EV Charging Station Infrastructure Costs Breakdown
As demand for electric vehicles increases for businesses and consumers, the need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is growing rapidly. However, the cost of building and maintaining this infrastructure can be quite significant. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the breakdown of EV charging infrastructure costs and break down some of the factors that contribute to these costs.
How do you build EV charging infrastructure?
Building EV charging infrastructure involves several steps, including planning, design, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
In general, building EV infrastructure involves determining the need, developing a plan, choosing a location, obtaining permits, installing the equipment, testing, and ongoing maintenance. This process can cost thousands and thousands of dollars and take anywhere from 12 months to 2 years to complete.
Building EV charging infrastructure is a complex and involved process, but it is an important investment in the future of transportation. So let’s dive deeper into the process of creating EV charging station infrastructure.
Equipment and Installation Costs
First, it’s important to note that the cost of EV charging infrastructure can vary widely depending on the type of charging station and the location. The three primary types of charging stations are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast charging).
Level 1 charging stations are the slowest, providing up to 4 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 chargers are faster, providing up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging. DC fast charging stations are the fastest, providing up to 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging, depending on the vehicle. As you might expect, the cost of these electric vehicle charging stations increases as the charging speed increases.
One of the most significant costs associated with EV charging infrastructure is the cost of the charging equipment itself. Level 1 charging stations are the most basic and least expensive, with pricing ranging from 200. 1000. These charging stations typically plug directly into a standard wall outlet. However, additional installation and labor costs still need to be considered depending on the location of the EV charger. Electrical wiring may need to be done, you may need to update the grid, and receive the necessary permits.
For businesses, Level 1 EV charging is not sufficient for daily use due to the slow charge times. If your business is interested in utilizing Level 1 charging the daily use of the vehicle and distance traveled will need to be analyzed to determine if Level 1 EV charging can meet your business’ needs.
Level 2 charging stations are much faster than Level 1, but that comes with a higher price tag. The pricing for Level 2 EV charging stations can vary depending on the manufacturer, model, features, and installation costs. Overall, they can cost anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 for just the equipment alone.
In addition to the cost of the electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), there will be installation costs to consider, such as the cost of running electrical wiring to the charging station, installation/construction labor costs, electrical grid updates, and permitting/compliance costs. Factors that will determine the price of these additional costs are grid-access, distance from electrical panel, site readiness, and inspections. Overall with the installation and EVSE costs, installing a Level 2 EV charging station can cost upwards of 10,000, not including the ongoing and regular maintenance of the equipment.
It’s also important to note that while Level 2 charging stations are faster than Level 1 stations, they still may be insufficient to keep up with daily operations depending on how far and often they are being used.
Level 3 (DC fast charging) EV charging stations is by far the fastest charging station available for electric vehicles. It also involves the most invasive installation and longest lead times, but is typically the quick charging solutions businesses are looking for in order to keep vehicles on the road the longest. Level 3 EVSE starts at about 20,000. If you’re looking for a Level 3 EV charger with more advanced features such as multiple charge ports or integrated energy storage, it can cost upwards of 100,000 or more just for the equipment.
In addition to the EV charger cost there are a lot of installation and labor costs associated with installing a Level 3 EV charging station. DC fast chargers require a high-voltage power supply and a specialized connection, so electricians will need to be hired and your business will likely have to submit plans, undergo inspections, and pay fees in order to meet safety codes and acquire permits. Trenching and digging are also a part of the installation process which requires a construction crew on-site. And finally, after the installation is complete it will need to be thoroughly inspected and tested to make sure it is functioning properly as well as regular maintenance to keep it operating. The installation costs alone can amount to around 100,000 making the total investment for a Level 3 EV charging station as high as 200,000 per charger.
Electricity Costs for EV Charging Stations
Another significant cost associated with EV charging infrastructure is the cost of electricity. Unlike traditional gas stations, EV charging stations need to purchase electricity from the grid in order to charge electric vehicles. The cost of this electricity can vary widely depending on the location and the time of day. In some cases, EV charging stations may be able to negotiate lower electricity rates with their utility providers, but this is not always possible.
