EV Charging Stations:
Understanding the Different Levels

Are you exploring more ways to modernize your portfolio? Installing electronic vehicle (EV) stations may be your missing link towards an eco-friendly upgrade for your assets & brand.

However, keep in mind that each location’s charging requirements determine the charging station you’ll need to install.

You might need to consider some critical factors first, so continue reading to see if installing EV Station might be the next best thing for your portfolio.

So, how would this impact your day-to-day business strategy? When you decide to install an EV charging station, many of these chargers come with an option to purchase a subscription plan that integrates a payment solution for the users.

If you prefer to capitalize on exclusivity, charging stations can implement memberships to limit their use for those who don’t have memberships.

Typically, there are no fees for EV drivers to sign up for a membership, and there’s also an option to activate the station using other provided methods: activation cards, toll numbers, apps.

In addition to listing the station on a network map for driver accessibility, the network can charge a subscription fee per month or year for each charging outlet, which tracks the
station usage and enables the unit’s owner to bill for its use.

Now that we’ve clarified a few specific ways you could bank on your station, the next part
is to determine which level to install. There are two distinct station levels, each fitted with different features to meet varying charging limits and purposes.

These stations are most common among
ownership models for the host site to own.
However, third-party charging station service providers can offer different business models.

For example, third-party providers can opt
to pay for the installation, operation, & profits with the host site or offer a lease option.

If you’re trying to leverage the amount of charging power without going over your budget, you can install two Level 1 stations instead of one Level 2 station.

Still, if you’re looking for something that has more power with more functionality, a level 2 EV station might be a better fit.

Along with more features, the level 2 charging stations can provide around 10 to 20 miles per hour of charging, which would be a sufficient boost for EV drivers parked for a few hours at locations meant for longer durations.

However, with more capabilities, you’re also going to be looking at a higher price. The level 2 equipment can cost between $2,000 to $10,000, with more features available at the higher end of this range.

In the end, it’s ultimately up to what fits your portfolio’s needs and the needs of your clientele the most.

If you’re not worried about keeping exclusivity on your properties and not concerned with third-party service providers controlling the billing and want to add the stations to drive business traffic, level 1 stations offer compact affordability.

However, if you desire more functionality and the ability to control and track your stations’ usage, opting for a level 2 station may be the answer.

The power draw by Level 1 stations is much less, so there is a less electrical expense to the host. However, most Level 1 stations do not have the option for a subscription on a charging network and cannot easily bill EV drivers for usage because of their simplicity.

If you need more assistance in figuring out which level to install, connect with your contracting partner, who may be able to point you in the right direction.

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.

Mapping the Operation and Management
of EV Charging Stations

EV station hosts are liable for overseeing their stations and parking space’s use and upkeep at the commercial level. Managing your on-site operations is vital to your daily business experience, like making sure EV stations are easily accessible and reliable.
Understanding the layout of your municipal borders that outline your EVSE system helps to map out patterns that communicate traffic, usage rate, and other functional details within the station’s proximity.

Additionally, mapping out the exact placement of your EVSE demonstrates your priorities from a host’s perspective by correlating location choice and parking space accessibility for users.

Consider the following procedures to efficiently manage and operate your EVSE to increase your facility’s practical-aesthetic qualities and parking site features.

Physical proximity to high-volume traffic can be both positive or negative. For example, if your business or facility is on a busy main street, installing an EVSE might not be ideal. Heavy traffic patterns determine the practicality of use and can affect EVSE location choice.

You want patrons visiting and utilizing your station to know that they have ample time to park their vehicles without any interruption.

If your facility happens to be on a busy street, with no markers to slow the traffic down, your station might not be easily viewable. User visibility starts with supportive methods with clear signage to direct EV drivers to parking spaces with units installed.

Signage should also have a chain of command that helps direct drivers and organizes the stations’ infrastructure network on-premises. Applying maintained and visible signage throughout your facility helps drivers locate EVSE regardless if you have an app or any
wifi-enabled access tool.

That’s why you should take the time to consider the ratio between your building and its surroundings to determine where you should install and operate your EVSE.

EVSE units and their cord accessories should never intrude on pedestrian pathways. For example, your charging stations shouldn’t be in a location that would cause a trip hazard or liability. EVSE site choices should consider building entrances, corridors, streets, and meeting points to mitigate challenges.

The EVSE site design also impacts the power supply within your municipality. Connecting your EVSE to a power source will require evaluating your existing electrical capacities, like your location’s electrical system and the ability of your neighborhood systems to support multiple EVSE usage at once.

Electrical panels and circuitry need to adjust to the anticipated load. Some municipalities have used building codes to make new construction allow adequate room where they house their electrical sources for equipment needed to raise power for future projects.

Thus, the power lines represent the cost difference for EVSE installation. Thinking about a site’s power sources and capacity will help strategize for lower-cost projects that require less installation work. Positioning your EVSE close to the primary power source lowers the need to cut, trench, and drill for new conduits. Additionally, if your existing line already has adequate capacity, then you’ll help reduce your cost just as much.

For locations with multiple EVSEs, we recommend metering each unit separately. Through a network connection to the utility, intelligent meters help drivers and utilities balance electrical use during peak energy times.

How you decide to operate your investment defines what kind of ownership and management structures you impose for your charging station. Your management will determine the degree of accessing the power supply, running conduit, and maintaining EVSE.

Maintaining the relationship between you and the unit’s operators is critical. As different business models place additional requirements on navigating these relationships, your utility will work with you to bring traffic and other advantages to your site.

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.

