The Future of Business-Friendly Charging
The advent of electric mobility (e-mobility) has opened the door for businesses to partake in the growing infrastructure of EV charging. Selecting the correct electric vehicle charger types —whether Level 2 AC or DC fast charging—can significantly influence your operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and environmental footprint.
Understanding Charging Solutions for Business Needs
Level 2 AC charging, which utilizes standard electrical output, can be easily integrated into most existing infrastructures, making it an accessible option for businesses looking to offer EV charging without significant upfront costs. Ideal for locations where vehicles remain parked for extended periods, Level 2 chargers offer a balance between speed and convenience.
A side-by-side comparison reveals that each charging type serves unique business models and customer needs, allowing companies to tailor their EV charging offerings to their specific goals.
Strategic Business Applications for Level 2 Charging
Workplaces: Employees appreciate the added benefit of charging while they work. Since Level 2 AC charging takes longer to charge, it is generally tolerable with longer parking durations. It is great for corporate sustainability initiatives and far more affordable for a business to set funds aside to implement.
Residential Complex: Property developers can increase resident appeal and comply with green building standards by offering Level 2 AC charging. Perhaps there are priority parking perks for your residents for going green.
Public Parking: Retailers and parking lot operators can diversify income streams and draw in eco-conscious consumers by providing EV charging. There is an abundance of parking spaces in urban environments, what will persuade one driver over the next to choose yours? It might just be the difference as electric vehicles continue to rise.
Consumer Retail: Connect EV charging with customer loyalty programs at malls, dining establishments, and entertainment venues to encourage longer visits. We expect consumers to visit on busy weekends to shop and eat out, but what about on a Monday or Tuesday evening? Having EV chargers can help draw in further traffic during less active times to help increase economic value.
Light-Duty Fleets: Optimize charging overnight for fleet vehicles to ensure readiness for the next day’s operations. Always feel confident with a reliable charge ready to go as most fleets are on a strict timeline during the work hours.
Strategic Business Applications for DC Fast Charging
High-Traffic Commercial Locations: DC fast chargers are ideal for businesses situated along busy highways or in urban areas where drivers need a quick recharge. They serve as an excellent option for convenience stores and service stations.
Public Transport and Municipalities: For cities implementing electric buses or service vehicles, DC fast charging stations are essential to maintain daily operations without long downtimes.
Heavy-Duty Fleets: Industries with heavy-duty electric vehicles, such as logistics centers or ports, can benefit from DC fast charging to maintain continuous operations.
Quick-Service Retail: Shopping centers and fast-food outlets can offer DC fast charging to attract customers who can charge their vehicles during a short stop.
Urban Infrastructures: Apartment complexes and office buildings in urban settings can provide DC fast charging as a value-added service for residents and employees, especially where parking time may be limited.
Rapid charging might not always be the optimal choice due to higher operational costs that translate into increased fees for consumers. Additionally, the intense power transfer from DC fast charging could potentially shorten an EV battery's life by causing added stress, not to mention a business may need to implement more steps for installation and compliance.
Certifications and Power Requirements
Certifications: Like the products produced here in America, your DC fast chargers should meet the safety and compliance standards set by organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). These are nationally recognized leaders in safety and compliance.
Power Draw and Electrical Requirements: DC fast charging stations typically require a three-phase power supply and might need electrical upgrades to handle the higher power demand. This is often why most businesses go with Level 2 AC because there is more complexity to the power draw. They can draw a significant amount of current, often requiring a 480-volt AC, 3-phase connection with a power output ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW ... sometimes even more.
Empowering Businesses with EV Charging
Incorporating EV charging stations is a strategic move toward future-proofing your business and contributing to a sustainable economy. By analyzing your customer behaviors, business model, and sustainability targets, you can determine the most appropriate EV charging strategy to enhance your business value and support the e-mobility revolution. Have any questions or need to find the right product EV charging product for you? Reach out to Noch Power at jrose@nochpower.com
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