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.