If you’re an electric vehicle owner, you know that one of the challenges of owning an EV is finding an EV charging station when you’re not at home. Unfortunately, while there are an ever-increasing number of public charging stations, there are still many places where EVs are not yet well-supported.
If you’ve decided that having a commercial charging station at your workplace is the best way to support your employees who drive EVs, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase.
Number Of Stations You Need
It’s predicted that there will be more than 200 million EVs by 2030, which means that the demand for workplace charging stations is only going to increase. But, of course, you can’t just buy one station and expect it to meet the needs of all your EV-driving employees.
The number of stations you’ll need will depend on a few factors, including:
- The size of your workplace
- The number of employees who drive EVs
- The number of parking spots at your workplace
- The amount of time employees are typically at work
The best way to determine how many stations you’ll need is to talk to your employees and find out how often they charge their EVs and how long they need to charge for. You may also want to consider installing more than the minimum number of stations to accommodate employees who may want to charge during their lunch breaks or after work.
Location of Stations
The next thing to consider is the location of the EV charging stations. They should be located in easily accessible areas, such as near parking garages or office buildings. Additionally, they should be clearly marked so that employees can easily find them. This means that the length of the charging cords is also something you’ll need to take into account.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to have stations located in different areas of your workplace so that employees don’t have to go out of their way to find a station. This is especially important if you have a large workplace.
Type of EV Charging Station
There are two main types of electric vehicle charging stations – Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 stations are slower but more affordable, while Level 2 stations are faster but more expensive. Determine which type of station is right for your workplace based on your budget and the needs of your employees. However, don’t forget that you can always install a mix of Level 1 and Level 2 stations to meet the needs of all your employees.
Amenities
Finally, consider the amenities offered by the EV charging station. Some amenities to look for include security features such as cameras and alarms, as well as weather protection such as covered parking or shelters. Having app control of the stations is also a useful feature that can help you manage and monitor usage.
Conclusion
When choosing an EV-friendly workplace, there are several things to consider, including the number of stations, the location of stations, and the type and amenities offered by each station. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a workplace that will best meet your needs and those of your employees.