Mobile EV Charging Solutions
EV charging station installation can be expensive and time consuming for businesses. With green incentives, businesses are looking for a quick solution that does not slow operations with long lead and construction times. Companies like SparkCharge created their mobile EV charging solutions specifically for businesses looking to make the transition to electric vehicles.
SparkCharge created the world’s first mobile Level 3 EV charger and EV charging service. Their equipment is not attached to the grid or installed in a specific location. This means SparkCharge can bring EV charging stations to the vehicle when and where it is needed. SparkCharge utilizes these portable EV chargers to create their charging-as-a-service offerings (CaaS). SparkCharge Fleet and SparkCharge Out of Charge (OOC).
SparkCharge Fleet is a mobile EV charging delivery service that allows fleet managers and operators to create a personalized service that delivers the EV charging to the vehicles when needed. There are 3 different ways you can have your charges delivered, on a recurring schedule, when the vehicle’s state of charge (SOC) is low, or on-demand through our portal.
SparkCharge OOC is a commercial electric vehicle charging service that allows partners to order a charge delivery when the vehicle’s SOC is low. This is a great option for vehicles that need to be kept at a certain charge level such as car dealerships.
In conclusion, the cost of EV charging infrastructure can be quite significant, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for a Level 1 charging station to tens of thousands of dollars for a DC fast charging station. However, as more and more electric vehicles hit the road, the demand for charging infrastructure will only continue to grow, making the investment in EV charging infrastructure an important one for the future of transportation.
Commercial electric vehicle charging
As more drivers go electric, Smart EV chargers are becoming a must-have amenity for workplaces, event centers, apartments and other industries. Our fully-networked, grid-responsive charging stations maximize your EV infrastructure investment and provide access to best-in-class electric vehicle charging to your customers, guests, and employees. Our commercial EV chargers also qualify for charging incentives, providing unbeatable value to property owners and helping them reach sustainability goals.
- High charging speeds: 7.2 kW to 350 kW options compatible with all electric vehicles
- Safe energy efficient: UL, cUL and Energy Star certified
- Easy to use install: Intuitive EV driver app for payment, powerful admin dashboard, LED indicator lights for charging sessions
- Wi-Fi-enabled: Connected stations reduce your charging costs and let you access utility and state EV incentives
Award-winning commercial charging stations
Available in 32A, 40A, 48A and 80A configurations
RFID QR code authenticated through the Enel X Way App
Supports 1 or 2 JuiceBox Pro charging stations
With cost-effective ground mounting
Robust design for durability in all weather conditions
Supports 2 JuiceBox Pro charging stations
Pay with RFID, QR Code or through the Enel X Way App
20-foot cables with cable management system
Charge up to 80% in 30-60 min
Locate chargers and pay with the Enel X Way App
Supports Visa, Amex, Mastercard mobile wallet
Flexible configurations from 100-350 kW
Upgradable by 50 kW units
Wi-Fi, LTE Ethernet-compatible
Maximum power the fastest charge
Charge two vehicles at 175 kW
Maximize revenue with public DC fast charging
Enel X Way DC fast charging products provide fast charging speeds from 50 kW to 350 kW, models that can scale as your needs grow. With EV market share continuing to grow, surging to 7.1% in January 2023, Enel X Way is committed to deploying over 10,000 DC fast chargers by 2030.
High-output Level 2 solutions: Low CapEx, quick charging
JuiceBox Pro can bring the fastest available Level 2 charging in the same compact footprint. With speeds as high as 48A (11.5 kW) and 80A (19.2 kW), you can charge vehicles in 9 hours using JuiceBox Pro 48A or as quick as 5 hours with the JuiceBox Pro 80A.
Charge fast
Charging is a breeze with up to 19.2 kW in the same compact footprint
Can be mounted on JuiceStand Pro or utilized with the JuicePedestal all-in-one solution
Futurepoof your business
Maximize charger deployment with fast charging speed compatibility
Take advantage of EVSE incentives
Many commercial properties are eligible for utility and state EVSE incentives, which provide thousands of dollars for equipment and EV charging installation.
