Powering the Future with EV Charging

Forward-thinking brands steer the way toward a greener future by embracing clean mobility


The era of e-mobility is here, and it’s more than just a trend—it’s a revolution in how we think about transportation and the environment. By installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, businesses and property owners are stepping into a world of environmental responsibility and reaping the unique benefits that extend to customer loyalty, revenue generation and brand recognition. 

If you’re considering taking the plunge into the EV landscape, check out these seven reasons why now is the perfect time to make this sustainable and profitable decision.


1. Grab the Attention of EV Drivers

EV owners are keen on finding places to shop, dine, work and live that support their eco-friendly lifestyles. When you offer EV charging, your property becomes a go-to destination for this steadily growing demographic. It’s a win-win situation: they get a convenient place to charge, and you gain loyal employees, customers or tenants who appreciate your commitment to sustainability.

2. Elevate Your Brand as an Eco-Conscious Business

Differentiate your business by adopting “green” initiatives such as EV charging. It sends a powerful message that your organization cares about the planet and the community, attracting customers who share these values. A sense of loyalty to the business may make customers more likely to return and recommend it to others. 

The benefits of an eco-conscious brand extend beyond customer engagement; they can also be pivotal in talent acquisition and retention. EV charging is often an attractive perk that draws skilled and conscientious individuals to your team. Being part of a company that takes environmental responsibility seriously can also foster a sense of employee pride and unity.

3. Grow Profits by Increasing Customer Dwell Time

Whether you assess fees or offer the service for free to entice customers to linger, EV charging becomes a unique selling point. It incentivizes customers to spend time and money at your establishment, making it a hotspot for EV enthusiasts and boosting your bottom line.

4. Boost Visibility with Easy-to-Find Charging Options

Collaborating with industry-leading charging partners ensures your location is easy to find using smartphone apps or built-in vehicle navigation systems. For instance, tools like ChargePoint’s mobile app give EV drivers access to hundreds of thousands of places to charge. The company’s cutting-edge technology provides directions to charging spots and information on station availability, charging costs, tips from other drivers, and more. The ChargePoint app is even designed to help drivers find stations in other charging networks, thus reducing range anxiety and enhancing the overall EV experience.

5. Encourage Employees to Switch to EVs

For many, the switch to an EV may seem daunting, partly due to concerns about charging availability. By installing charging stations at the workplace, you effectively remove one of the main barriers that keep people from considering EVs. It also sends a clear message to employees that the company supports the transition to clean mobility.

Encouraging EV adoption isn’t only about hardware; it’s about cultivating a corporate culture that values environmental stewardship and social responsibility. It reinforces the idea that every individual within the company can make a difference. Ultimately, this sense of empowerment can increase employee satisfaction and engagement.

6. Qualify for Financial Incentives and Rebates

Various incentives and rebates are available for EV charging station installations, expansions and upgrades. Tapping into these opportunities can significantly offset equipment or installation costs. Voltrek’s financial counselors are skilled at guiding clients through the process, making the investment more appealing and feasible. Speak with one of our team members today to learn more.   

7. Future-Proof Your Property

As EVs become more mainstream, the demand for charging stations will only grow. For property owners, these modern amenities can boost curb appeal and command higher value and rental rates. Investing in this infrastructure now ensures that your property remains attractive and relevant in the coming years.


A Revolution with Growing Momentum

The national movement toward EVs is accelerating. The businesses and property owners that engage early and strategically will be well-positioned to thrive in this new landscape. It’s not just about embracing new technology; it’s about investing in a greener, smarter, more prosperous future.

Join the e-mobility revolution and let’s build a cleaner, more prosperous tomorrow—together. Contact our team now to learn how to get started.

Juicing Up Your Business

Understanding the different levels of EV charging and which one is right for your location

Electric vehicles (EVs) are driving us into a greener future. As more people adopt EVs, there’s a surging demand for charging infrastructure that is convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable. If you are a site host—be it a shopping center, restaurant, university, apartment complex, highway rest stop, fleet depot, corporate workplace or other venue—offering EV charging meets a growing need and escalates your property’s value and appeal. 

