Why Your Business Should Invest in EV Charging
In the past few years, great attention has been brought to the continuous decline in environmental health, with many seeking to make a change. In an effort to do their part, the Canadian government has introduced the Greening Government Strategy and a large part of this directive is to adopt electric vehicles (EV). Their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is seen through their action plan and encouragement to get businesses on board through incentive programs. However, infrastructure is crucial to the implementation of EVs, which will be near impossible to build without the aid of Canadian businesses.
How Commercial Properties Benefit
We all frequent commercial properties on a daily basis, whether it’s the shopping mall, an office building or a grocery store. The property and business owners must cater to a wide variety of individuals through their customers and tenants. As we move towards 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, the number of EVs on the road will continue to grow. The following reasons further prove the necessity to install EV charging stations.
- Increased Property Value
While it may feel as if it’s an expense, installing an EV charging station is actually an investment and will attract higher-value tenants, as well as their valued customers.
- Government Rebates and Incentives
Since it’s a clean and green form of energy, the Government of Canada is offering incentives to commercial properties that install EV charging stations through the NRCan Zero Emissions Vehicle Incentive Program, saving you money in the long run.
- Get a Competitive Edge
While electric vehicles and their charging stations are still on the rise, not many commercial complexes have made the investment yet. Installing EV charging stations ahead of the curve will give you a competitive edge against over other businesses by increasing visitors.
- Enables Consumers to Adopt EVs
One of the main concerns of those wanting to transition to electric vehicles is the lack of infrastructure and worry about the limitations while commuting, also known as ‘range anxiety’. Installing EV charging stations will help ease consumer fears, helping them make the change to go green.
- New Source of Revenue
Property owners may implement associated fees or loyalty programs with the use of their facilities, creating new streams of revenue. As the number of EVs on the road rise, so will business income.
- LEED Certification
A globally recognized symbol, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certifications are awarded to healthy, highly efficient green buildings. Installing EV charging stations brings commercial properties even closer to this achievement.
- Eco-friendly Image
Concern regarding climate change continues to grow and people want to do their part, often by choosing to give their business to companies that align with their values. The importance of being eco-friendly is not only good for the environment, it’s also just good business.
- Brand Loyalty
Further to the eco-friendly image, the installation of EV charging stations will result in repeat customers. Studies have shown that 35% of consumers will return to restaurants or shops that provide unrestricted access.
It’s important to remember that as a property owner, knowing the benefits is significant, as is being aware of the hurdles that may be faced during the implementation process.
Potential Obstacles for Property Managers
We know snap decisions are never a good idea, options must be considered first. Moving forward with the complete picture is a necessity for all good business choices and the below will bring that picture into focus.
- Charger Compatibility
As in smartphones, charging ports are frequently different depending on the manufacturer. Combined Charging Systems (CCS) will work for many electric vehicles, but the CHAdeMO is compatible with popular brands such as Nissan Leaf and Tesla. Making all ports available can be a challenge for property managers.
- Cost of Charging
Once the decision of installation is made, another must be faced, Level 2 or Level 3. While the Level 2 station is the most popular and easier on the upfront costs, Level 3 has the advantage of being much more powerful as they offer fast charging. Unfortunately, Level 3 stations are more expensive to install and charge.
- Infrastructure
In order to install charging stations, a building must be equipped to take on the additional electric load, which not many commercial buildings are capable of. Furthermore, the usage of each charging station must be monitored, especially in the case of non-networked stations.
- Fluctuating Usage
Studies have indicated that 75% of EV owners prefer charging their vehicles while at home due to long charging times (8-10 hours). Since many don’t spend the same length of time at commercial buildings, they opt for lower charge times, which could result in inaccurate ROI estimates.
- Access to Government Incentives
One of the more attractive reasons to proceed with installing EV charging stations isn’t always the easiest to access. Property managers can face difficulties while applying for rebates without having a more intimate knowledge of the entire process, resulting in more time being consumed than anticipated.
These potential hurdles must be taken back to conference rooms or development offices and discussed at length to ensure the next step is the right one. Where EnerSavings can help is through the simplification of processes, including obtaining government rebates.
Rebates: End-to-End
The Government, through bodies such as IESO and ECCC, wants businesses to take the leap and are offering numerous incentives on energy-saving programs. In addition, EnerSavings has partnered with local utility companies to help maximize the available incentives and have delivered over $2.5 million dollars to our 200+ customers. What’s more, we also handle the application process from pre-approval to post-submission, with incentive dollars being directly deposited to the customer’s bank account.
NRCan Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP)
Natural Resources Canada is helping fund this $680 million initiative that ends in 2027 to help address the lack of EV infrastructure within Canada. Businesses will be eligible for rebates of up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $5 million dollars, or $2 million for delivery organizations, by installing EV charging stations in public places, on the street, at workplaces, in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), and commercial and public fleets.
| Type of Infrastructure | Output | Maximum Funding |
| Level 2 (208 / 240 V) connectors | 3.3kW to 19.2kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $5,000 per connector |
| Fast charger | 20kW to 49kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $15,000 per charger |
| Fast charger | 50kW to 99Kw | Up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per charger |
| Fast charger | 100 kW and above | Up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $75,000 per charger |
| Hydrogen refueling station | Dispensing at 700 bar or 350 bar minimum | Up to 50% of total project costs, to a maximum of $1,000,000 per site |
At EnerSavings, it is our passion and goal to make energy management solutions easily accessible to businesses in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow. Step into the future with us.
EnerSavings – Your Trusted Energy Advisor
Based out of Ontario, EnerSavings Inc. is currently present in 3 additional provinces, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. If your business is interested in EV charging stations, we’ll begin the process with a free audit and custom proposal, since one size never fits all. We’ll also provide support straight through to the end, ensuring your government incentives are received post-installation. To see more of the amazing work we’ve been doing, please visit us on LinkedIn or Instagram and if you’d like more information now, contact us via email at info@enersavings.com. Together, we can build a greener tomorrow.