More than 112,000 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold between January and March 2022. Since 2010, there have been more than 2.4 million vehicles purchased, and more than 46,000 EV charging stations installed in the U.S. The White House, executive order setting a target for EVs to represent 50% of all vehicle sales by 2030 will keep EV use growing for many years to come.
When it comes to being a business owner, there are different reasons for considering a commercial EV charging installation. Whether charging a fleet of electric commercial vehicles, or a courtesy convenience for clients or employees, ROS Electric has you covered! Keep reading to learn about installing a commercial EV charger station.
Does My Business Need a Charging Station?
If most of your clients/customers are driving electric vehicles, they will look for businesses that meet their needs for EV charging services. Commercial EV charging installation makes it convenient for clients. Knowing they don’t have to search for a commercial charging center may be the reason clients select your business over the competition. It’s also a nice convenience for any employees that may drive EVs.
New Jersey Law Requires Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Governor Murphy signed S3223 into law on July 9, 2021. This bill amends the Municipal Land Use Law by establishing zoning and numerical standards for installing EV charging stations and charging-ready parking spaces. EVCS is a permitted accessory. This means existing buildings applying for EV charging installation do not need site plan approval.
The law establishes minimum requirements for new multiple dwelling developments with more than five units. Developments must have 15% of their parking area as made-ready and install 1/3 of that parking area with EV charging equipment. They have six years following issuance of the certificate of occupancy to complete installing that area with EV charging equipment.
Commercial EV Charging Installation Types
One of the first questions that usually come up when installing an EV charger is which one will fit your needs. Two different types of chargers can be used in commercial installations. They are:
Level 2
This option provides 240 volts of power for charging, allowing an auto battery to reach a full charge in 3-5 hours. One benefit of Level 2 is it does not require significant changes to your current electrical system.
This may be sufficient if you only want to put in a small number of chargers as a convenience to clients visiting your business.
Level 3
This is the fastest charging level because it is direct current fast charging (DCFC). This charging level bypasses the AC/DC converter vehicles have and feeds current directly to the battery using a high voltage.
The EV charging station installation cost is higher than the other two levels but provides the best service. You will be able to charge a fully depleted vehicle battery in about 30 minutes. The efficiency of this charger far outweighs the higher cost.
Commercial EV Charging Installation Cost
The cost for an EV charging station depends on the level of chargers, the number of spots, whether your site is made ready, and permits. You may be able to reduce your cost if the local, state, or federal government is offering EV incentives. For example, New Jersey offers a sales tax exemption, grant, rebate, and toll discount program for electronic vehicles.
Preparation of your site includes establishing an electric infrastructure to power the stations. This includes wire conduits and connectors, pouring new concrete, parking lot restriping, and signs that guide visitors to the EV station. Once the site is ready, there are additional costs for installing chargers and operation. One way to minimize your expenses is to call a professional EV charging installer in New Jersey with experience wiring commercial EV charging stations.
Key Takeaways:
- Adding an EV charging station to your business parking lot offers convenience to your clients, customers, and employees that drive EVs.
- Level 2 and Level 3 are the best options for commercial EV charging.
Get a Quote Today
ROS Electric can meet your needs with more than two decades of commercial electrical contracting experience. Contact ROS Electric LLC today to put your business at the head of the pack by offering your clients and employees EV services through a commercial EV charging installation.