As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, more businesses are considering installing EV chargers on their premises. Whether you run a retail store, a logistics company, or even a multi-unit residential building, offering charging stations for customers, employees, or visitors can set you apart and attract more foot traffic.
But before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand how a commercial EV charger differs from a residential one. These two types of chargers are built for completely different purposes, and knowing what to expect from a commercial installation can help you make the right decision for your business.
Power and Charging Speed: Expect Faster and More Efficient Service
One of the first things you’ll notice when comparing residential and commercial chargers is the power levels. Residential chargers are typically Level 2, running off a 240V outlet. These are great for home use, where people can leave their vehicles charging overnight, but they’re not designed for high-demand environments.
Commercial chargers, however, can deliver much higher charging speeds. Many commercial installations use DC fast chargers that can charge a vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the type of vehicle. These chargers can deliver anywhere from 22kW to 350kW+, which means your customers or employees won’t have to wait as long to get back on the road.
If you’re thinking about getting an EV commercial charger Auckland, keep in mind that you’ll need a higher electrical capacity than what’s required for a home unit. The increased power demands mean that your business might need to upgrade its electrical system to handle the load. Of course, this is something that a specialist installer will be able to advise you on.
Designed for High-Traffic, Heavy Use
Residential chargers are typically used once or twice a day, often by the same person or household. But commercial chargers are built for high-frequency use. In some cases, these chargers could be in operation all day, every day, serving dozens of vehicles.
This is why commercial chargers are designed for durability. They’re built with tougher materials to handle frequent plugging and unplugging, and they can withstand more wear and tear than a home charger. Commercial models are often weatherproof and vandal-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor settings like parking lots or public areas.
Additionally, these chargers tend to have longer cables and more accessible connectors, ensuring that vehicles of all shapes and sizes can easily plug in.
More Complex Installation: What You Need to Know
The installation of a commercial EV charger is a lot more involved than a residential setup. While a home charger typically requires a simple connection to your existing electrical system, commercial installations often need upgraded electrical infrastructure to support the higher power demand.
This could mean:
- Upgrading the power supply – Ensuring your building has enough electrical capacity for the chargers.
- Planning for multiple units – If you’re installing several chargers, you’ll need to plan how they’ll be distributed across your premises and how electricity will be managed.
- Permits and regulations – Commercial EV chargers must meet stricter building codes and accessibility standards than residential ones. You’ll also need to obtain the proper permits before installation can begin.
Depending on the size and scope of your installation, this process can take longer than a simple home charger setup, so it’s important to plan for a few weeks of work before your chargers are fully operational.
Backend Systems: Managing Usage and Payments
While residential chargers might have basic features like scheduled charging and progress monitoring via an app, commercial chargers come with a whole suite of smart features designed to help you manage the charging process efficiently.
As a business owner, you’ll want to keep track of:
Charging usage
You’ll need a way to monitor how much energy is being used and when, especially if you’re offering charging services to customers.
Payment systems
Many commercial chargers come with built-in payment systems, allowing you to charge users for access. This could be done through credit card payments, mobile apps, or even membership cards.
Energy management
Commercial chargers often include load balancing features, which help distribute electricity evenly across multiple chargers to avoid overloading the grid or driving up your energy costs.
Additionally, many commercial chargers come with remote diagnostics capabilities, so you can easily identify and fix any problems without needing to send a technician to the site.
Revenue Generation Potential
One of the major benefits of installing commercial chargers is the revenue potential. Unlike home chargers, which are primarily for personal use, commercial chargers can generate income by charging users for access.
You could choose to offer:
- Pay-per-use charging – Customers or employees pay a fee each time they use the charger.
- Subscription services – Regular users, such as employees or tenants, could subscribe for unlimited access for a fixed monthly fee.
- Tiered pricing – You might want to offer different rates depending on the time of day, allowing you to capitalise on peak usage times.
This monetisation potential can make the initial investment in a commercial charger worthwhile over time.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
With commercial chargers, you’ll need to plan for ongoing maintenance and support. Since these chargers are used more frequently and by more people, they’ll require more regular checks to ensure everything is functioning properly. Many charging station providers offer service contracts that include routine maintenance, remote monitoring, and troubleshooting to minimise downtime.
It’s important to factor these maintenance costs into your long-term budget, as it’s crucial that the chargers remain in good working order to keep customers happy and business operations running smoothly.
More Than Just Charging: A Business Strategy
When you decide to install a commercial EV charger, you’re not just providing a service; you’re also making a strategic decision. Offering charging stations could attract more customers, improve employee satisfaction, and even give you a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
For example, if your business is located in an area with limited charging options, you could become a key destination for EV drivers who need a quick top-up. This could increase foot traffic to your store or shopping centre, boosting sales or customer engagement.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering installing a commercial EV charger, it’s important to understand that it’s a bigger commitment than a residential installation. From higher upfront costs to more complex installation and maintenance, these systems are built for performance and longevity. But with the right setup, they can provide significant benefits to your business, including revenue generation, increased customer traffic, and a greener image.
