EV Charging Stations: Is It Time for Your Business to Go Green?

Electric vehicles (EVs) only account for a small number of the total vehicles on the road in the United States, but the adoption rate is skyrocketing. Annual sales nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018, and there are now over one million EVs on American roads.

The adoption rates vary wildly by state, but facilities that install EV charging stations position themselves to attract environmentally conscious visitors and residents. Whether you own a general business, parking facility, or residential properties, it’s worth your while to assess the costs and benefits of installing an EV charging station on your grounds.

Electric vehicles may soon outnumber combustion engine vehicles. Do you want to be at the forefront of the revolution, or would you rather play catch up in a few years?

 

The Benefits of Installing EV Charging Stations

No matter your business, there are some significant financial advantages to providing a charging station for electric vehicle owners.

EV drivers are typically more educated than the average person, and they make twice the average income. Businesses with charging stations can capture these affluent customers, who are likely to spend more money on your products or services than other patrons. Since EV charging is still scarce in many areas, businesses that provide stations are more likely to convert these valuable customers into repeat visitors.

 
EV Charging Stations
 


Younger members of the workforce have a strong preference for businesses that prioritize the environment, both for their employment and their shopping. Employers that provide EV charging stations can attract and retain vibrant young workers. It can also help businesses gain LEED and other “green” certifications and position themselves as leaders in the green revolution.

Charging station owners can offer free charges or assess a fee for charging, which gives businesses an additional source of revenue to recoup the cost of the installation. Wetherbee technicians can set up the charging station to achieve any pricing structure you choose. Your business may also be eligible for tax incentives to reduce the installation cost.

 

Types of EV Charging Stations

Several companies make charging stations that are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles, but charging stations generally fall into three tiers:

  • Level 1: These typically come with the electric vehicle and use a standard 120-volt outlet in your home or garage. These add about 4 miles of range per charging hour, so they take several hours (up to a full day) to restore a fully depleted battery. Depending on the model, Level 1 chargers can charge one or two vehicles at a time.

  • Level 2: An electrician typically installs these, and they use 240-volts for a faster charge than Level 1. Level 2 charging stations add 25 miles of range per charging hour, so they’re much more convenient for drivers who charge away from home than Level 1 stations.

  • Direct Current (DC): An electrician installs these, and they provide rapid charging. DC stations are often installed on busy traffic routes because they deliver a full charge in about 30 – 60 minutes.

When you select which charging station to install, consider your budget and your goal. Are you simply trying to meet the current demand for EV charging, or are you trying to make it easier for employees and patrons to adopt electric transportation in the future?

 
EV Charging Stations
 


Choosing Your Station Location

When you choose Wetherbee as your EV charging station partner, you get a truly turnkey solution. From consultation to sales to installation, Wetherbee will help you achieve your charging station vision.

At our first site visit, our expert electricians will ensure that you have the proper electric panel capacity to supply your charging station(s). Wetherbee is an electrical contractor first, so we can upgrade your panel, if necessary, to meet your desired charging capacity.

Our site visit also includes consultation on the station location. Some installation locations are more budget-friendly than others, so we advise property owners on how to best achieve their goals within their project constraints.

 
EV Charging Stations
 


Environmentally Friendly Parking

If you haven’t already, consider enacting the following green strategies in your parking area:

  • Create a bike parking site in your facility

  • Designate preferred parking spots or offer discounted rates for carpools

  • Upgrade to LED lighting in your outdoor parking and inside your building to reduce energy use

  • Install automatic pay terminals and offer e-tickets

 

Give EV Charging the Green Light

Electric cars are the way of the future, so get ahead of the curve with EV charging stations sold and installed by Wetherbee Electric. The US Department of Energy offers several great resources to help you plan and implement EV charging in your facility.

If you have questions about EV charging stations, get in touch today. Together, we’ll bring your project to life.

Vivek Dixit