As the world is realising the need to move towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation alternatives, electric vehicles (EVs) have been emerging as the preferred choice. But for EVs to gain mass acceptance, businesses and commercial spaces need to step up and facilitate their charging requirements. With many options available in the market, finding the right EV charger for your business might seem like a daunting task. One factor that plays a significant role in this decision-making process is the type of business you run. In this blog, we will discuss the best EV charger for your business, keeping in mind the various types of businesses and their unique requirements.
How Business Types Affect output needs
Choosing the best EV charger for your business is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Consider the needs of your business and your customers when making your decision. With the right EV charger, your business can help promote sustainability while attracting more customers to your establishment. The type of business you have will dictate which charger is the best option for you, we’ll discuss which charger is most suitable for typical businesses to inform your decision:
Supermarket
By offering EV charging stations, supermarkets can attract EV-owning customers who need a place to recharge their vehicles. A rapid charger is the best option,somewhere in the region of 50kW – 200kW. As they offer faster charging times, allowing quick refuelling for those just doing a quick shop. In addition, supermarkets can charge an additional fee for EV charging, generating revenue and offsetting electricity costs. If you’re looking to invest in EV charging points to make deliveries, then a 7kW or 22kW charger may be suitable for delivery vans which will be on-site overnight.
Home
If you own a small business or work from home, you might be looking for a budget-friendly and convenient EV charger. In such a scenario, a 7kW charger may be the best option. These chargers may take longer to charge your EV, but their low wattage and low cost can make them a suitable option.
Restaurant
Dependant on the time your customers spend eating at your establishment either 22kW or a 50kW charger would be ideal. With longer stay restaurants that offer an experience a 22kW will be sufficient for charging needs while more quick stop restaurants will benefit more from offering the 50kW counterpart to offer substantial charging for their guests before they finish their meal.
Shopping centre
Public and government spaces such as shopping centres, require EV charging stations with high wattage and high charging speeds. Such large-scale charging solutions are generally provided by 50kW- 200kW chargers, which can charge an EV battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. They are more expensive, but they offer the convenience of faster charging, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, allowing more people to utilize the chargers than a larger number of smaller chargers.
Office/workplace
For offices with employee-only parking, a mix of 7kW and 22kW chargers can be the best bet. Employees who need a quick charge can use the 22kW, while other employees can use the 7kW charger for long period charging. This balance can be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for businesses that require daily charging. It also accommodates businesses which are extremely active with a constant flow of employees and customers throughout the day. If your business only sees employees park for around 8 hours a day with little movement, 7kW chargers are perfect for you, as they are cost and energy efficient.
Other Considerations
Single or Dual
Dependant on how utilized your chargers will be you will also have to consider whether they should be single or dual port chargers. Single chargers are the general standard for smaller charging needs while if you’re installing larger array or if your business is busy and you want to accommodate multiple users at once, then a dual charger may be the best option. However, if your business is more low-key and you don’t expect a lot of traffic, then a single charger may be sufficient.
Budget
Let’s talk about the all-important cost of installing an EV charger for your business. To be honest this will depend on a number of factors, including the type of charger you choose, the charging speed, and the installation process. However, the cost can range from a thousand pound to over one hundred thousand! The cost can be a big concern when looking at installing EV chargers but it is important to consider the long-term benefits of installing an EV charger though, such as attracting more customers and promoting sustainability. You may also be eligible for grants to offset some of the cost. As well as our multiple payment options we offer making it easier for you to spread the cost of the installation.
Tethered or Untethered
When looking at tethered vs untethered chargers there are a few important considerations you will need to make. Most (if not all) vehicles come with a charging cable for their vehicle but not everyone will carry them around with them. Tethered chargers reduce the inconvenience if this happens but they are also more expensive to maintain, having to replace the whole charger if the cable gets damaged rather than just the cable.
Supply and Demand
When it comes to keeping up with the demands of modern life, having enough charging points in your business is essential. Whether you’re running a small family-owned restaurant or managing a large office building, choosing the correct amount and type of charging point for the job can help keep your customers comfortable, productive, and safe.
So, how do you know how many charging points to install? Well, that’s all dependent upon your business requirements. Ask yourself these following questions:
- How many current staff have EVs?
- How many of your staff drive to work?
- What is the size of your parking area?
- Where will the charging points be situated? (This determined where the electricity cables need to run)
We’d advise at least one charging point for every 10 spaces or 20% of your overall space. We’d also suggest having cabling installed for future charging points to future proof your business.
Future Proofing
Shortly the sale of EVs will skyrocket as we look to move away from traditional fuel vehicles. In fact, it’s been predicted that by 2025 EVs will contribute towards 20% of the total sale of new cars worldwide, rising to 40% by 2030 and making up nearly all new car sales by 2040! That’s a rapid rise of EVs in the not too distant future, so it only makes sense to future proof your business to accommodate the needs of your employees and customers. Even if you don’t wish to invest in enough charging points to handle future charging loads now, you can leave enough space for them at a later stage.
Conclusion
Choosing the right EV charger for your business depends on various factors, such as budget, charging speeds, energy efficiency, and business type. As electric vehicles become more common, businesses must provide EV charging facilities to cater to customers and employees’ needs. By considering the business type and unique requirements, you can select the best EV charger that provides maximum value for your investment. From Level 1 to DC fast chargers, there are various options available to ensure that your business contributes to the eco-friendly future by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
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