Installing a Commercial EV Charging Station
Thinking about installing a commercial EV charging station? There’s no better time to do so: 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 require an estimated 9.6 million charging ports.
Installing EV stations now will put your business in a position to reap numerous benefits and value-creation opportunities ahead of your competition. However, installing on-site EV chargers is a complicated undertaking—your organization can benefit from a strategic partner like Future Energy to help guide you through the process.
Commercial EV Charging Station Types and Costs
There are three different types of EV charging units available—level one, level two, and level three. Each type has different costs and charging capabilities. But businesses usually gravitate toward level-two chargers, which provide the right balance between cost and charging speed.
Level one: As a residential charging station, a level-one charger costs around 600 and uses a dedicated 120-volt circuit. With this charging station, a driver can fully charge a car at home within 24 to 40 hours.
Level two: The most common type of commercial EV charging station, level-two chargers feature two ports running on 240-volt circuits. Level-two chargers cost around 7,200 and require between eight and 10 hours to charge a car fully.
Level three: Otherwise known as direct-current (DC) fast chargers, these robust industrial stations use 480-volt direct current to charge a car fully in about an hour. Equipment charges and upgrades to infrastructure make DC fast chargers the most expensive, at around 50,000.
The Best Electric Vehicle Charging Station for Your Business
Choosing the right EV chargers for your business is crucial. Future Energy has partnered with ChargePoint, the world’s leading network of electric car charging stations, to create the next step in EV mobility solutions for businesses. ChargeParc™ is a complete turnkey environment that combines first-rate chargers from ChargePoint with exclusive, intelligent software from Future Energy called Interface.
Interface maximizes value from data capture and management. It connects outside EV charging stations with all existing intelligent devices and systems on your property. And it displays data from both environments on a single visual dashboard for clear data monitoring.
Interface can support numerous use cases. For instance, its resource analytics and control features proactively alert you when you are close to peak load demand and advanced energy modeling, helping you save on energy costs.
Installing Your Electric Car Charging Stations Step-by-Step
Installing a commercial EV charging station requires coordinating numerous contractors, understanding utility company requirements, and identifying available tax credits and incentives to reduce costs. That’s why working with an experienced, approved partner like Future Energy can help streamline the process and ultimately save money.
Step One: Site Analysis
Installing commercial EV charging stations begins in the boardroom with a discussion about your company’s goals and expectations. Then Future Energy account executives engage with your team for a site analysis, part of which covers the following:
- Site location: Which location on your property is ideal to install electric car charging stations?
- Lighting and security: Does the site meet lighting and security requirements?
- Electrical infrastructure and utility needs: Is the electrical service adequate? Or does your utility company need to bring in additional power?
Step Two: Infrastructure Planning
An infrastructure analysis precedes installations. At this stage, Future Energy account executives work with electrical contractors to draft a one-line diagram, a single-page document that represents the electrical distribution for your site.
Additionally, account executives may convene with contractors to go over other infrastructure requirements, such as boring holes, pouring concrete, trenching, and landscaping.
Step Three: Utility Assessment
Next comes the utility assessment. Future Energy helps your business identify and procure grants that can cover up to 90% of construction costs for your EV charging stations. These incentives include federal tax breaks, state and local credits, and utility company rebates.
Available incentives vary widely by state and local jurisdiction as well as by utility company. Having a partner like Future Energy who is familiar with the landscape is key to procuring all available funds.
Step Four: Environment Integration
A number of factors go into building the right EV charging solution for a given location. The type of EV charger—level two or three in a commercial environment—is instrumental. Furthermore, the environment must feature a safe, well-lit, comfortable area for drivers to charge. All of these elements combine to create a final proposal that details the solution that Future Energy recommends for your business.
Step Five: Final Preparation and Installation
To obtain all available incentives for an electric vehicle charging station, your business must prepare the necessary documents to reserve funding for the project. This paperwork may include filings with the Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, or the utility company.
