General Tips
Businesses and multi-family buildings install EV chargers everywhere drivers park: in visitor parking lots and dedicated parking spaces, aboveground lots and underground garages, and densely populated locations and wide open areas.
- EV chargers should only be installed by certified electricians or turnkey providers that work with certified subcontractors. In addition to electrical work, many EV charger installations include general construction work, such as pouring concrete for pedestals, coring through walls, installing signage, and painting. Consult professionals early and often while planning your EV charger deployment.
- The most cost-effective place to install EV chargers is close to an existing electrical room within your building. The further from the source of electricity, the more expensive it will be to install EV chargers.
- EV chargers are a significant electrical load, especially for older electrical infrastructure. Do not assume that your building can support many EV chargers without infrastructure upgrades or power management, though in some situations, a power managed solution may be desired. Always have a certified electrician inspect your infrastructure before planning an EV charger installation.
- Whatever number of EVs you expect to service now, expect many more in the future. EV adoption is growing rapidly. Over the long run, it may be more cost-effective to install more EV chargers now, rather than incur the project overhead costs of a second or third major infrastructure upgrade. Alternatively, ask your installer about laying the infrastructure for future EV chargers (panels, conduit, etc.), but wait until demand increases to install the additional charging units.
- Solutions that embrace open standards like OCPP will help future-proof your site. Open standards ensure compatibility as technology and service providers change.
- Be cautious of low-cost service providers. EV charger installation is still a new industry. The difference in safety and quality between service providers is significant.
- In addition to the tips above, we suggest all site hosts pay special attention to connectivity and refer to related articles below
Connectivity Recommendations
How to set connectivity up for success
How to assess cellular network
Accessibility Considerations
It is strongly recommended that your EV charging site keep in mind standards such as American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), or other regional accessibility standards.
The U.S. Access Board has published a detailed guide to accessible EV charging site design. This includes guidelines for placement of EV chargers, parking space size, and the height where charging connectors and screens rest above the ground. Read the guide here: www.access-board.gov/files/usab-evse-guide.pdf.
Canadian businesses generally use the ADA guidelines above when designing their sites; Canada currently has no federal equivalent.