Knowing what charging methods are available and how they can be tailored for specific uses is essential. Choosing the right charging solution hinges on the nature of your business and what your customers truly need, among other considerations.

Commercial Charging Options

Charging stations deliver electric power in distinct ways, directly affecting how quickly an EV gets charged. Two popular options for commercial use are Level 2 alternating-current (AC) charging and direct-current (DC) fast charging. There were reportedly 142,000 publicly accessible charging ports available in the United States in early August 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator. This includes about 32,000 DC fast charging ports and nearly 110,000 Level 2 ports.

By understanding the unique advantages and applications of each charging solution, you can better serve your customers’ EV charging needs. Read on as we explore the dynamics of Level 2 charging and DC fast charging. 

Level 2 Charging: The Perfect Balance

Level 2 charging strikes a nice balance between charging speed and equipment/installation costs. These stations are ideal in places where cars are parked for an hour or more—including workplaces, light-duty fleets, multifamily housing and public parking. 

Compared to fast chargers, Level 2 equipment usually requires less robust electrical infrastructure, making it easier and cheaper to install in many settings. The stations require a 208- or 240-volt plug, akin to what’s used for large household appliances. Due to their moderate charging rate, Level 2 chargers are more energy-efficient and can even help reduce strain on the electric grid during peak times. 

Unlike Level 1 chargers, which offer around 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging, Level 2 stations typically provide anywhere from 10 to 25 miles of range per hour, depending on the EV’s acceptance rate. 

Many site hosts opt for Level 2 chargers because they are the most affordable and practical option. While not as rapid as DC fast charging, Level 2 charging speeds are still considerably fast, juicing the average EV to 100% capacity in 4 to 10 hours. This is ideal for businesses and organizations that want to offer convenient and efficient charging for their customers or employees. 

DC Fast Charging: The Pinnacle of Power

DC fast charging is undeniably the speed king. Capable of replenishing an EV’s battery to 80% in a mere 20-30 minutes, this advanced technology runs on high-voltage power, usually 480 or 1000 volts. These types of stations make a strategic addition in places where drivers prefer to recharge quickly, such as along highways or at busy commercial centers. 

But beware, not all DC chargers are created equal! Genuine fast chargers boast impressive power ratings between 150 and 350+ kW. This allows them to recharge light-duty EVs up to 15 times faster than Level 2 stations—an extraordinary feat indeed! However, it’s worth noting that the actual charging velocity can vary and is influenced by several factors, including the vehicle size, battery capacity, and the specific charger’s capabilities. 

DC fast charging has also become integral to the world of fleet management. Rapid charging helps to curb downtime and enhance operational efficiency, a major advantage for fleets requiring quick turnarounds or those with extended operating hours. DC fast charging is a reliable, efficient solution for government agencies, delivery and logistics companies, utilities, public transit authorities, ride-share operators, car rental companies, universities and schools, corporate entities and many others. 

As a best-in-class EV charging solution, DC fast chargers can be pricier to deploy than other types of chargers. This is due to their substantial power output and robust infrastructure requirements, among other factors. Despite the higher costs, fast charging’s unparalleled speed and convenience provide significant value and can lead to a higher return on investment. Plus, installing rapid chargers can elevate locales to must-stop destinations, providing a distinct advantage for many local property owners and businesses.

At Voltrek, we specialize in helping clients identify and secure financial incentives and rebates for EV charging infrastructure. By tapping into these resources, we help make EV charging projects more feasible and budget friendly.  

Partner with a Professional

Commercial-grade charging stations require professional installation, given their intricate connection to the electrical grid. Your site’s existing electrical infrastructure may also require certain upgrades. With an expert EV partner and a better understanding of the different levels of EV charging, you can make informed decisions aligning with your needs and budget that enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of your property. 

With EVs growing in popularity, there’s no better time to energize your site with modern EV charging solutions. Voltrek, as a value-added reseller of best-in-class EV charging solutions from ChargePoint, ABB, JuiceBar, EV Connect and other reputable brands, can handle EV charging needs of any scope or scale—from planning and installation to service and maintenance.