Once you receive approval, it’s time to schedule the project and order the necessary materials. At the site, engineers complete the infrastructure work: running conduits, piping, and electrical wires as necessary.
At this point, contractors install light poles and other fixtures, set security cameras, and complete all extra construction in and around the charging area. In addition, the software deployment team at Future Energy installs all the necessary routers and other equipment to connect all of your property’s Smart devices and systems to Interface.
Then the team conducts training on Interface. The team shows you how to use Interface to help optimize your business’s energy management and support other use cases. Finally, the utility walkthrough takes place, and you file the last of the paperwork.
Finding the Right Partner
Installing a commercial EV charging station can be complicated if you try to manage it yourself. Future Energy offers concierge-style service, walking you through every step from start to finish. With Future Energy, you hire just one company to coordinate all the contractors, organize and file the appropriate paperwork, and follow up with utilities. Find out how Future Energy can help guide your company through the process.
Sam DiNello is Chief Executive Officer at Future Energy. He is an expert in the EV infrastructure space and passionate about innovative data-driven solutions that help companies access real-time intelligence for real-time action.
Why Do You Need an EV Charger at Home?
One might ask why one needs an EV charger at home when so many are showing up at shopping malls, public venues, and offices. After all, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has dedicated 7.5 billion to build a nationwide network of 500,000 chargers so that charging is “predictable, reliable, and accessible.”
Regardless, I believe most Americans considering an EV will desire an in-home charger in their home, building, or condo garage. It’s hard to overcome the convenience of filling up one’s car at the pump in a few minutes versus spending 45 minutes at a supercharger to store enough juice to travel 200 miles or so if your vehicle has a low charge.
What’s more, the feedback I’ve gotten from people in my building with EVs but without chargers rue the inconvenience of having to wake up early in the morning to charge their cars, even though Tesla has banks of “superchargers” in a nearby garage less than 250 feet from my building. Convenience is a big deal for most consumers trying to overcome a century of combustion engines’ advantages.
The EV Charger Installation Adventure Begins
Given all of that, in early June, I set out to begin the process of installing an EV charger in my condo’s building. Recognizing that about ten cars in the garage already had EV chargers installed, I didn’t believe it would be a Herculean undertaking.
Not Elon Musk’s plan to Land on Mars, but the initial schematic of the EV charger installation (Image Credit: SmartTech Research)
To streamline the installation process, I decided to utilize ChargePoint’s information services available to businesses, fleet operators, and homeowners on the company’s website. ChargePoint is a leader in the EV charger space and provides excellent guidance to individuals like me who need as much handholding as possible.
While ChargePoint’s website does an outstanding job of preparing customers for the installation, it ultimately referred me to Qmerit, a company that is solely focused on the installation of EV chargers.
Qmerit provides its own online “wizard” that asks about your service, location, vehicle and property, and load calculation (which is critical to determining if your home or building can handle the EV charger load).
You also need to submit photos that will help Qmerit understand your installation requirements to provide an accurate estimate, for which Qmerit charges a 149 flat rate that would be deducted from the completed project cost.
Here’s where the fun began.
After getting an estimate from Qmerit, it referred me to several local EV charger installation contractors for follow-up. Several of them expressed little interest in taking on my project as they were either too busy with larger projects or didn’t have time for an on-site visit to verify the installation requirements.
Two installers did reach back out to me. The first came out and provided me with a non-negotiable estimate of 4,000 plus the cost of the charger itself. That quote appeared exorbitantly high, so I respectfully passed.
Things appeared brighter a few days later when a second contractor, NRG Electric, gave me a much more reasonable quote of under 3,000, excluding the charger (which I supplied) but including a 250 permit fee from the City of San Jose.
Putting cost aside, I thought the most significant hurdle I would face was getting approval from my homeowners association. But NRG did a terrific job coming up with a proposal the HOA approved in less than 48 hours.
The City of San Jose was a dramatically different story. Despite applying for a permit in mid-July, NRG informed me that San Jose would not be able to “review” my proposal until mid-September — 60 days after its submission.
