Gas-fueled cars emit approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. With global warming being an ever-growing concern, electric vehicles are rapidly gaining popularity in large and small cities alike. As more EVs hit the road, there will naturally be a need for more electric vehicle charging stations to meet the power demands.
Whether you’re looking for two or three charging stations for a small apartment complex or planning a large-scale array for a mall or arena, our team can handle the project from design and permitting to installation and inspection.
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Installing electric vehicle charging stations is a great way to invest in your commercial parking lot or parking garage. Electric vehicle chargers create a number of financial benefits for property owners, both direct and indirect.
Get On the Map
Get new customers from apps and websites that list map locations of EV chargers.
Tax Incentives
Companies can offset up to 30% of EV equipment purchases and installations up to $30k.
Monetize Charging
Commercial charging stations can be set to accept credit cards or even Bitcoin.
Electric chargers receive power just like everything else in your building – by connecting directly to your local power grid. If you live in Florida, you likely receive your power from Florida Power & Light, which serves approximately 11 million people around the state. EV chargers convert the raw power to usable energy for the EV battery.
A commercial EV charging station isn electric vehicle charger that is installed for public use. These charging stations have a variety of possible features, such as smart metering, paid charging, and network connectivity capabilities. EV charging stations can be stationed either along parking garage walls or strategically placed in commercial parking areas. Depending on the complexity of the station setup, associated fees may vary from monthly or yearly flat rates, per kWh, or hourly rates.
Level 1 Charging Stations
Level one chargers are private EV chargers used at homes. These use 120-volt circuits.
Level 2 Charging Stations
Level two chargers are very common and run 240-volt circuits.
Level 3 Charging Stations
Also known as fast chargers, level three chargers use 480-volt direct current to charge.
Various EV charging levels exist, boasting different strengths and application purposes. More powerful chargers may help drivers get on the road faster, but they’ll cost more upfront, equating to higher energy bills. The levels below depict the increasing voltage options for the different types of chargers.
Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are available for residential building installations, while Level 3 systems are primarily reserved for commercial buildings because of the increased costs and upgrade requirements.
Level 1 chargers plug into a standard three-prong 120-volt outlet, so there is no need to order special equipment or conduct complex installations. Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger allowing the owner to plug into any wall easily.
The chargers start around $300, though if you want to build a dedicated charging station to reduce power demands, you may spend around $1,500 for installation and materials. Level 1 chargers provide a 2.5-mile range per hour of charging, making them perfect for at-home overnight charging or hybrid (electric and fuel-powered) vehicles. If you’re looking to offer your tenants quick charging, consider one of the higher levels.
Level 2 charging stations offer a more powerful option for residential units, allowing tenants to fully charge their vehicles in a few hours. The stations supply 208 to 240 volts with a universal connector that plugs into all vehicles (and an adapter for Teslas).
Because these charging stations are more complex than Level 1 chargers, an electrician is required to install the port. The charger typically costs around $1,000 to $4,000, and installation costs an additional $2,000 to $10,000. There may also be associated monthly network fees.
Level 2 chargers offer a 20-mile range per hour charge, with a full charge time of around three to six hours. Level 2 stations are ideal for residential buildings seeking more power or commercial building owners wishing to provide a charging option for their occupants.
Level 3 chargers boast the fastest charge times and are only commercially available. The Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) supply 400 to 900 volts of power. The stand-alone ports include adapters and universal connectors to work with all electric vehicles.
Level 3 charging stations typically cost $25,000 to $50,000 in equipment and another $50,000 in installation costs and electrical upgrades. Once installed, these chargers provide 100 miles of range per hour of charging. Installing Level 3 chargers at your commercial property can boost the building’s value and attract more customers.
The EV charging station installation process for Levels 2 and 3 requires more than just plugging in the port. Our EV charging station installers will analyze your building’s current electrical setup to incorporate the system into your infrastructure best. With your budget in mind, we will recommend the best station-level option for your building’s needs.
When our team analyzes your site, we will look for several key factors that inform us on how many electrical upgrades and chargers your building needs. We will take overall measurements of your site and note the fuse box location; where your breaker sits impacts where EV charging ports can be placed.
After determining a general plan for where to place the charging system, we will move on to infrastructure planning.
Infrastructure planning involves outlining your building’s electrical needs while adhering to state and federal government codes. Most buildings and parking areas aren’t typically pre-configured to handle the enormous energy requirements of Level 3 chargers, so upgrading your system to meet these demands is usually required.
While planning your electrical upgrades, we will keep costs, environmental impacts, regulations, and maintenance requirements in mind. We craft our infrastructure plans using government-provided resources to ensure that our systems adhere to all best practices.
After creating the infrastructure plan, we will reassess your current utilities. Most commercial or residential property owners should expect their electric bills to increase after installing Level 2 or 3 chargers.
