Know what type of EV Charging Station is right for your business space
EV Charging Stations – technically known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) – recharge Electric Vehicles (EVs) safely by supplying them with electricity. While EV numbers are steadily increasing year by year, business owners complimenting them by installing EV charging stations. However, not all of them are the same as they are available at three levels. This might make it difficult for business owners to gauge which one is right for their property, which is why we are simplifying it for you.
Different types of EV Charging Stations
While business owners might know about EV charging basics, there are a few primary differences between the types of chargers:
- Infrastructure requirement
- Cost of installation and maintenance
- Charging speed
Given below are details about the different types of EV charging stations so you can choose which one works best for your business:
Level 1 Charging Stations
These are portable charging stations for which any available outdoor plug point can be used.
- They normally come in weather-proof enclosures
- They have locking mechanisms in place to prevent theft
- Prices are roughly half of what their Level 2 counterparts’ cost
- They take roughly 40 hours to fully charge an EV
- These are non-networked charging stations
- The maintenance required is minimal and they are the cheapest to own
Level 2 Charging Stations
These are the most common types of EV charging stations and are found in business spaces or highways.
- They need to be installed onto the property after assessing the infrastructure
- Prices start at less than $1,000
- They are roughly 5 – 15 times faster than a Level 1 charger
- An EV may fully charge within 10 hours
- They are available in networked and non-networked capabilities
- Maintenance is more than Level 1 but less than Level 3 charging stations
Level 3 Charging Stations
Level 3 charging stations or Direct Current (DC) chargers are the fastest way to charge EVs.
- A special electricity (DC) line needs to be in place to install these chargers
- They cost thousands of dollars due to fast charging capabilities and infra requirements
- They can fully charge a vehicle approximately 4x faster than Level 2 chargers
- They are available in networked and non-networked capabilities
Now that you know the different EVSE options, how can you decide which best suits your business space? We will tell you.
Choosing the right EV Charging Station for your Business
While Level 1 charging stations are not really an option for businesses, Level 2 and Level 3 chargers are apt. Given below is how you can decide.
When to choose Level 2 Charging Stations
- If you are a commercial hub with other EV charging stations nearby
- If your customers spend a few hours at your business space
- If you do not see a great ROI by spending extra on Level 3 charging stations
When to choose Level 3 Charging Stations
- If your business space already has DC infrastructure in place
- If your business space is located on a highway with many cars passing by
- If there are no other EV charging stations in the vicinity
Interested in installation? Contact Canada’s leading energy management company.
EnerSavings – Your Trusted Energy Advisors
EnerSavings is an energy management company headquartered in Ontario, Toronto, with clients across the country. With EVs becoming more and more popular, it is our responsibility to ensure Canada has the necessary infrastructure in place. We are also helping reach the 2050 goal of zero-emissions with our Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. To know more, send us an email on info@enersavings.com or visit www.enersavings.com.