Installation Day Arrives
Flash forward to late September when NRG received word that the city approved the proposal. It’s still a mystery why the proposal took so long to get approved, as the building already had the precedent of multiple previously installed EV chargers.
The installation finally occurred in early October. The two technicians from NRG Electric did a thoroughly professional job installing a direct power line from the building’s electric room, which, fortunately, is less than 100 feet from my parking space. It did require that my unit’s power be turned off a couple of times during the all-day installation process, but for the most part, it went without a hitch.
The charger that I installed, the ChargePoint Home Flex, is currently available from Amazon at 749, though keep in mind that for EV chargers tend to fluctuate based on demand.
The ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger is sleek and aesthetically attractive. (Image Credit: ChargePoint)
It is a Level 2 charger that supports up to 50 amps (which my building’s electrical panel provides), allowing me to add 37 miles per hour in charge capability, providing more than 200 road miles after only six hours of charge time. To achieve these faster charge times, the Home Flex requires a 240-volt connection — the same as a conventional clothes dryer.
On the downside, since my garage doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity, I can’t take advantage of the Home Flex’s online features like schedule setting when electricity is cheapest, Alexa voice control, or reminders so I never forget when to plug in.
critically, there is no way for me to secure the charger from others who might want to charge their cars when I’m not home, so I ended up resorting to a 20 bicycle padlock to secure the charging handle from unauthorized individuals.
Unique ChargePoint Installation Requirements
Whether you choose a ChargePoint Plug or Hardwired model, the 12:16A station will require an electrical panel with 240-volt 20-amp service, while the 25:32A station requires 240-volt 40-amp service. The 12:16A Plug model must have a NEMA 6-20 outlet installed with the ground facing up, while the 25:32A Plug unit needs a NEMA 6-50 outlet installed with the ground facing up. The Plug and Hardwired models also require an installation location that allows the power cord to reach the charging station while still allowing sufficient slack.
An EV installation must be customized to your home and your individual unit’s technical requirements, so it is imperative to choose an experienced installer who will perform the necessary preparation steps. A professional ChargePoint installer will provide an in-home consultation that includes an assessment of your home’s electrical circuitry and discuss any necessary upgrades. An EV charging station requires a larger circuit than typically found in most homes, so proper circuit installation is essential to ensure adequate support for your vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a ChargePoint Charging Station?
The cost of your CharegPoint charger installation will depend on several factors. For instance, ChargePoint hardwire installation is more labor-intensive and will result in a higher cost than a Plug model installation. Also, the closer the installation of the charger to your home’s electrical panel, the lower your cost will be. Other factors include the difficulty of the installation and whether additional steps such as drywall patching are required.
Lippolis Electric has been providing premium electrical contracting services in Westchester County and southern New York for more than 30 years. We’re the premier EV charging installers in New York. You can count on us for reliable ChargePoint troubleshooting and maintenance to keep your charger in peak operating condition — ask about our flexible maintenance programs. Contact us to learn more today!
Clean Assist allows eligible All-Electric Vehicle owners nationwide and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle owners in California to offset their vehicle charging with 100% renewable energy—no matter where the vehicles are plugged in. And there’s no cost to participate in the program.
How it Works
Owners of eligible vehicles can opt into the Toyota Clean Assist program through the Toyota App. Active Remote Connect Trial or Subscription required.
The Toyota App then tracks the amount of the electricity used during charging and calculates the net emissions produced by charging.
Toyota then generates, or buys, an equivalent amount of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), ensuring that all charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity.
Vehicle Benefits
Feel the smooth acceleration, instant torque delivery and quiet drive—all advantages of the electric motor over an internal combustion engine.
Reducing CO2 emissions by going fully electric is one way we can lessen our impact on the environment.
All-Electric and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles can bring about potential state incentives. Preliminary expectations include a lower cost of ownership, including overall service and maintenance costs.
FAQs
What are the different types of electrified vehicles?