Embark on this incredible journey with Voltrek, a pioneering leader in all things EV charging! Contact us now to get started. 

 

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Voltrek Provides Turnkey EV Charger Installation for Northeast's Largest School Bus Electrificaton Project

A lot can happen in 10 months. Last April, the Voltrek team cheered alongside other local business and community leaders as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled plans for an electric school bus pilot program designed to improve health and quality of life for the local community.

Fast forward to today, and Voltrek is on the front lines of this nation-leading electrification project. Currently, we are wrapping up the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for Boston Public Schools (BPS), which plans to deploy its first 20 electric school buses later this month. These new Blue Bird buses will serve approximately 2,500 students at 42 public schools.

“This pilot program is the largest of its kind in the Northeast, and will help us gather more data on route efficiency, bus operations as well as the climate and public health impacts with an overall goal of fully electrifying our school bus fleet by 2030,” said Mayor Wu at a press conference on Feb. 6, 2023. This is a massive undertaking for BPS, which currently runs 620 buses every day to move nearly 22,000 students over 43,000 miles, according to BPS Transportation Director Dan Rosengard.

During the first phase of the pilot program, Voltrek is contracted to manage the turnkey installation of 20 EV charging stations at the Readville bus yard in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The charging infrastructure, supplied by InCharge Energy, is engineered to support the future expansion of up to 145 electric school buses. 

The BPS electric school bus pilot program is part of Boston’s “Green New Deal” initiative to electrify city vehicle fleets. Other project partners involved in this collaborative effort include Transdev, BPS’ fleet management contractor, and Lynnwell Associates, an IBEW Local 103 electrical contractor.

Massachusetts DPU Approves $395M for EV Make-Ready Programs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) just approved $395 million in new funding to accelerate EV charging station deployment across the Commonwealth!

This long-awaited infrastructure investment will support “make-ready” EV programs delivered by three energy companies:

  • Eversource Energy’s Phase II EV Program: $188 million over 4 years 

  • National Grid’s Phase III EV Program: $206 million over 4 years

  • Unitil EV Program: $998,000 over 5 years 

Thanks to this fresh infusion of state funding, charging stations (including DCFC equipment) can be purchased and/or installed at little-to-no cost to the site hosts. Eligible projects include public, workplace, fleet, municipal utility district (MUD), residential and Environmental Justice Community (EJC).

With a significant backlog of projects awaiting funding, you’ll have to act fast to get your piece of the pie. Let Voltrek guide you to victory! Our EV charging experts will help you breeze through the rebate application process as well as manage every aspect of your charging station project—from start to finish.

Start the new year strong by partnering with Voltrek! Connect with us now to get started.

MOR-EV Program in Massachusetts Expands EV Incentives

Electric vehicles in Massachusetts are more affordable than ever, thanks to increased rebates through the MOR-EV Program!

Effective Nov. 10, 2022, drivers are eligible for a $3,500 rebate (up from $2,500) if they purchase or lease qualifying battery or fuel-cell electric vehicles costing less than $50,000.

Another big change—fleets no longer have to worry about annual or lifetime rebate limits!

Keep in mind, MOR-EV rebates are available on a first come, first serve basis. To qualify you must submit a rebate application within three months of the purchase/lease, among other conditions. Learn more at mor-ev.org.

👉 If you’re looking for a great summary of what’s happening with the MORE-EV Program, read this blog post by the Green Energy Consumers Alliance: https://lnkd.in/gBc5Ru9r

Kathleen Connors Interview with CBS News Boston

Voltrek's Kathleen Connors just had a neat interview with CBS News Boston!

In her chat with Boston-area reporter Breana Pitts, Kathleen shared tips on how to maximize EV driving range in cold weather.

See the video interview and news article here: https://cbsn.ws/3TEXnmc

(NOTE: Video is embedded at the beginning of the article and should start playing automatically after a brief ad.)