”Enel X Way offered the perfect EV charging solution for our parking facility serving the Shrine Auditorium and the University of Southern California. With JuiceNet Enterprise we are able to manage access to our JuiceBox charging stations and support the needs of our diverse customers, enabling both private EV charging for monthly renters and public EV charging for drivers parking with us while visiting one of the many nearby destinations. Adding EV charging stations with Enel X Way adds value to our World Class Historical Entertainment Venue.”
David Garner, COO Classic Parking, Inc.
Trusted by commercial partners
Ready to get charging with Enel X Way?
Share the love savings
Earn 100 for every successful commercial EV charging referral. and your workplace, apartment building or favorite business partner will get 10% off their order.
JuiceNet Enterprise: Robust site management features
EVSE asset management
Configure and tailor user groups, access and payment options for your EVSE asset portfolio
Energy cost optimization
Reduce operating costs by controlling and capping peak energy usage and optimizing charging times
Robust admin dashboard
Access historical charging activity and monitor your portfolio of Electric Vehicle chargers in real-time
Detailed reports
Charging data available for billing and monitoring purposes. Export reports in PDF, CSV and XLSX
Designed for businesses their employees
Delivering all the features you need to make EV charging easy, reliable and cost-effective, our commercial EV charging solutions are enjoyed by thousands of drivers and are available in Level 2 and DC fast charging hardware options.
Become a reseller or affiliate
Offer our top-rated EV charging stations to your residential and commercial customers as an Enel X Way reseller, or partner with us as an affiliate to earn a commission on every charging station sold.
FAQs
Do I need a Wi-Fi setup?
You will need a Wi-Fi connection to use JuiceBox’s Smart charging features, such as power monitoring, scheduling, and reminders. In areas without a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you can use a JuiceRouter to provide reliable LTE-to-Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 16 commercial charging stations within a 150’ radius. In the absence of Wi-Fi, your JuiceBox will act as a standard charging unit, and any schedules or limits you set when connected to Wi-Fi will remain, even if the JuiceBox is no longer connected to Wi-Fi. We highly recommend connecting your JuiceBox to Wi-Fi, but your electric car will be charged even if you cannot connect.
What electric vehicle models is this unit compatible with? Can JuiceBox charge Teslas?
JuiceBox supports the J1772 connector standards used by all major EV manufacturers for Level 2 charging stations in North America and can therefore charge any EV on the market. Tesla drivers can charge with a JuiceBox via an adapter commonly owned and used by Tesla drivers.
How can I save money with JuiceBox commercial stations?
With the JuiceNet Smart charging platform, you can use the load balancing feature to cap your overall electricity consumption and control demand charges to reduce your energy bills. And, by controlling your load through software, you can expand your EV charging operations without expensive infrastructure upgrades.
What Is Smart charging?
A Smart charging station is a station that is connected to the Internet and can respond to grid signals. Smart charging allows businesses to optimize charging sessions and participate in utility programs to save electricity and reduce electric bills.
Why are JuiceBox commercial charging stations so much more affordable than other commercial stations?
Our mission is to support the Rapid decarbonization of the transportation system, so we design our products with performance and value in mind. Our JuiceBox commercial charging stations are constructed to be durable and powerful. They offer the same (or greater) functionality for less than a fraction of the cost of leading competitors, and they come with a three-year product warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
What are the benefits of offering public EV charging stations to my tenants, employees and customers?
By offering public EV charging stations, you can establish your business as a forward-looking and sustainable leader. This can help attract high-value tenants, retain key employees, and increase customer spend. It also allows you to future-proof your property as both regulations and market demand converge to make electric vehicle charging a necessary amenity at commercial properties.
How do I take advantage of local EV charging incentives?
You can use our rebate eligibility checker to search our database of local incentives and rebates available for electric vehicle supply equipment in your area. If you are eligible for a rebate, you will likely need to file appropriate materials with the utility or local organization providing the rebate after purchase. Our electric vehicle chargers are also available for instant rebates in certain areas, so please make sure to check your eligibility and to follow up with your energy provider. Contact our EV experts to find and leverage all available incentives in your area.
Is JuiceBox safety certified?
Yes, JuiceBox is UL Listed, which means it adheres to the highest safety standards for electric vehicle supply equipment.
