EV Chargers for Business and Commercial Properties
Does your business have a fleet of Electric Vehicles? Looking to add EV chargers for use by your customers?
Australia is rapidly moving towards Electric Vehicles and for good reason! Climate Change has risen to the fore for many Australians and understanding their personal impact on the environment has shifted the mindset around their daily travel.
EVs are increasingly becoming more affordable and the many barriers for the average driver are starting to fall down. Range anxiety has been one of the greatest barriers for the average Aussie, and this is where your business has the opportunity to stand out from the rest.
So whether you’re looking at one charger, 20, or more, read on to find out how adding EV chargers to your business can benefit your customers, the environment, and your business.
With the barriers to EV adoption gradually diminishing, your business has a unique opportunity to distinguish itself, particularly in addressing the prevalent concern of range anxiety. Discover how incorporating EV chargers into your business can not only cater to the evolving needs of your customers but also contribute to environmental sustainability. If you’re interested in exploring solar solutions for your charging infrastructure, consider obtaining free solar quotes from Energy Matters to further enhance the eco-friendly profile of your business.
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What are the benefits of EV chargers for my business?
Many businesses have sustainability goals or targets and employ strategies to reduce their environmental impact. You may already have solar on your roof, recycling programs, and shifted your purchases to greener options. Installing EV chargers is another way to achieve your sustainability goals whilst serving your customers.
There are many benefits to installing EV chargers:
- Offsetting and reducing your business’s carbon footprint
- Assist your business and brand in achieving a ‘green image’
- Creates a point of difference for customers
- Improves the air quality in and around your business premises with a reduction of emissions from vehicles
- Increases resale value of your commercial property
Creating a point of difference for your potential customers is one of the greatest advantages to installing EV chargers on your commercial property. EV owners and users will often select a business with an EV charger over one that does not.
Let’s take a look at three business cases:
Hotel/Motel in a busy city centre
Customers looking for a place to stay and a meal to eat will factor many different things into their choice of hotel/motel. EV owners looking to charge their car overnight will be more likely to select a hotel/motel where they can charge their car off the street and in the safety of a private carpark.
Winery in a regional location
Range anxiety can still be a very real thing, even with EVs that boast ranges over 300km. A couple looking to spend their day at a winery in a remote location is far more likely to choose one where they can plug in and charge while they sip on a cab sav.
Local accountancy office
Your customers might visit your office once every few months, or even once a year, but the presence of an EV charger might just be the point of difference as they charge their car while they file their taxes.
The rapid move to Electric Vehicles by the average Australian and business requires a shift in approach on how to better serve customers, employees, and your business.
What type of EV Charger should I choose for my commercial property?
With many brands, makes, and models of EV chargers, selecting the right one for your business needs is crucial. Should you choose wall-mounted or floor-standing? Fast or Rapid charger? We will be looking at these options and more.
Choosing the right kW EV charger
Household EV chargers can be as low as 1.4kW, which would charge the average EV in around 35 hours. Commercial EV chargers require a little more oomph to ensure that your employees, fleet, and customers are on the road much faster!
Commercial EV chargers are usually level 2 or level 3.
Level 2 EV Charger
Up to 7.2kW
Level 2 EV chargers are fantastic for businesses where their customers will be present for one to two hours. This timeframe will allow for around 40 to 80km of range. Overnight charging can result in a full charge, which would make it perfect for hotels.
You can expect to pay approximately $0.40 – $0.45 per kWh.
These chargers require 240V
Level 3 EV Charger
25kW – 350kW
Level 3 EV chargers can fully charge the average EV in approximately 2 to 3 hours. Such chargers should be considered for businesses where stopping for a recharge is essential, such as an eatery in a remote location. Many EV drivers are looking for a rapid charge even in suburban or city areas.
You can expect to pay approximately $0.50 – $0.60 per kWh.
These chargers require a 480-volt Direct Current. Significant infrastructure upgrades are required for such chargers.
Still unsure what level EV charger you should choose? We recommend taking stock of the average time your customers spend away from their vehicles when on your premises. The longer the time, the less likely you will need a level 3 rapid charger.
Keep in mind the compatibility of the EV charger you select. Not all chargers work with all makes and models of EVs.
Floor-standing or Wall-mounted EV charger?
Most EV chargers are available wall-mounted or floor-standing. So which option should you choose?
Simply put, wall-mounting an EV charger is the cheaper option. Running cabling through walls is a simpler process than trenching. Trenching is required when cabling needs to run underground. But wall-mounting often is not an option. Parking spaces can often be located near the road or away from any practical place to mount the charger.
EV charger installers will run you through the options available for your business and provide a solution that best serves your needs.
How much does a commercial EV charger cost?
The cost to purchase and install an EV charger is usually the make or break of the decision-making. The prices vary from brand to brand and increase with power output.
A standard Level 2 charger in Australia costs approximately $1,000 – $3,000 to install.
A standard level 3 charger in Australia costs approximately $15,000 to $25,000 to install. These chargers require alterations and, usually, electrical upgrades as they are high-voltage DC chargers.
Ongoing costs for commercial EV chargers
The best things in life are free, as they say, and your customers undoubtedly believe this too! This presents a dilemma; do you offer free EV charging or will you require payment?
This is entirely up to your business model and budget. If you do wish to charge for use, your EV chargers will require Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) that will allow users to pay for charging via an app.
Choosing the right EV charger brand and installer
The market for EV chargers is growing as fast as the Electric Vehicle market. Installing a charger that is reliable, requires minimal service, has a top-of-the-line warranty, and with a long expected lifespan is key.
The average EV charger has a warranty of between 1 and 2 years. The expected lifespan is 8 to 10 years. So ensuring that the brand you choose has exceptional manufacturing standards is paramount.
Energy Matters recommends Fimer, Fronius, and Tesla.
Energy Matters can connect your business with EV charger installers in Melbourne. Complete our quick survey and we will get you a FREE quote!
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