As the global shift towards electric mobility accelerates, with an expected 130 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030, businesses are adapting to this new reality. Consumer interest is surging, major automakers are committing to full electric production. Commercial electric vehicle (EV) chargers have become a critical consideration for businesses looking to electrify fleets, accommodate EV-driving employees, increase revenue, or attract new customers. Choosing the right EV charger amidst a multitude of options can be challenging, given the diverse sizes, shapes, and functionalities available. Choosing the optimal EV charger involves more than opting for the fastest or most advanced model. To identify the right fit for your business, start by understanding your specific needs and preferences. To guide your decision-making process, we’ve compiled 5 essential considerations that provide valuable perspective.
Assessing the Significance of Charging Speed for Your Commercial EV Charger
Workplace Efficiency
Evaluate the charging speed based on your workplace dynamics. For businesses where employees charge their EVs during an 8-hour workday, a moderate charging speed might be sufficient, promoting efficiency without the need for fast charging.
Fleet Optimization
Consider the role of charging speed in fleet management. If your business relies on a fleet for daily operations, fast-chargers become crucial to minimize vehicle downtime and ensure continuous operations.
Hospitality Experience
Reflect on the guest experience in hospitality settings. For hotels and restaurants, the charging speed can be tailored to enhance guest satisfaction. A slower charging pace might align well with the relaxed atmosphere, encouraging customers to indulge in additional services.
Retail Customer Engagement
Analyze the impact of charging speed on customer engagement in retail environments. While shopping malls can use charging time to increase customer stays, supermarkets may benefit from fast charging options, providing a quick top-off during regular grocery shopping.
Fleet Flexibility
Depending on your fleet's nature, assess the charging speed. If your vehicles can complete daily routes on a single charge and charge overnight, the emphasis may shift from speed to flexibility in charging schedules.
Environmental Impact
Factor from the environmental perspective. Slower charging options may align with sustainability goals, allowing businesses to promote eco-friendly practices by choosing charging speeds that balance efficiency and energy conservation.
Customer Attraction
Explore how charging speed can attract customers. In high-traffic areas, DC chargers can draw in potential customers, creating an opportunity for businesses to showcase their offerings to a captive audience.
Mixed-Use Spaces
If your business operates in a mixed-use space, tailor the charging speed to accommodate various user needs. Balancing speed preferences for different user groups can enhance the versatility of the chargers.
Strategic Decision-Making on EV Charging Fees
Optimizing Revenue through EV Charging
A growing number of businesses are recognizing the revenue potential of EV charging stations. Consider your parking space, once merely for customer parking; now, it becomes a lucrative asset, harnessing the opportunities presented by the rise of electric mobility.
Adaptable Strategies for Retail and Hospitality
Businesses in retail and hospitality enjoy adaptability in their approach to EV charging. They can choose to provide charging as a service, set competitive fees to extend customer stays, or even offer complimentary EV charging. This strategic flexibility opens avenues for increased upselling opportunities and improved customer engagement.
Beyond Revenue: Workplace Convenience and Talent Attraction
Charging at the workplace goes beyond revenue; it offers a convenient amenity that elevates employee satisfaction. Moreover, incorporating EV charging as a workplace benefit can serve as a powerful tool for talent attraction, contributing to a positive and forward-thinking work culture.
Do you need a smart charging management system?
Beyond being mere hardware, EV chargers are sophisticated tools. Linking them to a robust software management system presents significant advantages for your business.
This integration offers insights into drivers’ charging behavior, enables precise control over card or fee management, and optimizes energy efficiency to drive cost savings. Choosing the right charging management system is critical. While we offer our own solution, it’s paramount for your business to select a charging station and software that aligns with the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP).
OCPP, or Open Charge Point Protocol, serves as an open-source communication standard for both electric car charging stations and software systems. In simpler terms, OCPP compliance ensures seamless connectivity between stations and software, even if sourced from different manufacturers. OCPP’s value lies in providing your business with flexibility. While many manufacturers advocate for using their proprietary software, OCPP compliance empowers you to connect to existing systems or transition to more efficient solutions in the future. This flexibility ensures that your charging infrastructure remains adaptable, avoiding constraints tied to exclusive hardware-software alliances.
Optimizing Site Considerations for EV Charging Stations
Assessing Location Requirements
Once you’ve determined the ideal type and quantity of EV charging stations for your business, it’s crucial to evaluate the possibilities and constraints of your specific location.
Installation Expertise in Action
Installing the charger requires the expertise of a professional technician.
Navigating Regulatory Aspects
Depending on your circumstances, collaboration with site owners and local authorities may be necessary, addressing aspects such as permits and zoning requirements. Regardless of the chosen charging station type, involving potential stakeholders early in the process is wise, minimizing the risk of additional costs or delays.
Multi-Site Approach
For businesses operating across multiple sites, a prudent strategy is to treat each location as an independent project. This approach allows for a comprehensive mapping of possibilities and specific requirements unique to each site, ensuring a tailored and efficient implementation process.
Can you benefit from government incentives?
Exploring Potential Government Support
Governments globally prioritize the establishment of robust charging infrastructures, presenting an opportunity for your business to leverage incentives. For instance, the U.S. offers rebates to facilitate business investments in EV chargers, while in Europe, every country introduces incentives to foster the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
Strategic Attraction and Possibilities
These incentives not only make investing in EV charging more attractive but also broaden the scope of possibilities for your business today. By tapping into government support, your business can align with evolving environmental initiatives and benefit from financial advantages, contributing to the growth of sustainable mobility solutions.
Optimizing Post-Purchase Considerations for EV Chargers
Strategic Post-Investment Reflection
After committing to EV charging stations, recognizing that it’s a substantial investment prompts strategic post-purchase considerations. Ensuring continuous operational efficiency and maximizing the lifespan are paramount to safeguarding, and potentially increasing, your Return on Investment (ROI).
Warranty Evaluation
While anticipating operational excellence, delve into the warranty terms accompanying your charging stations. Explore the option to extend the standard warranty, enhancing your long-term investment protection.
Performance Optimization Beyond Warranty
Beyond warranty parameters, explore avenues to optimize charging station performance and extend their lifespan. Some EV charging station providers offer comprehensive care plans, addressing maintenance and support needs. If not, inquire about additional services such as commissioning and ongoing support.
Adapting to Electric Mobility’s Inevitability
As the global shift toward electric mobility becomes inevitable, businesses worldwide are adjusting operations for a sustainable future. If your business contemplates integrating commercial EV charging stations soon, a prudent approach involves investing in a charging solution tailored to your needs, positioning you for long-term success.
Guidance for Informed Decision-Making
By addressing these seven questions, your business gains clarity on the ideal EV charging solution. This informed decision-making process ensures that your chosen charging infrastructure aligns seamlessly with your business objectives, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future.