Are you considering installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for your employees or customers? If the answer is yes, read on to find out what questions you should ask yourself.
What type of charging do we need?
This depends on the user and application, as well as the time they require to charge.
- Level 1, the slowest charging station, is best for staff who only need a partial vehicle charge by the end of the work day. This type will probably require more chargers and more dedicated parking spaces.
- Level 2 charging is probably the best solution for customers because most only need to top off their battery. Level 2 is recommended in situations where employees typically don't leave the office and vehicles can take several hours to charge.
- DC Fast Charging (aka Level 3) charging offers the quickest charge time, but is much more expensive to install. DC Fast Charging can also be more expensive as the higher power can increase peak demand costs. For staff who are continuously on the road, DC fast charging is recommended.
If you provide charging for both customers and staff, a hybrid solution may be best. Consult with an expert to help you pick the right solution.
How much does a charging station cost?
Costs vary depending on type of charger, application, location and distance from the installation point to the breaker or service panel. Total costs (equipment, parts and labor) typically range from:
- Level 1: $100 to $300
- Level 2: $750 to $5,000
- DC Fast Charging: $20,000 to $75,000
Costs will increase if additional electrical infrastructure is required. DC fast charging typically requires 480-volt three-phase power, which may call for the installation of a transformer if the utility electric service is a different voltage. Operating costs depend on the price of electricity and other factors, but can be significantly lower than with gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles.
What rebates are available from LADWP?
LADWP’s Charge Up LA! Program offers rebates toward the costs of purchasing and installing electric vehicle charging stations. Commercial customers can receive up to $5,000 per Level 2 charging station and up to $75,000 per DC fast charger for light-duty vehicles. Additional rebates are available for charging medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. Interested customers can visit ladwp.com/EV for details.
How many charging stations should we install?
Each situation is different. Research the market to determine customer interest and evaluate your company's current and future needs. A staff survey is a good starting point to gauge employee interest. Take into account any existing and upcoming regulations, including building codes and local utility requirements. Plan for growth and install additional electrical conduits for future stations.
How do we apply for electric service for our EV charging stations?
New charging stations may significantly increase the electric demand of your site on the grid. As such, LADWP needs to ensure that the utility infrastructure (e.g., transformers, service lines) serving your site is adequately sized to avoid any service issues. Customers can submit a request to LADWP’s EV Service Design Group to review charging station project plans online at ladwp.com/EV.
What's the warranty for the charging station?
In general, warranties for EV charging equipment range from one to five years. Warranty for installation is typically one year.
How much does it cost to charge an EV?
It depends on your electricity rate. At 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, it costs about 7 cents for every mile of driving or $15 to fully charge an 225-mile range vehicle.
Who owns the charging stations?
If you purchase the stations, you own them and control who can use them and whether to offer them free of charge or not. There may be leasing options available from charger suppliers.
Should I install networked chargers?
It's probably a good idea for multiple stations at one location. "Smart charging" offers benefits in cost savings, remote access and integration to other networks. Start small and build these capabilities as you add more stations. An open-source solution allows you to switch charging providers later if you need to.
If you have questions about any of our LADWP Charge Up LA! Programs, click on the website Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate Program. You may also email pluginla@ladwp.com or call (866) 484-0433 for additional information.