What power levels do JuiceBox commercial charging stations offer?
For commercial use, JuiceBox offers three power levels— the JuiceBox Pro 32 for the lowest power needs, the JuiceBox Pro 40, our most popular model, and the JuiceBox Pro 48 for even higher-powered charging.
What is your return/refund policy? Is there a warranty?
If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return the product for a refund within 30 days of your purchase. Learn more about our satisfaction guarantee return and refund policy.
We also offer a 3-year limited warranty on commercial charging stations. Please note that this warranty is only valid for use under normal commercial operating conditions. Using a commercial box outside of normal commercial operating conditions voids the commercial warranty. Read more about our warranty.
What are the installation costs for commercial EV charging stations?
The commercial EV charger installation costs can vary greatly depending on electrical needs, distance to the circuit panel and how the station is mounted. The installation cost can range between 1,000 to 10,000 per station installed. Many installation incentives are available from utilities, states and cities. See what incentives are available in your area and contact our commercial team to save on your EV deployment.
What is the difference between a residential and commercial EV charging station?
Commercial EV charging stations offer all the convenience and universal compatibility of JuiceBox home charging stations, but also come with the features needed to manage multiple users in commercial settings.
Will JuiceBox commercial stations work in rain and snow?
Yes, JuiceBox commercial stations are ruggedized for indoor and outdoor EV charging station installation, even in extreme weather conditions. All JuiceBox commercial stations meet NEMA 4X standards for durability.
Determining Which Commercial EV Charging Station Fits Your Needs
Installing commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is becoming an increasingly popular trend among property owners. However, before implementing a strategy, there are crucial aspects to consider for a successful return on investment.
This article outlines the key factors such as costs and maintenance, potential liability and insurance, ongoing revenue, identification of target consumers, and user payment methods, to help property owners make informed decisions when installing EV charging stations on their properties.
Costs and Maintenance
When evaluating both the initial and long-term costs of EV charging stations, it’s essential to have the assistance of an experienced electrical contractor. Overall costs can vary by city and include factors such as whether you will need to increase power capacity to the site, what station level(s) will be installed, and whether interior or exterior placement is optimal at your facility. Space is always a consideration, and structure costs come into effect when adding outdoor charging.
Investment may initially be high for property owners, but incremental revenue can make up for the upfront expense quickly. Partnering with a reliable electrical contractor should yield increased insight into issues such as these:
- Where is the nearest power source?
- How much power is available?
- What quantity of charging units is optimal?
- How can future-proofing prevent costs later?
An increase in cost and upgraded infrastructure go hand in hand. Planning ahead matters. Trenching and digging concrete multiple times would be costly, so consider the possibility of future expansion. How many units do you expect to install long-term, and can you prepare that foundation during the initial construction? It’s easier and more cost-effective to do all of the work at once. Electrical contractors with the right experience will know how to incorporate these variables into your installation solution.
Be certain to discuss rebates with electrical contractors as well. A variety of government and manufacturing rebates exist, for companies that are pushing to “go green.” The rebates vary by location, but federal and state incentive funding is increasing by the year, with environmental policies growing rapidly. Your local electric utility may also offer incentives to help offset the cost of installing charging infrastructure at your site.
For example, California is looking to ban combustion-engine sales by 2035. A recent in-depth discussion between leading industry experts Tom Moloughney from popular YouTube channel, State of Charge, and InsideEVs and Eric Cahill, of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), highlights the changes ahead, including impacts on energy costs, maintenance, planned facilities, and future power issues.
Liability and Insurance
Insurance needs will depend heavily on the type of commercial EV charging stations that are installed. Accessories and services for Level 1, 2, and 3 chargers vary, which in turn dictates different insurance responsibilities. Nearly all commercial properties have coverage for vandalism, theft, and injuries related to commercial EV charging stations.
Understanding the coverage needed to mitigate risks is a vital part of weighing your immediate and future costs.
Target Consumer Needs
Who are the target consumers for various types of commercial EV charging stations? Often this will depend on the accessibility of chargers, as any charger is better than no charger, but it’s important to first understand what the different types are chargers are in order to gain an understanding as to who might opt for each variation of EV charging, when they might charge, and what leads to this preference.