Understanding Your Network Interface to
Streamline Your EV Investments

Many electronic vehicle makers include on board technology, which enables proper network communications and metering.

These network systems maximize EV station access by offering a process where drivers can locate and run through designated EV parking spaces.

Allowing state-of-the-art EV interfaces to assist both drivers and EV hosts preserves not only the purpose of the network but can help maintain consistent use of your EV investment.

Below is a list of generic EV station functions that communicate through this type of network:

• On-vehicle systems to parking space sensors
• Searching locations of EVSE via grid maps
• Connecting drivers to a payment network
• Confirming driver to their vehicle
• EV station communication to primary host/operator/facility manager

As popularity increases within the EV market, future developments include more accurate built-in sensors to determine EV access.

Most stations have integrated payment technologies that communicate with a utility grid to measure and meter electricity used.

This utility communication enables payment for publicly-accessible EVs that track usage and bill drivers by accepting fees through its network, connecting to the back-end billing
software.

Throughout each of these communication areas, data collection might be required and improve your EV systems and can help to understand more about the EV charging demand.

However, to sustain accuracy, such communications will need to involve a constant development of business models that requires drivers to swipe an access card that links the service charge to the driver’s account.

Also, meter conversions are easily adaptable and traceable to the flow rate of electricity to the station, so hosts and facility managers can detect when grid loads are high and when rates peak the most during certain times.

Currently, not all networks are compatible with this process, but again, improvement in utility communications will improve overall efficacy and ease of use.

When enforcing network-based communications, it can avoid physical, regulatory enforcement—a more costly tactic for local authorities in charge of ticketing and towing and facility site owners.

For example, as a substitute for implementing parking ordinances, your EV station network can alert prolonged parking and use by automatically charging additional fees to the charging time, limiting interactions between EV drivers and the unit’s host or facility manager.

Since EVs are new emerging technologies for many clients and portfolios, charging networks are currently experimenting with more options. For sure, EVs are a convenient platform for communication via smartphones and built-in vehicle technology.

Still, this type of technology depends on network access in all locations. Hardwiring and wireless network connections may require additional special equipment and installation specialists to bring these networks remotely or for indoor scenarios.

To learn more about EV installations and how they may benefit your portfolio and space, click HERE for additional educational resources.

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.

Best Practices for EV Charging Station
Operations and Maintenance: Policy Guidelines

As the demand for charging stations increases, more guidelines may be outlined, such as guaranteeing a set time limit for charging vehicles.

When marking your parking spaces for your EV patrons or employees, it’s good practice to create policies that specify the direct enforcement and consequences when restricting other vehicles from parking in these spaces.

However, additional supportive maintenance practices can also apply to help enforce your EV parking regulations.

When you install EV charging stations at prime parking spots around your facility, traditional gasoline vehicles may still want to use these spaces, unaware of the intended use.

These types of conflicts can cause disputes and confusion over parking lot spaces, especially if your facility doesn’t have adequate parking available or if your EV spaces aren’t visibly marked.

Although a combination of signs and line striping can inform drivers of specific parking lot policies, you may have to be willing to go a step further to enforce your rules.

Two things have to be applied when enforcing any regulation: consistency and consequence. If you notice a pattern of regular gasoline vehicles using your EV parking spaces, be consistent in ticketing their car or towing it away as a consequence.

EV parking spaces are typically close to the main entry point for many facilities. So, it’s tempting for many non-EV drivers to use these spaces as an added personal benefit.

Even though you don’t want to take any extreme measures, such practices might help establish basic EV ground rules and mitigate non-EV drivers to use designated charging spaces.

Furthermore, EV station hosts can open up alternative cost solutions by selling space for advertisements via the charging stations, creating a stable revenue stream.

For more solutions on creating EV charging policies and regulations or any maintenance and operation inquiries, contact your contracting partner to find the best fit and method for your EV investment.

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.

Strategic Tips for Your Next EV Charging
Station Install

Several factors influence charging station installation costs, which can often exceed the entire unit’s price.

Consider the following factors to help determine and prioritize station site practicality and the best methods to increase visibility when installing your property’s charging station.

For example, level 2 stations will need a steady stream of about 240-volt (40 amp) to generate efficient power. If you lack the necessary voltage to run the station, upgrading your electrical service will add costs to your overall installation project.

Lastly, consider the distance between your electrical panel and where you would want to install your EV charging station. If you desire to install your charging station farther from your main point of entry, this could mean an increased cost towards your installation because it increases the amount of necessary trenching and conduit to re-wire for full functionality.

To help understand the electrical layout of your commercial space, reach out to a certified contracting partner. Your partner can help you review your facilities’ electrical routes to inform your decision-making process

Although it’s desirable to limit the amount of distance between your electrical panel and the EV charging station, a charging station close to prime parking or entry points may impact your unit’s usage.

For example, placing charging stations near parking spaces behind a building might prevent its use since they might not be readily visible. On the other hand, other customers may complain if you install a charging station right by prime parking spaces that often remain vacant because of a lack of EV driver usage. Also, charging stations in prime parking spaces are more likely to be occupied by non-EVs.

One way to mitigate your parking lot frustrations is by contacting a paving partner like BlueSky Paving. They can help transform certain areas of your parking lot for charging while safeguarding certain prime parking spots for non-EV patrons.

Also, pay attention to how you or a third-party will control fees and payments for using the station seamlessly.

Remember, EV stations can be an added boost to increasing business traffic across your portfolio, and you want to keep things as simple as possible

Did you purchase a franchise and require a contractor to develop your space?

Please email us at sales@ferrandinoandson.com to inquire more about our contracting services and programs for your entire portfolio.