In the past 5 years more and more electric cars have hit the
roads than ever before.
With the increase of this electric vehicles comes another
requirement. Public charging stations.
Government and private businesses have started researching options
to accommodate this need.
Reason for slow growth in the number of public charging
stations:
One of the main reasons for the slow growth in the number of
electric car charging station is the cost of the charging stations.
Charging stations range from $500-$3000 depending on the brand
and model of the charger. On top of that the installation cost which may range
from $500-$1000.
Cost of electricity is also a concern for some business
owners.
Benefits of installing a public charging station at your
business:
Businesses can benefit from installing charging station in
many ways. Charging stations attract electric car drivers towards you business.
There is a loyalty trend that has been and will continue to develop towards
businesses that are electric vehicle friendly (EV friendly). Electric car
forums, Smartphone apps such as plugshare directly and indirectly promote your
business.
Some of the Popular Chargers Used by Businesses:
GE WattStation Wall Mount - Level 2 EV Charger - 7.2kW, 30A $899
Leviton EVB22-3PM Evr-Green 160 Home Charging Station, 3.8kW output, Level 2 $749
Siemens VC30BLKB 30-Amp Bottom Fed VersiCharge Electric Vehicle Charger $995.00
Leviton EVB22-3PM Evr-Green 160 Home Charging Station, 3.8kW output, Level 2 $749
Siemens VC30BLKB 30-Amp Bottom Fed VersiCharge Electric Vehicle Charger $995.00
GE Durastation #EVWN3 Electric Vehicle EV Charging Station EVSE, Level 2 Charger, 30a J1772 $1,750
Affordable Win-Win Solution:
This is a simple idea that popped in my head when I thought
about a affordable solution for public charging.
Option-1.It’s very simple add a regular plug point to the existing
parking meter. (See photo below).
This is my idea of an affordable EV parking solution for
parking lot owners who do not want to pay for the electricity used by EV charging
but still would like to increase revenue.
This meter will have an outlet and a hook (to hang the portable
charger). The outlet gets activated when cash is inserted. When the cash credit
is $0 the outlet turns off. This way regardless of the time of parking the EV
user will insert cash into the meter if he or she needs to charge the vehicle.
Municipal government may also benefit from this my making
their municipality more EV friendly while increasing revenue from charging for
electricity. This will also avoid any “its unfair!” cry that has become common
from some gasoline vehicle drivers who claim electric vehicle drivers shouldn’t
have any privileges.
Option-2.install a standard wall outlet to the wall of your
designated electric vehicle parking spot. (See photo below) this option is
already being adopted by many businesses (this is not my idea).
If you are choosing this option please ensure you post that
the parking spot is for electric vehicles. There are numerous complains in the
EV community where businesses install chargers which cannot be used since non
electric vehicles occupy the spot.
Option-3 Partner with charging station providers such as Sun Country Highway www.suncountryhighway.ca www.suncountryhighway.ca or Charge point (www.chargepoint.com)who may be willing to provide charging stations for revenue splitting.
Benefits of option 1:
If you are a business owner or parking lot owner who
chargers for parking you will benefit from increased business and potential
revenue even on free parking time. Of course the concept I have revealed on
this blog is just an idea and is not produced yet it wouldn’t be difficult for built
one or alter an existing parking meter with the help of a electrician. You wont
have to pay for the electricity used since it can be charged through the
parking rate.
Benefits of option 2:
If you are a business owner (restaurant, mall ,coffee shop, etc.)
you will attract more EV drivers to your business. The wall outlet you install
will not cost as much as installing a charging station (listed above). You will
have to provide electricity, however the cost of electricity will be less that
25 cents per hour. Think about all the business you can attract.
If you are a owner of a parking lot, you will attract
business towards your parking than you competitors. You will also get listed on
smart phone apps such as plug share
which makes your parking lot stand out than the rest.
Benefit of Option 3:
the manufacturers will provide the charger and expertise when it comes to EV charging. Less/ no maintenance cost depending on the agreement. Your business will also be listed on there websites and apps which will give your business more exposure.
This is my idea of an affordable EV parking solution for
parking lot owners who do not want to pay for the electricity used by EV charging
but still would like to increase revenue.
This meter will have an outlet and a hook (to hang the portable
charger). The outlet gets activated when cash is inserted. When the cash credit
is $0 the outlet turns off. This way regardless of the time of parking the EV
user will insert cash into the meter if he or she needs to charge the vehicle.
Municipal government may also benefit from this my making
their municipality more EV friendly while increasing revenue from charging for
electricity. This will also avoid any “its unfair!” cry that has become common
from some gasoline vehicle drivers who claim electric vehicle drivers shouldn’t
have any privileges.
Option-3 Partner with charging station providers such as Sun Country Highway www.suncountryhighway.ca www.suncountryhighway.ca or Charge point (www.chargepoint.com)who may be willing to provide charging stations for revenue splitting.
Benefits of option 1:
If you are a business owner or parking lot owner who
chargers for parking you will benefit from increased business and potential
revenue even on free parking time. Of course the concept I have revealed on
this blog is just an idea and is not produced yet it wouldn’t be difficult for built
one or alter an existing parking meter with the help of a electrician. You wont
have to pay for the electricity used since it can be charged through the
parking rate.
Benefits of option 2:
If you are a business owner (restaurant, mall ,coffee shop, etc.)
you will attract more EV drivers to your business. The wall outlet you install
will not cost as much as installing a charging station (listed above). You will
have to provide electricity, however the cost of electricity will be less that
25 cents per hour. Think about all the business you can attract.
If you are a owner of a parking lot, you will attract
business towards your parking than you competitors. You will also get listed on
smart phone apps such as plug share
which makes your parking lot stand out than the rest.
Benefit of Option 3:
the manufacturers will provide the charger and expertise when it comes to EV charging. Less/ no maintenance cost depending on the agreement. Your business will also be listed on there websites and apps which will give your business more exposure.
Benefit of Option 3:
the manufacturers will provide the charger and expertise when it comes to EV charging. Less/ no maintenance cost depending on the agreement. Your business will also be listed on there websites and apps which will give your business more exposure.