Understanding Charging Levels
There are three different types or levels of charging:
- Level 1 chargers, which use 120V AC power, offer slow charging, taking 18-30 hours, to fully charge depending on the make and model of the electric vehicle. As these chargers can be plugged into any functional outlet, they often do not require electrical upgrades, although it is always recommended for an electrician to inspect outlets for safety purposes as these outlets will likely have a consistent power draw. These chargers are an option when it is not possible to reasonably install a Level 2 charging station.
- Level 2 EV charging stations are a midrange charging option and take about 6–8 hours to fully charge. These units run on 240V AC power and require a certified electrician in order to safely determine the capacity, make any needed panel upgrades, and install the necessary hardware. Level 2 charging stations are convenient “overnight” chargers for those who have the ability to spend several hours with their vehicle plugged in and charging. This is a preferred method of charging for many people.
- The third “level” of charging is known as Level 3, or Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC), and uses 480V DC power. These high-powered, Rapid-charging stations are commonly located at grocery stores, malls, and other quick stops. Their charge time is often only 30 minutes to an hour, and they are the only type of commercial EV charging station that utilizes DC charging. Using DC allows these chargers to directly power the vehicle battery, whereas Levels 1 and Level 2 EV chargers must convert AC to DC within the vehicle, slowing down the charge time of a vehicle. It is important to note that consistent use of Level 3 charging more than three times a month has been shown to decrease battery capacity for electric vehicles, thereby reducing the vehicle’s range.
Applying This Information
Choosing which system should be installed means taking into consideration your consumers’ activities. Level 3 is not needed in a location where a car will be stationary for long periods of time and is instead ideal for quick-service needs. Level 2 is prime for work buildings, malls, apartment complexes, and any other location the customer, resident, or employee will be able to leave the vehicle parked unattended for several uninterrupted hours. Level 1 is often reserved for residential use and is typically not sufficient to meet daily driving needs for a majority of drivers, so this option should be paired with a faster charging method.
Ongoing Revenue
Once you have determined your target consumer and intended audience, you will want to assess the amount of traffic you can expect long-term for your commercial EV charging stations. This is crucial in determining the potential return on your investment. Revenue per unit and charge is calculable but assessing the number of customers and their hours of need will depend on location and venue type. At a multifamily property, the consumer may rely on a Level 1 charging station in a garage with additional Level 2 charging stations and designated parking spaces available near the entrance of the complex or parking structure. These scenarios will present completely different installation requirements, and thus a property owner should compare the full costs and benefits before making a decision.
Initial investments will be reduced if your electrical contractor helps you implement charging-as-a-service (CaaS) functionality. Leasing or financing options may be available from different EVSE manufacturers, allowing expenses to be financed. There are also many current federal, regional, local, and utility incentives available for those embracing electrification and purchasing and installing EV chargers. Even so, owners may not profit immediately, however, units can quickly pay for themselves and will continue to generate additional revenue well after they are paid off.
Financing, Rebates, and Other Payment Methods
Determining the costs and best payment methods for your consumer is crucial for generating revenue from your EV charging stations. These amounts vary from one commercial EV charging station to the next. It may make sense to have stations that are available to use with a monthly “subscription” or “amenity” fee for unlimited charging, but for property owners looking for a faster return on their investment, choosing a rate per minute or kilowatt cost per hour (kWh) is a viable option.
Smart Level 1 charging stations can track power usage for each unit to which they are connected to assist in determining any cost-per-kWh. These stations are generally plugged into 120V outdoor outlets, on the exterior walls of a home, but for multifamily locations that have shared parking space, it can be beneficial to utilize the payment methods now becoming increasingly common at Level 2 or DCFC commercial charging stations.
These pay-as-you-go options offer credit-card and account-based payments, through companies such as Blink and ChargePoint. ChargePoint allows property owners to set their own rates, whereas Blink has pre-determined rates that depend on the state and specific location: 0.04–0.06 per minute, or by kWh at rates averaging 0.39–0.79. Regardless of the method of payment, property owners can set up convenient direct accounts for the payment methods they plan to offer.
