The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise, and with the government’s aim for net zero, more and more businesses are considering installing charging stations at their premises. However, with so many options available on the market, choosing an EV chargepoint for your business can be a daunting task.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled the factors you should consider, with some helpful hints and tips along the way. With a bit of research, you’ll be on your way to green travel in no time.
START WITH THE BASICS: DETERMINING YOUR BUSINESSES CHARGING NEEDS
Before making any decisions, you’ll need an understanding of your businesses EV charging needs. As there are many types of EV chargers available, its important to know that the charger you decide on will cover everything you need it to do. A few factors to consider are as follows:
Capacity: You’ll need to consider the number of electric vehicles you have or plan to have, as well as how frequently they will need to be charged. This will help you determine the number and type of charging stations that you’ll need. For example, two or three fast charging points might work for a retail business wanting to offer charging to their customers, but multiple chargepoints, even at a slower speed, are a great option for large businesses with a fleet of vehicles that can be left charging overnight.
Tethered or Untethered: There are generally two types of EV charge points available: tethered or untethered. Tethered cables will prevent theft or employees accidentally removing the cable from the chargepoint, but are restricted on vehicle compatibility. Untethered chargepoints offer more flexibility, but rely on vehicle owners always having their cable.
Speed: EV charging solutions come in varying speeds, so you’ll need to consider how quickly you need your vehicles to charge in order to select the appropriate charge point to meet your needs. Research the different speeds of EV charger available, to identify the most appropriate type for your business.
CONSIDER THE LOCATION WHEN CHOOSING AN EV CHARGEPOINT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Determine the best location for your EV chargepoint, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, and consider accessibility for employees or customers. Think about where the charging stations will be located and whether they will be used by employees, customers, or both. This can help you determine the best place for your charger, as well as any additional features needed such as signage or lighting.
LOOK FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Make sure the charging solution you choose is compatible with the electric vehicles you have or plan to have. If your chargers are for public or staff use, you will want to be inclusive of as many different electric vehicle types as possible. If your chargers are purely to used by a fleet of vehicles with one particular cable type, you could just pick the most compatible charger. You may also want to consider whether the solution is compatible with different charging standards, such as type 2 or DC fast charging.
PAYMENT AND ACCESS OPTIONS FOR CHARGEPOINT USERS
Consider the payment and access options that you would like to offer, such as credit card or mobile app payments, as well as access control systems to limit who can use your chargers. You’ll need to determine whether your choice of EV charger has the capability to meet your needs for payment and access options.
CONSIDER THE COST OF YOUR BUSINESS EV CHARGER
Choosing an EV chargepoint for your business also needs to work with your allocated budgets. Look at the cost of the charging solution, as well as any installation or maintenance costs. Don’t forget to take into consideration any government grants, promotional offers, or rebates that are available for installing commercial EV chargepoints.
Top tip! You can check if you’re eligible for a government grant with our simple EV Grant Checker Tool.
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT OF YOUR BUSINESS EV CHARGER
You’ll also need to consider the level of maintenance and support that you require to keep your charging solution running smoothly and efficiently. When getting quotes from installation providers, check if they also offer service plans, or ask for advice on any ongoing maintenance plans offered by EV chargepoint manufacturers.
THINK ABOUT FUTURE BUSINESS NEEDS WHEN DECIDING ON YOUR CHARGEPOINT
With the ever changing and quick progression of EVs, it’s beneficial to consider your future needs and whether the charging solution you choose can be easily expanded or upgraded if necessary. You may also want to consider the scalability of the solution, particularly if you expect to grow your electric vehicle fleet in the future.
NEED HELP CHOOSING AN EV CHARGEPOINT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
At Yü Charge, we offer installation of a range of EV charge points to suit your business needs. We’ve even listed key features and product specifications, to help you choose the option that’s right for you.Top of Form
Still unsure? Our friendly team of EV experts are on hand to discuss your requirements and advise the best solution for your business EV charging needs. Get in touch by calling 01204 327281 or email ev-sales@yucharge.co.uk