Electrified vehicles come in four flavors: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, and all-electric (referred to as Battery EVs, BEVs, or simply EVs).
Toyota offers a wide range of hybrids and plug-in hybrids, as well as the fuel cell Mirai in California, and the all-electric bZ4X. Discover this growing lineup at toyota.com/electrified.
Why drive an all-electric vehicle?
Three words: convenience, fun and savings.
All-electric vehicles can be conveniently charged at home, overnight and on-demand, as well as at public charging stations when out and about. No more trips to the gas station needed.
They’re also fun to drive, thanks to the immediate torque response from the electric motors, as well as the smooth acceleration and quiet cabin.
Drivers won’t just save money by avoiding the gas pump, either—they may also be able to enjoy state incentives, as well as the potential long-term maintenance savings typical of an all-electric powertrain.
And as icing on the cake, driving an all-electric vehicle can also help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions.
What is the all-electric vehicle driving experience like?
Thanks to the use of electric motors instead of internal combustion engines, all-electric vehicles provide smooth acceleration, immediate torque response and a surprisingly quiet ride experience.
How far will an all-electric vehicle go?
The driving range of an all-electric vehicle will vary depending on how/where you drive, charging habits, accessory use, outside temperature and other factors. Battery capacity also decreases with time and use, which will reduce range.
What can impact driving range?
All-electric driving range may decrease significantly depending on speed, outside temperature, accessory use, how/where you drive, charging habits, and other factors. Battery capacity also decreases with time and use which will reduce range.
Where can I charge an all-electric vehicle?
All-electric vehicles can be charged at home with Level 1 or Level 2 charging solutions, or at public charging stations with Level 2 and Level 3.
Many public charging networks, like ChargePoint and EVgo, further simplify the charging process by providing app-based charger access and payment.
What are the different charging levels?
There are three different all-electric vehicle charging levels.
Level 1 is the basic charging solution. Primarily for home use, Level 1 charging cables plug directly into a standard wall outlet. They are usually included with the vehicle and are totally portable, so they can go where you and your vehicle go. This is the slowest option, however, with all-electric vehicles requiring days to reach a full charge. Because of this charging time, Level 1 is best used with plug-in hybrids.
Level 2 is a more powerful AC charging solution that is commonly found both at home and at public charging stations. Level 2 chargers are ideal for charging all-electric vehicles overnight, but for home use, the equipment must be purchased and installed by a licensed electrician.
Level 3 is also known as “DC Fast Charging,” and usually can be the quickest charging solution. This is partially because it outputs DC electricity, which means the vehicle doesn’t need to convert incoming AC first. Level 3 is not practical for residential use and is only found at select public charging stations. Charge time will vary widely depending on outside temperature and other factors. DC Fast Charging is only available for bZ4X at this time.
How do I charge an all-electric vehicle?
The actual fill-up process is similar to that of a gasoline vehicle—simply insert the connector into the vehicle and charging will begin. In fact, most all-electric vehicles will also allow you to set a charging schedule to take advantage of varying electricity rates throughout the day.
This charging process can vary depending on equipment and location. Watch the how-to video on this page to learn more.
How do I monitor and manage my charging?
For Toyota vehicles with active Connected Services trials or subscriptions, the Toyota app is the best resource for home-charging management. It offers great tools and insights, including vehicle range, charging scheduling, tracking charging status and costs, and more.
The Toyota app can also be used to find public charging locations, as well as handle charging and payment at select network stations.
You can also monitor your charging—including battery level and estimated range—through the Multi-Information Display (MID) and central touchscreen in your vehicle.
It’s important to note that any estimated vehicle range calculations shown are based on previous usage patterns and may not accurately predict the vehicle range.
