As EVs become more widespread, robust charging infrastructure is critical. In fact, a recent J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study shows that consumer satisfaction among EV drivers looking for public chargers is relatively low, especially in high-volume markets like California, Texas, and Washington.
Despite more available public chargers, customer satisfaction has decreased from 2021 to 2022, in part due to inadequate EV charging infrastructure. Thus, there is an opportunity for companies to attract more customers, create passive income, and boost employee satisfaction by installing commercial EV chargers. GreenLancer now offers consulting services for EV charging projects in the U.S. and Canada. Bringing our expertise to charging projects with our EV charging station consultants can increase success and make them more profitable.
What Does EV Consulting Entail?
Our EV consultants assist clients with adding electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) ports to their businesses throughout all phases of the project. GreenLancer EV specialists can help develop an EV charging station strategic plan, conduct site assessments and feasibility studies, and design EV charging stations. In addition, we can help obtain utility easements and interconnection, select software, secure financial incentives, calculate the total cost of ownership, and even perform site management.
Often, our clients don’t know where to begin with installing a commercial EV charger but see how adding charging stations can generate income, provide a popular amenity for visitors, and boost sustainability initiatives for vehicle electrification. Our electric vehicle consulting commonly covers projects even in their infancy, educating and helping clients determine how many chargers are needed per site and creating a plan for scaling up as EV charging needs increase.
What Do EV Charging Station Consultants Do?
EV charging consultants specialize in providing expert advice and services related to the planning, installing, and managing EV charging infrastructure. Their roles are critical in ensuring that the charging stations are strategically placed, efficiently operated and meet the needs of EV users. Some of the services EV consultants provide include:
1. Site Assessment and Feasibility Studies:
EV charging station consultants conduct thorough site assessments to determine the best locations for installing charging stations. They consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to power sources, expected usage, and potential growth. Feasibility studies help in understanding the practicality and cost-effectiveness of proposed installations.
2. Infrastructure Planning and Design:
EV consultants develop comprehensive plans for the design and layout of charging stations. This includes selecting appropriate charging technologies (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast chargers), determining the number of charging points, and ensuring that the design complies with local regulations and standards.
3. Technical and Electrical Expertise:
Consultants provide detailed technical guidance on the electrical requirements for EV charging stations. They assess the power capacity of existing electrical systems, recommend necessary upgrades, and ensure that the infrastructure can support the anticipated load. This includes coordinating with utility companies for power supply and grid integration.
4. Financial Analysis and Incentives:
EV charging station consultants perform cost-benefit analyses to help clients understand the financial implications of installing and operating EV charging stations. This includes estimating installation costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential revenue from charging services. Consultants also identify and assist in securing available incentives, grants, and rebates that can reduce the financial burden.
5. Regulatory Compliance:
EV charging consultants ensure that the installation and operation of charging stations comply with all relevant local, regional, and national regulations. They stay updated on evolving policies and standards, ensuring their clients' projects meet all legal requirements and industry best practices.
Who Could Benefit From Using EV Consultants?
GreenLancer clients see the benefit of installing commercial EV chargers but may not know how to move the project forward. Perhaps their parking lots don’t have electricity, or they want to take full advantage of EV charging incentives and grants but lack information. Maybe they don’t know how many EV chargers to install and how to prepare for rising demand. Some customers wonder if they should install a Level 3 charger (also called DC fast chargers) or keep costs down with Level 2 chargers. GreenLancer can help with all these questions and more.
Clients that benefit from EV charging station consulting:
Property managers of condominiums and multifamily housing likely have residents who need EV charging infrastructure.
Grocery stores, strip malls, shopping centers, movie theaters, car dealerships, restaurants, and other commercial spaces are popular locations for public EV chargers and can attract more customers.
Hotels, museums, airports, transit terminals, and other attractions allow tourists and business travelers to charge while on trips.
Office buildings, universities, hospitals, and corporate campuses need locations for employees and visitors to charge EVs and PHEV batteries easily.
Public parking garages often have EVSE ports and designated parking spots.
Companies and organizations operating an electric vehicle fleet need adequate charging infrastructure, such as electric bus fleets and delivery vans.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Consulting
Let’s explore some of the common questions associated with our consulting service.
What projects does GreenLancer offer EV consulting?
EV chargers benefit a variety of businesses that want to generate passive income, attract more customers, take advantage of EV incentives, and help reduce carbon emissions by promoting EV adoption. We can provide information for various commercial EV charger projects, including retail centers, multifamily housing, office buildings, and companies with EV fleets. In addition, GreenLancer has a relationship with AmpUp to help our clients create a new revenue stream from their chargers.
How much does it cost to install chargers?
Creating a realistic project budget is helpful for accurate business plans and strategy development. The starting cost of installing one Level 2 charger is about $6,000, so a project with ten chargers might be upwards of $60,000. However, the price varies depending on the complexity of the installation, the existing electrical infrastructure, and the tier of the EVSE equipment.
In addition, there are EV charger incentives available. Unfortunately, Level 3 chargers are significantly more expensive, and most businesses only install them at high-volume locations.
Are there incentives available if we install EV chargers?
There are a variety of federal, state, and utility rebates available, but they vary widely by location. For example, there is a 30% federal tax credit up to $100,000 under the 30C Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit for qualifying businesses to purchase and install EVSE. The commercial EV charger must be installed after January 1, 2023, and by December 31, 2032, and requires filling out IRS form 8911.
In addition, many utility companies and state governments offer commercial EV charger incentives. Refer to the National Conference of State Legislature website for more information.
My parking lot does not have electricity. Can I still install EV chargers?
Yes, this is relatively common, and many projects need to add electrical service to install EV chargers. Even sites with electricity might need to upgrade their electrical service if it is inadequate for EV chargers. GreenLancer provides various EV charging solutions to assist with this, such as interconnection drawings and underground surveys.
GreenLancer’s EV Consulting Can Help Get Your Charging Business Off The Ground
Many businesses want to add EV chargers but don’t know how to get started. Yet, diligent planning is critical, such as selecting reliable EVSE and software management systems, creating an accurate project budget, and obtaining quality EV charger permit drawings. The GreenLancer team provides EV consulting services and the expertise necessary for successful projects.
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