Voltrek Expands Horizons by Partnering with Orion Energy Services

Voltrek Expands Horizons by Partnering with Orion Energy Services

Voltrek is thrilled to announce it has joined forces with Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (Orion), a leading provider of energy-efficient LED lighting, controls and electrical installation and maintenance services.

Now operating as an independent brand within Orion, a publicly traded company, Voltrek will provide the vital expertise, experience and resources necessary to help Orion to expand into the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) charging station market.

“Voltrek’s turnkey EV charging solutions are an ideal fit for Orion’s national accounts and our partner network as they directly address a growing need expressed by our customers and fit well with our core areas of expertise,” says Orion COO Mike Jenkins. “Charging stations are an increasingly important part of a high-quality retail experience, as well as an important amenity for employees and visitors. We see substantial cross-selling potential between our LED lighting and electrical maintenance solutions and EV charging and believe Voltrek places Orion in the forefront of this opportunity.”

The future looks bright as our woman-led operation continues to evolve and flourish. “As a top-ranked ChargePoint EV charging station VAR and service provider, Voltrek is uniquely positioned to leverage our expertise in facilitating the conversion to electric mobility,” adds Voltrek founder and President Kathleen Connors. “We expect the added support of Orion’s customer reach, large partner network, financial resources, and its growing Maintenance Service Group will support our continued growth.”

To learn more about the new partnership between Voltrek and Orion, read this press release announcement: https://bit.ly/3ryTWSa

FHWA Proposes New Rules for National EV Charging Network

Creating a national EV charging network that is user-friendly, reliable and accessible to all Americans is a top priority for U.S. leaders. With this in mind, the Federal Highway Administration recently proposed setting minimum standards and requirements for federally funded EV infrastructure projects.

One key requirement is that charging stations must be spaced no more than 50 miles apart along major highways. This would help to ensure key infrastructure gaps are filled—including in rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities. “To support the transition to electric vehicles," comments U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, "we must build a national charging network that makes finding a charge as easy as filling up at a gas station."

Also, under the proposed rules, EV drivers can expect similar payment systems, pricing details, charging speeds and access to real-time information on whether charging stations are occupied or broken. To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3MGvCGm.

Boston Rolls Out New EV Service & Maintenance Certification Program

Boston is committed to training the next generation of green economy workers. Recently, the city rolled out a "train the trainer" certification program for people to learn how to safely maintain and service electric vehicles (EVs).

A first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S., Boston's new training program is being delivered in partnership with Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. Geared toward both student and adult learners, it offers a vital pathway to prepare individuals for in-demand jobs in the clean mobility sector.

Voltrek, which has partnered with Boston for years to deliver EV charging infrastructure, applauds these efforts to support local jobs, economic growth and the EV industry as a whole.

L-R: Voltrek CEO Kathleen Connors stands with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Voltrek Account Manager Mohammed Faiz and Boston Director of Fleet Maintenance Bill Coughlin.

ACT Expo Highlights 2022 State of Sustainable Fleets Market Brief

Wow, what a week! Close to 8,000 people attended ACT Expo 2022. This record-breaking turnout clearly shows that transportation stakeholders are more eager than ever to embrace advanced clean vehicle technologies and low-carbon fuels.

One key takeaway from this year's event is the 2022 State of Sustainable Fleets (SoSF) Market Brief. This eye-opening report confirms that fleets across every sector are increasingly turning to clean vehicles and fuels to meet sustainability goals and improve their bottom lines. Researchers indicate that increases in government funding and legislative support at both the state and federal levels are necessary to continue propelling the clean mobility revolution.

To see other key findings, visit https://lnkd.in/gcF5PDdz to download the 2022 SoSF Market Brief.

Voltrek Attends 2022 ACT Expo

Fly across the country to attend North America's BIGGEST clean mobility event?! Voltrek wouldn’t miss it!

The 11th annual Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo is in full swing here at Southern California’s Long Beach Convention Center. There are plenty of opportunities to get up to speed on key industry trends, technologies and actions being taken by industry leaders. It’s also exciting to get a firsthand look at today’s array of innovative fleet solutions—including battery electric, hydrogen, automated and connected tech, and more!

