Americans have bought about 1.6 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the last decade. Can they charge one in your parking lot or garage? If not, you may want to reconsider.
EVs are everywhere. The number of EVs purchased is expected to grow to 6.9 million by 2025. That’s a good thing, considering that two-thirds of the nine billion barrels of petroleum used in the U.S. one year goes to transportation, and 28% of greenhouse gas emissions is caused by it. Getting more people to buy electric is key to meeting some of our climate crisis mitigation strategies. But charging infrastructure is one of the biggest obstacles in this revolution: one of the top three reasons people aren’t buying EVs is because of a lack of charging stations.
Charging types, explained. So what can you do to help your employees, tenants or customers who do drive an EV, or are considering buying one? Install a charging station, formally known as electric vehicle supply equipment (ESVE). There are a few options.
There are three main types of EVSE to consider. First up is Level 1 charging, the technical term for plugging an EV right into a standard outlet. This is the least expensive option to offer, but it charges vehicles slowly (about 3 to 5 miles per hour of charging).
Level 2 charging is more convenient because it’s faster, and is commonly installed by EV owners at home and offered at public stations. It uses 240 volts, like your dryer or stove. Technology allows it to provide up to 70 miles of range per charging hour, but most stations provide about 26 miles per charging hour.
DC fast charging provides DC power directly to the EV’s battery, and can provide in the range of 40 miles per 10 minute charge. They are the most expensive and energy-hungry charging station to install, but the quick charge is extremely convenient, and makes it more attractive to drive EVs longer distances.
What’s in it for me? Offering EV charging has multiple benefits, other than increasing the feasibility of widespread EV ownership.
- It will attract employees, tenants and customers who own EVs. In terms of retail and services, customers may spend more time on-site while their EV charges, generating sales.- It signals that you are committed to sustainability.
- It can help you meet corporate sustainability goals, or assist in reaching certifications like LEED or Energy Star.
- Many states offer incentives to help offset the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure.
- They can create a revenue stream: many public charging stations are pay-per-use.
You don’t have to pay for infrastructure upfront if you don’t want to: leasing options are available.
Want to learn more about the possibilities of offering EV charging at your buildings? Get in touch!