An average electric vehicle with a 200-mile range costs about $6 to charge, depending on your exact utility costs. We will analyze your estimated kilowatt-per-hour rates so that you can understand future utility costs.
Electric vehicles and their charging stations produce fewer emissions than internal-combustion-engine vehicles. While EVs are usually more environmentally friendly, it’s still important to consider how much power your building consumes from the charging station.
We’ll prioritize reducing emissions and streamlining your building’s energy consumption rates so that you can pay less and help reduce your carbon footprint.
After concluding all plans, we will offer a final estimate and timeline. Our team will begin working on your building or parking area upon approval. Depending on the extent of your project, the EV charging station installation may take a few hours or days.
After the installation, we will cover key system features and walk you through monetizing strategies if applicable. Usually, you can download a smart charging app to track usage, consumption rates, and more. Our team will set you up with everything you need to go green with your EV.
EV charging station installation costs vary greatly, depending on the type of charger, your building’s current wiring, permit requirements, location, and more. You can purchase a Level 1 charger without installation for just $300, while Level 3 systems cost around $100,000 for equipment and labor costs.
The factors below will impact prices, though our team can provide an exact estimate for your project. Contact us today for a site assessment so that we can generate a quote.
Most EV chargers require permits to install. Level 1 chargers don’t require a permit since they’re a simple plug-in charger, though you should expect to pay the extra fee for Level 2 and Level 3 systems. These installations typically come with application, permit, and handling fees.
Local agencies charge different amounts, so we recommend verifying costs and requirements before installing any system. Our team can handle the application process, so you won’t have to worry about missing vital documents. Typical fees range from $160 to $300.
Certain EV charging systems require specific wires that can increase your costs. If your breaker box isn’t near where you want the chargers, you’ll likely have to purchase a long wire that can handle the required voltage.
Many modern EV chargers also include Wi-Fi receivers that allow users to connect to the app, track charging progress, and view other features. The stations must be within Wi-Fi range, or a new system must be purchased to enjoy this enhancement. Adding a new hub to your network costs more upfront and increases your monthly cable bills.
Hardwired EV chargers connect directly to your building’s wiring, making them more challenging to install and impractical to move around. Conversely, the plug-in EV charging station installation process is simple, though it costs a bit more upfront. Plug-in chargers typically cost around $1,000 to $2,200, while hardwired varieties range from $850 to $1800.
While you may save more initially with a hardwired charger, the plug-in variety may cost less in the long run. Plug-ins are easily portable, in case you want to change your property’s layout, and require less complex repairs.
Indoor (garage) charging stations typically cost less than outdoor chargers due to the decrease in exterior risks. Outdoor chargers often require waterproofing, special cable lengths, extra security, and custom shelters. Opting to place the system indoors can save you around $50 to $100, depending on your property’s requirements.
Aside from your charger’s proximity to your building, your general geographic location also impacts the price. Certain areas of the country have higher living costs than others, resulting in a general increased price of goods.
According to electric vehicle data from the Department of Energy, the average Level 2 charger installation cost (including labor and service upgrades and excluding equipment) is $1,354. Los Angeles has the highest average of $1,828, nearly $500 above the national average, while the lowest city, Atlanta, only averages $775. These figures display how location dramatically affects how much labor costs.
Your garage may only be equipped with a 120-volt outlet, sufficient enough for a Level 1 charger, though if you want to purchase a Level 2, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical system to meet the 240-volt demands. Installing the new circuit typically costs around $500 to $1,500.
If you wish to add more interior space for your new charging port, plus the added circuit, you may need to budget around $14,800.
EV charging station installation is critical for all electric car owners. Installing electric vehicle charging stations at commercial facilities offers substantial benefits to property owners. By installing charging stations, business owners can benefit by having a leg up on the surrounding competition, making your business the go-to destination.
As the green movement for a more energy-conscious world becomes prominent, new drivers are turning to electric vehicles as their car of choice. With the influx of electric vehicles on the road, the demand for chargers is continuously growing.
Apps, such as Plug Share, allow businesses to place their charging ports on the map, literally. With your business on the map, drivers can plan out their drives and mark your business as a charging destination spot. With time to pass, as their cars charge, drivers are likelier to end up in your business, potentially increasing your sales and revenue.
The federal government celebrates the movement toward electric vehicles by providing businesses with tax incentives. Under the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit, companies can offset up to 30% of EV equipment purchase and installation costs, with a maximum of up to $30,000. Business owners may also be eligible to receive additional local or state tax incentives.
One of the most significant selling points of installing EV chargers is the ability for property owners to monetize their charging stations. Commercial charging stations can be set up to either offset the installation cost or act as an additional revenue stream for your business. There are four business models companies can implement:
Figuring out which monetization model aligns with your goals can significantly offset your charging station installation.