Visit www.actexpo.com to learn more about ACT Expo, a must-attend event that draws thousands of attendees and fleet operators from across the globe.

U.S. DOE Announces $45 Million to Develop More Efficient EV Batteries

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just announced it is allocating up to $45 million to improve electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

In President Biden's continued push to accelerate the nation's transition to clean, electrified transportation, this funding is pivotal to developing more affordable, convenient, efficient and resilient batteries.

“Advanced batteries are the heartbeat of the electric vehicle industry and investments to make them charge faster and last longer will be critical to accelerate the deployment of electric cars and trucks,” confirms U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “The benefits of an electrified transportation sector in America will be felt for generations to come—from directly combatting climate change to growing domestic manufacturing jobs and strengthening our overall energy independence.”

This federal initiative is being carried out through a brand-new DOE program called Electric Vehicles for American Low-Carbon Living (EVs4ALL). Read this press release for more details: https://bit.ly/3OUnh3V

"Make New York EV Ready" Bill Advances in NY State Senate

Voltrek applauds the New York State Senate for advancing legislation that promotes the development of new electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The "Make New York EV Ready" bill (S23A) sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan (pictured) passed this week as part of a legislative package designed to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation. Essentially, it requires that certain state-funded parking facilities be constructed to support EV charging stations, and would help to ease the state's transition to EVs.

"Ensuring that new parking structures are pre-wired for electric vehicle charging is a no-brainer, and it’s what needs to be done to ensure that our infrastructure will be ready to handle the growing number of EVs on the road today and tomorrow," Senator Kaplan states.

Matthew Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, adds, “S23A represents a major step forward in the construction and personal transportation industries. Assigning dedicated EV charging spaces and infrastructure during the construction of our parking garages is not only common sense, but also represents a real step in achieving our plan for a green future for the Empire State.”

S23A still has to pass the New York State Assembly before being delivered to the governor's desk for final approval. Learn more about this key piece of legislation here: https://bit.ly/3xP20Td

Congrats to Steven Day, America's New Cross-Country E-Motorcycle Champ!

Congrats to Steven Day and the Charging Across America Challenge team for beating the Cannonball cross-country electric motorcycle record on Earth Day 2022!

Steven’s epic trip started on Monday, 4/18/22, at The Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach, California. Today, he reached his destination at New York City's Red Ball Garage at 9:30 p.m. (ET), after riding 111 hours and 30 minutes across America on his 2021 Energica EVA Ribelle. He beat the previous record of 178 hours and 17 minutes by nearly 67 hours!

Boston Electrifies City Fleet to Achieve Green New Deal Goals

Boston is making great strides in achieving its "Green New Deal" goals by electrifying the city's vehicle fleet!

Last week, Mayor Michelle Wu shared that Boston Public Schools will soon launch an electric school bus pilot program. Twenty electric buses will be deployed during the 2022-2023 school year, with the goal of full fleet electrification by 2030.

Another neat initiative is Boston's new electric vehicle (EV) “train the trainer” program that is launching this May. It provides an educational pathway for people to learn how to professionally and safely maintain and service EVs, which in turn creates a highly qualified workforce for these high-paying jobs.

Voltrek would like to thank Bill Coughlin, Boston's director of fleet maintenance, for inviting our team to attend the event at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School where Mayor Wu made these announcements.

Learn more about Boston's progress on its Green New Deal initiatives here: https://bit.ly/3jXDg3j

First-Ever Charging Across America Challenge Set to Launch Next Week

Heads up! The 2022 Charging Across America Challenge launches in ONE WEEK!

This Earth Day-inspired event aims to break the Cannonball cross-country electric motorcycle record of 178 hours and 17 minutes. Voltrek, as a prime sponsor, hopes it also encourages more people to DRIVE GREEN!

Learn more in this official press announcement: https://bit.ly/3E5hIut

Voltrek’s Kathleen Connors and Robert Swartz, CAAC 2022 Team East’s electric motorcycle rider.