EV charging points with our yearly thorough test and inspection services, covering load management checks, connectivity performance, functional evaluations, and assistance with app upgrades. |
Efficient EV Car Park Charging Solutions
Maximizing Accessibility with Thoughtful Placement
Our Car Park Charging solutions are designed to transform car parks into efficient hubs for electric vehicles (EVs). By strategically positioning charge points and EV bays in a car park island bay layout, we maximize accessibility and convenience for users. Tailored to different capacities, our packages cater to varying car park sizes, making them ideal for fleet and workplace charging needs.
Here’s a breakdown of our offerings:
Up to 4 Cars |
• Four 7/22kW post-mounted sockets. • Includes: Up to 10m of Groundworks, Cabling to Chargers, Installation and Commissioning, and Charge Point protection.Please get in touch with us for a quote. |
Up to 8 Cars |
• Eight 7/22kW post-mounted sockets. • Includes: Up to 15m of Groundworks, Cabling to Chargers, Installation and Commissioning, and Charge Point protection.Please get in touch with us for a quote. |
Up to 12 Cars |
• Twelve 7/22kW post-mounted sockets. • Includes: Up to 20m of Groundworks, Cabling to Chargers, Installation and Commissioning, and Charge Point protection.Please get in touch with us for a quote. |
Our packages offer efficient charging infrastructure and considerate planning, ensuring your car park is well-equipped for the growing demand for EV charging. Contact our team for detailed information or customize a solution based on your needs.
Business Benefits
Driving Success – Business Benefits of Commercial EV Charger Installations
Installing commercial electric vehicle (EV) chargers can be a pivotal driver of success for businesses, offering myriad benefits. Firstly, providing EV charging facilities signals a commitment to sustainability, aligning with the growing environmental consciousness. This enhances the company’s corporate social responsibility image and attracts environmentally conscious customers and employees. Moreover, it positions the business at the forefront of technology and innovation, portraying a forward-thinking approach that can positively impact its reputation and market competitiveness.
Beyond the environmental aspect, installing commercial EV chargers can also be a powerful employee benefit. Offering convenient and accessible charging options encourages the adoption of electric vehicles among staff, contributing to a more eco-friendly commuting culture. This, in turn, can boost employee morale and retention while attracting new talent looking for employers committed to sustainable practices.
Additionally, some governments incentivise businesses to adopt EV charging infrastructure, contributing to potential cost savings and demonstrating the financial advantages of embracing electric mobility. Commercial EV charger installations address sustainability goals and bring about strategic benefits that can enhance a business’s overall success.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs – Common Questions Answered on Commercial EV Chargers
Requirements for EV charger installation in the UK include obtaining necessary permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations, connecting to the grid, and meeting safety standards. Additionally, factors such as accessibility upgrades and amenities may be considered.
The cost to install a 7kW charger in the UK can vary, including equipment, labour, and site preparation. As a rough estimate, installation costs for a 7kW charger may range from £5,000 to £15,000.
Yes, you typically need permission and must obtain permits and approvals from local authorities in the UK to install an EV charger. Compliance with local regulations and standards is essential.
The cost of installing a commercial EV charging station in the UK can vary based on factors such as equipment type, site requirements, and additional features. On average, costs can range from £20,000 to £100,000 or more per station.
The cost per charging port is influenced by the type of charging station, its power capacity, additional features, installation requirements, and any associated infrastructure upgrades. As of January 2022, here is a general estimate:
- Basic Level 2 Charging Station: For a basic Level 2 charging station (AC charger) without advanced features, the cost per charging port might range from £1,000 to £3,000.
- Fast Charging Station (DC Charger): The cost per charging port for a fast charging station (DC charger) with higher power capacity could range from £5,000 to £15,000 or more.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost can vary based on the specific characteristics of the charging station and the project requirements.