Trust the EV Charging Installers Recommended by Top Brands
We’re America’s most experienced EV charging installers. So we understand this is no DIY project, and no place to cut corners. Subpar electrical work can have serious consequences—not only for your EV charging, but also for your property value and even your family’s safety. Qmerit is the trusted home charging installation partner to premier automakers worldwide, and thousands of EV drivers like you. We set the industry standard for safety, service quality and customer support—plus every installation is backed by the exclusive Qmerit Peace of Mind Guarantee.
in Customer Satisfaction
82.5
Qmerit Makes Home EV Charging Easy!
Qmerit is the North American leader in home EV charging installations. From upfront estimates to ongoing support—and every step in between—our turnkey installation services ensure the highest quality and a seamless customer experience.
Complete Assessment
Click on “Get Your Estimate Now” to answer some questions about your home configuration and provide a few photos.
Receive Estimate
Based on your responses, we’ll send you an upfront pricing estimate which will then be confirmed by your installer.
Schedule Appointment
Ready to move forward? We’ll contact you to schedule your Qmerit Charge@Home™ installation at your convenience.
Expert Installation
Installation is completed by a local Qmerit-certified installer—an EV charging expert who is licensed, insured and background-checked.
Happy Charging!
Our dedicated customer support team is here for guidance throughout your installation process—and beyond.
What’s included with my installation?
- Installation of a Level 2 hardwire charging station (which you provide) or a NEMA 14-50 outlet to be used with a Level 2 charging cord (may be included with your vehicle) – plus labor and materials
- Main panel load calculation to assess available capacity
- Permit and inspection (as required by local jurisdiction – fees apply)
- Provide and install code-compliant electrical wiring and protective tubing
- Provide and install a new, properly sized breaker in panel
- Power up your charging unit and test for proper operation
- 1-Year warranty on parts and labor
Qmerit can upgrade your panel to provide sufficient capacity for EV charging and future-proof your home to accommodate additional electrification technologies down the road.
Customer remains responsible for (a) payment of all applicable fees related to required permits, and (b) confirming the installer has applied for and been issued all necessary permits.
What’s not included?
- Level 2 charging station – this will need to be purchased by you ahead of your scheduled installation (Need a Level 2 charging station? Shop exclusive deals from top brands.)
- Drywall, stucco, plaster, concrete or any other repairs to walls, ceilings or floors if penetration is required for wiring runs
- Any trenching required if your garage is detached
Cut Your Home Charging Costs
It pays to go electric. Governments and utilities across the country are encouraging the adoption of EVs and other electrification technologies to promote sustainability and improve grid management.
You could be eligible to receive charging incentives totaling up to:
You could be eligible to receive charging incentives totaling up to:
You’ll receive full details with your upfront pricing estimate.
Why Trust Qmerit?
Qmerit is leading the charge in electrification. That’s the shift away from fossil fuels to more sustainable, energy-resilient, electric-powered technologies—and we’re making it easy with our expert installation services.
We put safety first.
Qmerit-certified installers are licensed, insured and rigorously screened. We follow industry best practices, manufacturer guidelines and local building regulations—and we handle all required permitting and inspections.
We save you time.
Only select electricians earn the exclusive Qmerit certification, so you can be confident in the caliber of their work. We spare you the time and hassle of researching contractors, poring over reviews and comparing quotes.
We’re trusted by top brands.
Qmerit is the trusted home installation partner to countless automakers and charger brands. They know we simplify the installation process with our seamless solutions—and share their high standards for safety and service quality.
We guarantee our work.
Our extensive track record includes more than 269,000 EV charging installations across North America. In addition to the exclusive Qmerit Peace of Mind Guarantee, every job is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Let Qmerit simplify your home charging experience. Getting started is easy!
Still have questions about Level 2 charging? Check out our FAQs.
Need bidirectional charger installation? Contact us now.
Average customer response when asked to rate on a scale of 1 – 10 “How likely are you to recommend your Qmerit installer to a friend or colleague?” Average score based on customer-paid Qmerit EV charging installation programs.
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Qmerit is North America’s most trusted installer for EV charging and other electrification technologies.
1(888) 272-0090 info@qmerit.com 12600 Hill Country Boulevard Bee Cave, Texas 78738
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