Powering Up: Essential Factors to Consider Before Installing an EV Charging Station for Common Utilisation
With their environmentally friendly and cost-effective benefits, electric vehicle adoption is on the rise and with it comes the need for adequate charging infrastructure. Installing EV chargers in your building not only helps to reduce your carbon footprint, it also positions your property to contribute to a more sustainable world.
Here are some factors to help you when deciding to provide EV chargers in your building:
Demand
A way to determine if it is the right time to get a common EV charging station is by measuring or predicting demand, and whether said demand will be sufficient to ensure the utilisation of the station. An EV’s charging patterns vary in contrast to an ICE vehicle. Driver charging behaviour is largely dependent on how convenient the charger availability is, thereby contributing to passive demand. This can be done by surveying tenants or employees, analyzing the number of EVs in the area, or researching the availability of nearby charging infrastructure.
Cost
The cost of installing EV charging infrastructure in your building includes the cost of equipment, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Fortunately, many governments are implementing policies and initiatives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, such as tax incentives and subsidies for EV purchases, as well as funding for EV charging infrastructure. Singapore for example has an EV common charger grant to help drive the city state’s ambition to deploy 60,000 EV charging points by 2030. Click here to read more about LTA’s common charger grant.
A more in-depth article about the costs of charging stations can be found here: What are the Costs of an EV Charging Station
Power Capacity
Power requirements can vary based on the specific charging station and its features. For example, some charging stations may require additional electrical infrastructure, such as a dedicated transformer or electrical service upgrade, to meet the power demands of the station.
Check with your building LEW to assess if the power capacity of your building can support an EV charging infrastructure without overloading the electrical system. An additional assessment by a certified installer would aid in helping you make a more informed decision. If you would like to reach out to our engineers for an assessment, contact us here.
Adequate Space
The amount of space required for an EV charging station can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of charging ports, the type of charging equipment being used, and the expected usage patterns.
A Level 2 charger for a single vehicle may only require a small amount of space, such as a dedicated parking spot or a wall-mounted charger, but in contrast, a fast DC charging station that can accommodate multiple vehicles simultaneously may require a larger area, as well as additional space for safety features such as buffer zones and service areas.
It is also important to consider the accessibility and ease of use when planning the layout of an EV charging station. Adequate space must be provided to ensure that drivers can easily manoeuvre their vehicles in and out of charging spots, and that there is enough space for pedestrians to safely pass by the charging station without diverting their path into harm’s way. Proper planning and design can help ensure that the station is safe, efficient, and accessible for all users.
Accessibility
Ensure that the EV chargers are easily accessible and visible to EV drivers to optimise utilisation. This includes providing clear signage and direction to the charging station, and ensuring that they are located in an area that has good network signals that smart chargers require to function.
Regulations
It is important to consult with experts to determine the following:
- Electrical codes and standards related to electrical wiring, grounding, and protection systems to meet safety requirements
- Building codes related to construction, accessibility, and fire safety may also apply to the installation of EV charging stations
- Industry standards such as charging connector types, and charging protocol
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to provide EV chargers in your building, and how best to do so.