Planning Your Property’s Future
Experienced electrical contractors are crucial for the installation of commercial EV charging stations. While initial expenses will vary, finding the right company to complete the work is critical. Contractor credentials for specific licensure are necessary not only for installation but also for warranty coverage, and the scope of the work should be discussed at length, with a thorough walkthrough, option planning, and cost evaluation. Working with an electrical contractor familiar with all the options and the best practices in electrification ensures that your project is done right the first time – saving your company time, money, and the stress that damages and injury from incorrectly wired devices can cause.
Fees will vary based on equipment, optional accessories, and labor costs. Certain contractors may also maintain partnerships that lower their costs for goods. Companies may carry similar credentials but reviewing multiple examples of their prior completed work will make their strengths and weaknesses more apparent to you.
Hiring a Trusted Partner
Choosing a contractor can be challenging, but Qmerit has the industry resources needed to streamline the process and the experience to back it up. Qmerit’s extensive network of certified installers will make it easy to formulate your customized installation strategy, ensuring your commercial EV charging solution is a success now and for years to come.
With over 261,500 completed EV charging station installations and the largest network of skilled electrification technicians in North America, it’s no surprise that Qmerit is the most trusted installation partner for top EV and EV charger brands, home-based fleet managers electric utility companies, homeowners, and property owners. Contact Qmerit for Electrification Made Easy™.
Tom Bowen President, Qmerit Solutions and Commercial Electrification
Your Guide To Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Installation, Costs And
Like mushrooms, commercial electric vehicle charging stations are popping up in parking lots everywhere: AMC theaters, Macy’s, Costco, Target, gas stations, grocery stores and more.
In fact, as Teslas and similar electric cars hit the road, the number of public and private U.S. charging stations has doubled between December of 2015 and 2019. It reached 90,000 nationwide in 2020 – not even including home chargers!
This surge of interest is necessary as many car manufacturers are committing massive resources to develop their electric vehicle offering. it’s also great news for both commercial properties and solar installers. Businesses can benefit from many incentives and rebates for EV and plug-in charging stations. And as Greenlancer President Patrick McCabe has noted. many commercial EV charging stations rely on solar energy for clean electricity – so solar installers are perfectly positioned to install them alongside their PV systems.
But make no mistake – installing EV charging stations is still different from installing solar. Like any venture, the first step towards success here requires both client and installer to gain a working knowledge of its options, costs, incentives and challenges.
That’s why we created this guide to the fundamentals of installing electric car charging stations.
Who can install commercial EV charging stations?
As electric vehicles approach 3% penetration of the car market, installing commercial EV charging stations attracts many businesses who want to increase their property value, employee satisfaction and customer count.
Ideal commercial prospects include:
Workplaces
Since people park at work more often than anywhere else except home, offering a charging station helps attract EV drivers as employees. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s recent survey, 80% of employers with an EV charging station say that it has helped them attract and retain more talent. So commercial EV stations improve both companies’ sustainability and their business targets.
Business Districts And Shopping Centers
When Americans aren’t at home or at work, they’re often out shopping and eating. This includes EV owners, who naturally want to park where their cars can charge while they’re enjoying themselves.
Public parking lots, business districts, shopping centers, restaurants, and malls can install commercial EV charging stations to attract such shoppers. Customers may even linger longer (and buy more) as they wait for their EV to charge up!
Service Locations
Public buildings, hospitals and universities are often working towards sustainability goals and can receive LEED credits for installing an EV charging station. These prospects often have a large employee workforce and, as said above, can attract more talent with this environmentally friendly option.
Multifamily Living Spaces
Not all EV owners live in their own house – or want to. But a place without an EV station doesn’t meet their charging needs, driving them away from otherwise perfect living options.
Apartment buildings, condominiums, and other multifamily buildings can fix this drawback by installing EV charging stations. This not only increases their property value, but also draws in prospective residents with electric vehicles.
In many areas, new state and city regulations are accelerating charging station adoption. For example, the cities of Miami, Seattle and Chicago now mandate commercial properties above a certain size to offer EV charging. Installers operating in such areas can expect their lead lists to increase even more rapidly.
What Kind Of EV Charging Station Do My Clients Need?
EV charger options vary by charging speed.