Install a Charging Station at Your Business

As more drivers embrace electric vehicles, you may notice charging stations popping up at businesses near you. Or, you may live in a community that doesn’t have many EV charging resources yet. Whether you need to stay competitive in your city or want to be the first in your area to take the initiative, installing EV charging stations can significantly benefit your business. 

How Do EV Charging Stations Work?

To charge devices like your phone, laptop or tablet, you plug them in. The same goes for electric vehicles. EV charging stations allow owners to recharge their vehicles’ batteries, much like how traditional vehicle owners fill their tanks at gas stations.  

While EV charging stations are similar to gas stations, they work slightly differently. At EV charging stations, a driver can park their car at the charging port and plug it in. The device then pulls electricity from a local grid source and distributes it to the vehicle’s battery. 

EV charging takes a bit longer than it takes to pump gas, depending on factors like the type of charger, the amount of battery the vehicle already has and the battery percentage the driver wants to achieve. While waiting for their batteries to charge, drivers can relax in their cars, walk around or check out nearby stores and restaurants.

Though EVs continue to rise in popularity in the United States, EV charging stations are still sparse. If EV demand continues increasing as expected, we must install over 1 million new charging stations by 2030 to keep up.

EV Charging Guide

Types of Charging Stations

There are three primary types of EV charging stations, differentiated by their voltage levels. Since higher voltages have faster charging times, drivers can spend less time waiting for their vehicles to charge.

Level One

Level One is the slowest charging option. This device uses 120V, the same voltage as standard household outlets. Typically, a Level One charger takes around eight to 10 hours to complete a full charge. These chargers are best for at-home use, since a driver can plug in their car and leave it to charge overnight. 

Level Two

Level Two EV chargers are the most common. These are around 240V, significantly faster than Level One chargers. Level Two charging stations provide a relatively quick charge, making them excellent for residential and public use.

Level Three

Level Three EV chargers — aka direct current fast chargers — are the best option for quick charging. Using 480V, a Level Three charger can provide an 80% charge in only 30 minutes. Because they work so rapidly, DC fast chargers are ideal for rest stops and other areas near highways where drivers need a brief battery top-up to continue their journey.

Benefits of EV Charging Stations for Businesses

EV charging stations can benefit drivers in your area while promoting your business. From appealing to new customers to reaping various environmental and economic benefits, an EV charging station can be an excellent addition.

Appeal to Customers and Employees

Providing EV chargers can increase your customer base. Whether new people drop in to shop while waiting for their cars to charge, or you gain a loyal customer base because you publicly advocate for eco-friendly practices, charging stations can attract attention. 

Additionally, offering EV charging stations can be an ideal employee recruitment strategy. The ability to charge their cars during the workday can be a perk for workers who drive EVs. Your business’ charging station may also bring in new team members who feel you share their environmentally minded values. An EV charging station can represent your business as eco-conscious — a business attribute that is becoming increasingly paramount in the minds of employees and customers alike.

Environmental Benefits

By installing charging stations, you can make driving an EV more accessible. People who know they can find reliable places to recharge when traveling may feel more comfortable switching to an EV.

Investing in EV charging stations has various environmental benefits. 

• Minimizes pollution
• Reduces emissions
• Better energy efficiency 
• Uses renewable energy to charge

Tax Incentives

Businesses can also experience the economic benefits of EV charging stations. For instance, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit states that any EV charging stations installed by Dec. 31, 2032, can receive a tax credit equivalent to 30% of the total cost, not to exceed $100,000.

Everything To Know About EV Charging Stations

What to Consider When Installing Commercial EV Charging Stations

You should consider a few things before installing charging stations to ensure maximum return on investment. 

The following factors should be part of your business plan for EV charging stations.

• Charger type: While Level One chargers are not suitable for a business, you can still install Level Two and DC chargers. Having both types available will benefit more drivers. However, remember that these options have different connectors.
• Intended users: Are you installing EV charging stations for public or private use? Some businesses may prefer to install EV charging stations for employee use only, while others may want to provide them to the public. Determining who will use your charging stations can help you decide what charger type and how many units to install.
• Space and location: How much of your property are you willing or able to use for a dedicated EV charging station? Where will you put the charging station? Should you place it close to traffic so passing vehicles can see you offer EV charging, or do you want to put it in a more secluded area to prevent congestion in your parking lot?
• Utility capacity: While you may want to install a DC fast charger, ensure your building has the appropriate utility capacity to provide sufficient energy. 

Install a Charging Station at Your Business With Lippolis Electric

As a family-owned business, Lippolis Electric takes pride in serving our community with high-quality and efficient energy. Plus, with our outstanding customer service, we’ll work with you every step of the way — from the first consultation to any troubleshooting or maintenance questions after installation. 

Contact us today to schedule an installation, request an estimate or learn more about our services.