Yes! Here in Chattanooga the demand is already growing. Over the next 18 months, consumers will see an abundance of new models entering the market — 30 EVs from 21 brands, up from 17 models in 2020. The growth is not expected to slow. According to a study by Precedence Research (via MyNewsDesk), the electric vehicle market is expected to register a growth rate of 41% by 2027.

By 2030, more than 18 million electric vehicles (EVs) will be on the road in the U.S., according to the Edison Electric Institute. And those EVs will need an estimated 9.6 million charging ports.

Installing EV stations now can put your business in a position to reap many benefits and value-creation opportunities ahead of your competition. Employees benefit from convenient charging and increased driving range as more and more employees shift to EVs. This can become an important perk to help attract and retain employees. On the employer side, charging stations have been found to further encourage EV adoption, as people who are able to plug in at work are six times more likely to drive an EV than those without the option.  Workplace charging can support sustainability efforts and social responsibility, provide a valuable amenity to help attract new talent and retain current workers, and gain points toward LEED certification.

Level 1 chargers use standard outlets and are the least expensive. They work best for at-home charging.

Level 2 chargers are the preferred charging system for commercial use, like parking garages, fleet depots, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, multi-family complexes and offices. Users can fully charge their vehicle in 4-6 hours or “topping off” in only a couple of hours. For most commercial applications, EPB recommends Level 2.

Level 3, or “fast” or “DC fast chargers,” are the highest-powered EV chargers and often used as range extenders along major travel corridors. Some Level 3s can fully charge a car in under an hour.

All EV charging networks coordinate communication between charging stations, network operators and the power grid. They allow property owners to limit access to the chargers, charge drivers for electricity usage, track energy use, gather and use data and facilitate “smart” charging. Chargers that qualify for the $2,000 incentive must include OpenADR networking capabilities. Open networks allow for more flexibility and more management options for charging stations. Software can be upgraded easily and allow more people to find the chargers and get real time information, like whether it’s in use. They are likely be the best option for most customers looking to install chargers.

All EV charging networks coordinate communication between charging stations, network operators and the power grid. They allow property owners to limit access to the chargers, charge drivers for electricity usage, track energy use, gather and use data and facilitate “smart” charging. Chargers that qualify for the $500 incentive are considered closed network. Closed networks are tied to a specific hardware manufacturer. They do not allow for switching between networks, so software and hardware upgrades are more difficult. They may be a valid option for Fleet Managers or Employers offering charging only to employees and for customers who do not want their charging stations to be found by drivers out and about.

To ensure your EV stations are used, you need to fully understand your customer to identify the best location that will benefit your business the most. If your customer is shopping at your location, you may want to price your charging to attract more visitors. If your customer is your employee, they may be expecting free or very low cost charging. The location of the charging station can dramatically affect the cost of the project. As a general rule of thumb, the closer to the existing electrical infrastructure you install, the less expense will be incurred. You’ll need to weigh cost implications with convenience to choose the right place for your chargers. EPB Energy Pros are happy to offer facility design advice at no cost before you get started. Click here to request a consultation.

For Level 1 stations, labor costs anywhere from $0 (if you just use a standard wall outlet) to $1,700. Level 2 stations often require the services of an electrician with labor costs ranging from $300 to $3,300, at an average price of $50 to $100 per hour. Level 3 stations are for commercial and public use and are labor-intensive to install. The average cost for a Level 3 charging station is $20,000, but costs can vary widely depending on factors like existing electric infrastructure and the location of charging stations from electrical infrastructure. EPB Energy Pros are happy to offer no-cost guidance in determining your make-ready costs. Click here to request a consultation.

Aside from the charger itself, there are four factors to consider: (1) proximity to existing electrical service, (2) level of charging and electrical setup complexity, (3) environmental concerns and costs (contaminated soil removal and disposal) and (4) ongoing cost of electricity.

EPB can assist with these four areas by estimating to cost to serve based on where you would like to install chargers. We can also estimate ongoing electricity costs and recommend if the EV Commercial rate is right for you. Click here to request a consultation.

Installation is less expensive if the equipment is close to a power supply. EPB Energy Pros designers can help you determine if there is access to an electrical panel or circuit from the parking area or if any electrical upgrades will be needed. We can also assist in discussing options for metering the charging stations.  Select parking spaces based on overall availability, proximity to the power source, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and visibility. EPB Energy Pros are happy to offer no-cost design advice before you get started. Click here to request a consultation.

For a non-ADA Compliant charging station, property owners should budget one space per charging unit, and offer space for each “port.”

We recommend considering the following factors. EPB Energy Pros are available to provide no-cost guidance. Click here to request a consultation.

1. Tenant or Customer Survey: If you are looking at an apartment or workplace installation, you may want to survey your occupants, and ask if they have an EV or are planning to purchase an EV in the near future.
2. Future Needs: Research shows that by 2030, 30% of all new car sales will be EVs. Consult with our designers to ensure enough “make ready” facilities are installed now so that you can easily and more economically add chargers in the future.
3. Budget and Goals: Depending on your available budget and priorities, it may make sense to start with one or two units and add more over time. Or you may want to provide charging for a certain number of customers, employees or tenants without concern for certain ROI.

There are two different public EV Charging business models available in EPB’s service territory: (1) Complimentary charging: The commercial customer hosting the EV chargers is billed for the electricity as it would be for any other end-use, and the EV charging customer (user) will not provide any payment information. (2) The owner is still billed for the electricity used by the charging units, but the user ultimately pays for the electricity. There are a couple of different ways the arrangement can work. Note: If the charger host does not separately meter the chargers, the host cannot be billed for the electricity the chargers consume separately, and the amount the chargers use would just be added to the bill like any other electricity consumption.

EPB offers two rate options:

Regular Rate: EV Charging hosts/ owners can pay their regular retail rate, and charge their customers for the electricity they use.

Commercial EV Rate: EV Charging hosts/ owners can apply for the Commercial EV rate if it’s determined to be a good option for your organization. You’ll need to separately meter the chargers and meet other criteria; you’ll be billed at 20 cents per kWh in this model with no demand charge.

Users can pay through an app with a digital payment method or a credit/ debit card to charge. This rate is often flexible and may depend on the type of charger and EV charger manufacturer and/or EV Charging app you are working with. The charging vendor you work with will work out payment options, tracking and other financial transaction details with you separately.

We recommend installing highly visible signage to maximize your investment and making sure that your stations are listed on the most popular EV charging apps. Apps where you can list your locations for free include:

• PlugShare
• ChargeHub
• EV Connect
• Chargeway

Most EV Charging manufacturers will offer a warranty and a maintenance service plan with their installation service or purchase of the equipment. These costs will vary but should be taken into consideration. Like any asset, the chargers will require regular cleaning. Customers also will expect lighting for nighttime fueling and they may expect amenities like trash and recycling cans or hand sanitizer stations. Like other aspects of most commercial properties, these charging stations will require regular cleaning (wiping down, cleaning of spaces of litter).