How Long Does it Take to Install Commercial EV Charging Stations?
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been on the rise globally as more people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner, sustainable modes of transportation. One of the challenges in attracting and retaining EV drivers is the availability of charging infrastructure. Installing charging stations across cities, highways, and suburban areas is critical to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry. In this blog post, we will examine the timeline for commercial EV charging station installation and provide solutions to some of the hurdles to EV charging infrastructure.
To learn more about the different levels of EV charging stations and the costs associated with them, check out EV Charging Station Infrastructure Costs and Breakdown
Phase 1: Planning and Site Selection
The first phase of commercial EV charging station installation involves planning and site selection. This phase can take several months or even up to a year. The goal is to identify high-traffic areas where EV owners are likely to need a charging station. This may include shopping malls, office complexes, parking garages, and highway rest stops.
The process involves evaluating the existing electrical infrastructure, parking availability, and other factors that may impact the electric vehicle charging station installation process. In some cases, electrical work or construction will need to be done to have the necessary grid access at the charging station site.
Phase 2: Permits and Approvals
Once the site has been identified, the next phase involves obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the project and the jurisdiction in which you’re installing an EV charging station. This phase involves working with the relevant authorities to ensure that the charging station complies with local regulations and safety standards.
Phase 3: Equipment Procurement and Installation
After obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, the next phase involves procuring the necessary equipment and installing the charging station. This phase can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the installation, the availability of equipment, and the level of the EV charger. The installation process involves working with licensed electricians and contractors to ensure that the charging station is installed safely, meets all electrical and safety requirements, and functions properly.
Phase 4: Testing and Commissioning
Once the charging station is installed, the next phase involves testing and commissioning. This involves conducting a series of tests to ensure that the charging station is functioning correctly and is safe for use. The testing and commissioning phase can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the installation and the number of charging stations being installed.
Phase 5: Launch and Maintenance
The final phase involves launching the electric car charging station and ensuring that it is maintained and serviced regularly. This involves working with the relevant stakeholders to promote the charging station and educate users on how to use it correctly. Regular maintenance and servicing are critical to ensure that the charging station remains in good working condition and is available to users when they need it.
Mobile Charging Solutions
With the rise in demand for EV charging infrastructure, comes longer lead times for EV charging equipment (EVSE). Lead times can range from 6 months to up to 2+ years for some chargers. Businesses looking for turnkey EV charging solutions are now able to purchase mobile EV charging solutions and services to avoid long lead times and costly installation and construction.
SparkCharge has created the world’s first portable EV charger, the Roadie. The Roadie Portable is available for purchase by businesses to provide EV charging wherever it is needed. The Roadie Portable is a modular unit that is light and small enough to fit in virtually any vehicle so it can be taken to the EV in need. Whether it’s purchased by roadside/towing companies, shopping centers, or public officials, the Roadie Portable is the perfect mobile charging solution to give EVs the charge they need.
SparkCharge has also created a mobile EV charging service, SparkCharge Fleet, and SparkCharge Out of Charge (OOC) for businesses looking to service their electric vehicles. These charging-as-a-service solutions deliver DC fast charging directly to the vehicle without any trenching, electrical upgrades, or upfront costs. There are a variety of ways you can have your EV charging delivered; on a recurring schedule, when the state of charge (SOC) is low, or on-demand within 4 hours so your business can have the EV charging solution that’s tailored to you.
The timeline for commercial EV charging station installation can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, complexity of the installation, and availability of equipment. However, by following a systematic approach and working with the relevant stakeholders, it is possible to install charging stations that meet the needs of EV owners and support the growth of the electric vehicle industry.