Businesses worldwide are transitioning to electrification in some way and exploring commercial EV charging options. There seems to be a lot to think about before making a commercial investment in EV charging stations, regardless of how your company plans to use them in the future. 

You can easily get lost or overwhelmed when it comes to EV charging stations, which come in a variety of designs and sizes. This post is meant to help you grasp what questions your company should ask in order to determine which EV charger and functionality suit you best.

Commercial EV Charging Stations

How do you know which commercial electric car charging station is suitable for your company?

There are various types of chargers available, but there are also many types of electric vehicle models. Electric vehicle chargers either use AC or DC power, have a variety of smart charging capabilities, and can be linked to software that manages the charging.  

Choosing the quickest or most modern charging station isn’t always the best option for your company. To identify the best-suited EV charging station for your organization, start by considering your company’s wants and needs, then go from there.     

Create an EV plan for your company that is future-proof

Electric vehicle charging can be used in a variety of ways. Developing an electric vehicle charging strategy is an additional aspect of many organizations’ future operations. 

The good thing is that electric vehicle charging stations are available for every sort of business. So, how can you figure out which option is best for your company? We’ve compiled a list of seven must-ask questions that can help put things in context.

A fleet depot filled with light commercial vehicles of the same company.

1. Is the speed of your commercial electric vehicle charger essential?

In general, charging an electric car with AC takes anywhere from 1 to 20 hours, whereas charging with DC takes anywhere from 7 minutes to 2 hours.

If these numbers are taken at face value, the quickest option appears to be the best, however, this isn’t always the case. The charging speed you want to give should correspond to your company’s needs and capabilities, which can vary substantially.

2. Would you like to implement EV charging fees?

Businesses are increasingly recognizing the potential of EV charging stations as a source of revenue. Consider this: your parking lot was a place where your clients and visitors could park their cars while visiting your business. Electric mobility now gives you new ways to earn money from that space and expand your business.

Businesses like retail and hospitality establishments might decide to offer charging as a service or choose lower costs in order to boost the amount of time clients spend at their place. Additionally, you may also provide EV charging as an add-on service.

A close-up image of a hand holding a key-fob next to an EVBox business line EV charging station to start a charging session.

3. How do you expect your charging needs to change in the future?

In the last several years, the number of people switching to electric transportation has soared. Five years ago, when a colleague drove electric, it was still an unusual sight. Electric vehicles are now commonplace. 

The transition to electric mobility will continue to accelerate during the next decade. As a result, when contemplating commercial charging stations, it’s necessary to think about the long term.

4. Is a charging management system required?

Electric vehicle charging stations are seen as a tool by many businesses. The majority of EV charging stations, on the other hand, are far more advanced. Your business can tremendously benefit from integrating your stations to a competent software management system.

An installer installing an EV charging station on site.

5. What are the needs or constraints of your particular location?

After you’ve decided which sort of EV charging station is best for your business and how many you want to install, it’s time to think about your location’s capabilities and constraints. Check if there are any prospective stakeholders who should be included, and if so, incorporate them early on in the process to minimize any delays or extra costs.

6. Are there any government incentives available to you?

Governments across the globe place a high priority on establishing a suitable charging infrastructure, so there’s a potential your company could benefit from a financial incentive. 

For instance, the United States has rebates in place to assist businesses in investing in EV charging stations, while every country in Europe has introduced incentives to encourage the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. These advantages may make it more appealing for your company to invest in EV charging.