A Quick Guide for Installing EV Charging Stations at Your Workplace

• Install EV Charger at Workplace
• Choose an EV Charger That Suits Your Brand, Needs, And Environment
• EV Charger Installation Resources
• Installation Steps
• Incentives for EV Chargers

Deciding on a workplace EV charger installation is a great way to take the office to the next level, welcoming e-Mobility into the company. Whether you are switching to an EV float or making the workplace more attractive for company employees, this quick guide will be very helpful in the planning process to install an EV charging station at the workplace.

Install EV Charger at Workplace

Companies or businesses that want to install electric car chargers at the workplace should consider medium to high capacity Level 2 EV chargers. These chargers can deliver up to 80 amps over a 208V connection, charging the complete battery of an EV in around 4 to 10 hours.
It is important to plan when choosing the number of EV charging stalls since you should meet the needs of current employees owning EVs, future EV owners in the company, and company visitors.

Choose an EV Charger That Suits Your Brand, Needs, And Environment

The e-Mobility market features different Level 2 EV chargers. When planning to install an EV charger at the workplace, you should select a charger that matches your brand standards, needs of the employees, and the nearby environment of the office building. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing the EV charger:

• Power rate: EV chargers in a workplace should charge the whole battery of an EV in the 8 hours of a workday. A 32 to 48 amps EV charger should be enough to achieve this.
• Design: Aesthetics of the installed EV charger at the workplace should fit the brand. The company can customize the device to fit the colors of the company. Additionally the EV charger should also match the company standards and background.
• Compatibility: Compatibility should be a guideline when deciding on a particular EV charger. The charger should match the power requirement and plug used by EVs of company employees.
• Ease of usage: EV chargers should be physically easy to use and have a friendly user interface to be easily used by employees. It is better to choose one controlled by a mobile app.
• Safety: Workplace safety measures should be considered. The EV charging should have CE declarations and other safety certificates, feature the appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) rating, and include additional safety systems.

EV Charger Installation Resources

To install an EV charger at the workplace, it is important to have the right resources. In this section, we provide you with key resources that will help you plan this project.

1. Charging Station map. This map can work as a guide to the availability of EV Charging Stations near the workplace. It can be used to estimate the need for nearby EV charging stations.
2. Vehicle cost calculator. Shows driving costs for employees of the company regarding their driving habits. It illustrates the benefits of driving EVs.
3. Evolution: E-Drive Vehicle Education. An educative site illustrating the benefits of EVs. Ideal for companies looking to change their whole fleet into EVs.
4. Siting & Design Guideline for EV Charging Stations. A guide elaborating on important details on the design of EV charging stations at a workplace.
5. EV Charger Selection Guide. A California government guide on the right criterion to select EV chargers.
6. Federal Workplace Charging Program. A Federal Workplace Charging Program. It can be used as guidelines to plan an EV Charging Station project.

Installation Steps

Planning on a workplace EV charger installation requires special attention to detail and previous knowledge of the process to serve as guidelines. This section provides a small overview of the whole installation process.

1. Employee survey. Before installing a charging station at the workplace, employees should be surveyed to learn about their driving habits, daily driving distance, and aspects to customize the installation to their particular needs.
2. Deciding and designating the number of EV charging stalls. The company should decide on the number of parking spots with EV charging. Choose if the EV charging spots will be designated for employees with EVs or left for public usage.
3. Assessing the electrical capacity. The electrical capacity and service panel at the parking area should meet the electrical needs of the installed EV chargers at the workplace. On the contrary, both of them should be upgraded.
4. Acquiring software and equipment for EV charging. Choose and acquire the right EV chargers and charging software for the company.
5. Applying for incentives. Apply for EV Charging Station incentives, helping reduce the overall cost of the installation.
6. Integrating the EV Charging Stations to the environment. Set in place the right signalization, security devices, lighting poles, and assess geological and environmental site conditions in case they are required.
7. Preparing the permits and performing the installation. Process local and federal government permits before performing the installation. After the installation, wait for the Safety Office to inspect the installation before putting it to work.

Incentives for EV Chargers

There are local and federal government incentives, helping reduce the overall cost of installing a Level 2 EV charger at the workplace. The following websites provide a list of these programs/incentives:

• Laws & Incentives at the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the U.S. Department of Energy site.
• Charging Station Programs at the N.Y. State site.
• EVSE Rebate Program at the Government of Maryland site.
• MassEVIP Public Access Charging Incentives at the Government of Massachusetts site.

There are many other programs available. You should ask your utility, certified electrician, or the local government for available options in your state.