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There are several commercial electric vehicle types that businesses can consider based on their needs, infrastructure, and the fleet they operate. These commercial EV chargers include Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers. Each type of charger has different charging speeds and capabilities suited for various contexts.
Level 1 chargers
These chargers are the most basic and are often used as a backup option. They are plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 1 chargers are ideal for locations where vehicles can be parked for several hours or overnight, such as fleets with small battery capacity or slower turnover rates.
Level 2 chargers
These commercial electric vehicle chargers are plugged into a 240-volt outlet, providing faster charging than Level 1. They are widely used in commercial settings, including retail businesses, parking garages, and fleet depots. They can support a mix of passenger and light-duty commercial vehicles. These chargers are suitable for medium to large fleet operations or commercial businesses expecting a high volume of fleet charging vehicles.
DC fast chargers
Direct current fast chargers provide rapid charging for electric vehicles. They are especially beneficial for businesses with a high turnover rate of charging vehicles throughout the day. With the ability to charge a vehicle within 20 minutes at most, these are suited for high-capacity operations, including transit agencies and logistics companies.
Tesla Superchargers
These chargers are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles. However, there are newer models of Supercharger stations that can support other EV brands. These work well at commercial sites that predominantly service Tesla fleets and want to offer fast charging.
The main materials used to create a commercial ev charger include,
Charging cables and connectors
Most EV chargers use copper as the main material of their charging cables and connectors because copper has a high conductivity level. This ensures that energy transfer is efficient. The outer casing of the cables is often made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) because these materials are flexible and have good wear resistance. They are also heat and weather resistant.
Housing and enclosures
The housing or outer shell of the charger is made from materials such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and stainless steel. These materials provide structural integrity and protection against environmental elements such as water, dust, and impacts. Stainless steel is often used in commercial environments requiring additional durability and in areas exposed to moisture, salt, or other corrosive elements.
Power electronics
These are components integrated into the commercial EV, including semiconductors, circuit boards, and capacitors. These allow the conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for DC fast chargers. Silicon carbide is increasingly being used for these components because of its efficiency and high-temperature heat-resistance properties.
Asses, monitoring, and control systems
Most commercial EV chargers are integrated into fleet management systems to provide real-time data and remote control for efficiency. The materials used within these systems mainly include circuit boards, sensors, and communication modules. Circuit boards are predominantly made from fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin. Sensors may contain materials such as thermoplastic elastomer housings.
UPS and backup power materials
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are used to ensure continuous charging during power outages. These are mainly lead-acid, lithium-ion, or absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries.
Public charging stations
Many commercial EV chargers are installed at public charging stations located around the city. For instance, they can be placed in parking lots, retail stores, restaurants, and along highways. Level 2 and DC fast chargers are popular choices for public charging, providing customers and travelers with convenient and quick charging.
Fleet operations
Companies with fleet vehicles can install commercial EV charging stations at their headquarters to charge the fleet overnight. Level 2 chargers are often used for this application, providing a full charge by the end of the day. This helps the fleets to transition to electric vehicles, reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
Workplace charging
Businesses can offer workplace charging to their employees, encouraging them to drive electric vehicles. Level 2 chargers are ideal for this, providing employees the ability to charge their vehicles during work hours. Studies show that employees are more likely to drive EVs if charging is readily available at work, contributing to a greener commute.
Multi-dwelling units
These are residential buildings that have several units within one building, such as apartments or condominiums. EV charging can be installed to accommodate residents with electric vehicles. Level 2 chargers are commonly used here, allowing residents to charge their vehicles overnight.
Retail and hospitality
Retailers, hotels, and other hospitality businesses can install EV charging stations for their customers. This provides an added service that attracts EV owners. Level 2 chargers are suitable for this, allowing customers to charge while they shop or dine.
Transit and public transportation
Many cities are transitioning to electric buses and public transit systems. Commercial EV chargers are installed at transit depots to charge these vehicles overnight. DC fast chargers are typically used here, allowing quick turnaround times during the day.
Industrial and construction sites
As more heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and machinery, transition to electric, there is a growing need for EV charging at industrial and construction sites. These chargers can power larger vehicles and support longer work hours. DC fast chargers are better suited for this purpose.
When choosing a commercial EV (electric vehicle) charging station for a fleet, there are several factors to consider that will impact operational efficiency, costs, and user experience. These key elements include the charging level, integration with management systems, number and type of chargers, software, and cost and incentives.
Charging levels and types
Commercial EV chargers come in three main types: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers. Level 1 chargers are the slowest and provide an AC 120-volt charging rate. They are normally used for overnight charging when the vehicle will not be needed for several hours. Level 2 chargers are moderate-speed chargers, providing AC 240-volts. They are good for shorter charging times, taking 1–8 hours, and are commonly used in home and public charging spots. DC fast chargers are the most rapid charging option. They convert AC power to DC and deliver via a 480-volt setup. A few minutes of charging can provide several hours of range, making them effective for emergency situations. They, however, come at a higher cost. Consider which type the fleet will require in the short and long term.
Charger number and space optimization
In addition to the types, also consider how many will be needed. When estimating the number of chargers to install, consider the existing and potential future electric vehicle fleet size. Then space optimization, as it's important the charging stations don't congest other operational functions of the business. Use software to help find the best location for the installed stations to maximize space.
Management and monitoring solutions
When managing a large fleet, it is important to have the right tools to monitor the charging network in real time. Luckily, many of the commercial EV chargers are fitted with management solutions that offer real-time data on charger and vehicle status. This helps optimize EV charging and reduce downtime. Fleet managers should look for charging station management software that integrates with existing fleet management systems.
Costs, incentives, and rebates
The total cost of the EV chargers comes into play since it will directly impact the fleet's operating budget. This includes the installation, operational costs, and potential utility upgrades. Fortunately, various federal and state incentives and rebates will help offset the total costs. Ensure they qualify for these inlaw benefits. It will lower the financial barrier to adopting EVs.
A1. The charging time will depend on the charger level and the vehicle’s battery capacity. Level 1 chargers can take overnight charging for several hours. Level 2 chargers take 1 to 8 hours of charging time depending on whether the vehicle is fully drained or not. DC fast chargers can bring a fully drained battery to 80% in as little as 20-30 minutes.
A2. Several factors impact the efficiency of the setup. They include space optimization, the cost of the installation, and the potential need for upgrades to the existing electrical infrastructure. Businesses can use management software to identify the optimal location for the chargers to minimize congestion.
A3. The federal government and many state governments offer various incentive programs and rebates for businesses to install EV chargers. They are aimed at reducing the overall installation cost. The incentives include tax credits, cash rebates, and grants. They can also be in the form of waived fees for installation or utility rates for EV owners.
A4. It will depend on the current electrical capacity and the number of chargers to be installed. In some cases, utility companies may upgrade them to support additional EV chargers. In others, the existing infrastructure may have sufficient capacity to support Level 2 and DC fast chargers without additional upgrades.
A5. There will definitely be an increase in electricity consumption as more EVs get plugged in to charge. The extent of the increase will depend on the number of chargers and the charging level. Fortunately, a lot of businesses are eligible for off-peak charging rates that can lessen the cost of electricity.