5 Parking Lot Design Considerations
Before Installing Your EVSE

Your EVs require considerations that go above and beyond just the typical parking lot design approach. When planning for your parking spaces, user experience takes priority.

Be wary that if you prefer design choices such as awnings, optional power sources, and other extra installations, it will add more dollars to your overall EVSE project.

Adding an EVSE unit into an already tight parking lot plan may cut the amount of space required for your parking lot.

For safety, connecting with a certified national GC helps to take extra care when installing your charging unit to mitigate extreme weather conditions and other defining installation factors.

Below are five industry best practices to consider before implementing your EVSE installation for your parking lots.

1. Signage

Clear signage that guides the driver to the correct EV parking space should be your signage’s primary function. However, your national paving partner should still provide clear paving markings that designate the area for EVSE charging only.

Patterns appearing on the ground that are similar to striped spaces for reserved handicapped parking should be used, as well as on vertical surfaces.

2. Parking Ratios

In addition to your standard parking space signage, the EVSE unit itself or its equipment must not interfere with customer activities. Such as exiting or entering their vehicle or impact any nearby drivers or parking lot traffic.

Parking lot markings and signage indicators should work in tandem to help support the ratio between EVSE spaces and additional parking thoroughfares.

3. Unit Mounting

Your choice of an EVSE unit design will allow site planners to save space by choosing an arrangement that includes a mounting area.

For example, if you install your EVSE near your facility’s exterior wall, you can include mounting products that are helpful when your parking floor space is limited.

Also, charging stations with multiple cord sets can be organized and hung neatly on these mounts to mitigate tripping hazards.

4. Lighting Conditions

Parking lot visibility is critical for EV driver safety and helps to discourage vandalism of your investment. Most parking facilities pre-plan their designs that have suitable lighting for EVSE installations.

However, dim lights or cables (as mentioned) can create tripping hazards. Partnering with your GC can provide more insight into lighting upgrades, like LEDs, that can help cut energy costs while still providing adequate lighting.

5. Accessibility

Finally, it’s required to create parking spaces and routes that are safe and accessible to all drivers no matter their physical abilities. Generally, EV drivers spend more time steering around a parking space to connect and disconnect from a charging unit.

Accessible strategies should minimize any liability concerns, especially regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Compatible designs and space designation promoting wheelchair-accessible EV charging areas can contribute a competitive edge over other EV charging facilities.

For more information, contact your national GC partner or click HERE for other supplementary EVSE guidelines.