EV adoption is growing every day with charging infrastructure growing every year. Despite the growing demand, EV drivers are still spending time finding a good place to park. Parking lot operators can add substantial revenue by tapping into the demand for charging stations.
Adding EV charging stations to your garage or parking lot is easier said than done. It’s a smart decision, but it’s a big one. There are lots of providers out there – but how do you choose the right EV charging solutions?
In this guide, I’ll walk through and compare some of the most popular EV chargers so you can make the right decisions for your business.
Types of Chargers
EV providers offer three main types of chargers: a) home chargers, b) public (level 2) chargers, and c) DC fast chargers.
Home chargers are usually level 2 chargers that operate at 240V. These are generally sold for home use and designed for overnight charging.
Public Level 2 chargers are commonly found in public shopping centers, parking garages, and apartment complexes. (If you’re the owner/operator of a commercial garage, this is the type you’ll likely install). They charge faster than home chargers but still take a few hours to reach a full charge.
DC fast chargers achieve the fastest charging speeds and are designed for highway and fleet charging. Tesla’s Supercharger network is an example. These stations can almost fully charge a vehicle in around 30 minutes.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is the largest and most popular EV charging network in North America, boasting over 31,000 locations and more than 50,000 charging ports. What I like about ChargePoint is that it’s compatible with most electric vehicles, and it’s a name that EV owners will almost instantly recognize.
Like other providers, they offer software to help parking operators manage pricing and monitor the health of their stations.
Pros:
- Customizable Pricing and Access Control: With ChargePoint, you hold the power to set the rates and decide who can use your chargers through app authorization, key fobs, or membership.
- Strong brand recognition: More drivers use ChargePoint, so more people trust them.
- Detailed Reporting – You get real-time data on energy use, revenue, and charger availability.
Cons:
- Higher upfront costs: ChargePoint’s level 2 charging stations are typically more expensive due to their premium hardware and durability. They are built for high-traffic areas.
Tesla Destination Charging
Have you ever seen an empty Tesla charging station? Probably not. Tesla owners need chargers! While the destination chargers aren’t as fast as their Superchargers, they are free for property owners if Tesla approves your location. While the cost of hardware is covered, you’ll have to pay for installation and electricity.
Pros:
- No Equipment Cost: Once Tesla approves your site, you’ll just have to pay for installation.
- High usage rates: Teslas are popular, and drivers seek them out regularly.
Cons:
- Mostly Tesla-compatible: While you can buy adapters for EVs that aren’t Teslas, the overall charging experience won’t be as seamless.
- Tesla Approval: If Tesla doesn’t think your location meets the criteria, they won’t cover the cost of hardware.
Blink Charging
Blink is a great choice. They oversee installation, maintenance, and network management. If you don’t want to handle the logistics of setup and pricing, Blink takes care of it all.
One standout feature of this EV charging provider is its openness to station ownership or revenue-sharing options. For example, you keep all the revenue if you own a station. If you go the revenue-sharing route, Blink covers the equipment and takes a cut of the profit.
Pros:
- Flexible ownership options: Revenue-sharing allows more companies and private entities to invest in parking lots without substantial upfront costs.
- Great customer Support: Blink is known for its troubleshooting and maintenance support, which is extended to both station owners and general users.
Cons:
- Smaller Network: Fewer drivers recognize Blink, which might affect utilization rates.
Electrify America
Electrify America specializes in fast charging. Their DC fast chargers can deliver up to 350 kW, which ensures EVs reach an ~80% charge in 30 minutes or so. Overall, DC Fast Charging ports are a great fit for garage owners who experience high turnover.
Unlike ChargePoint, Electrify is built for quicker stops instead of long-term parking–making them better suited for downtown areas.
Pros:
- Fast charging promises higher turnover: Thanks to the DC fast charging technology, drivers are in and out, which will free up parking and allow you to serve more customers.
- Attracts long-distance travelers: Some drivers seek out Electrify America chargers specifically because they want to get back on the road.
Cons:
- High installation Costs: A single DC fast charger can cost over $50,000, making it a steep investment.
EVgo
EVgo is another DC fast-charging provider that competes with Electrify America. EVgo offers battery storage technology to help manage your electricity costs. So, if your garage is in an area with high peak electricity rates, this will help bring that lower monthly bill down.
Pros:
- Battery storage: Battery storage helps you sidestep peak demand charges from your utility provider because it stores electricity in the reserves.
- Flexible Pricing: EVgo also offers pay-as-you-go pricing.
Cons:
- Smaller Network: Again, EVgo isn’t as widely recognized as some other competitors.
EvoCharge
EvoCharge is small but still a great provider. Like ChargePoint and other providers, they let you control pricing, access, and energy management.
Pros:
- Ideal for private parking: EvoCharge’s access control customization lets these stations work with RFID cards, so you can limit who gets to use your chargers.
- Affordability: EvoCharge is more affordable than most competitors
Cons:
- Focus on fast charging – EvoCharge only offers Level 2 chargers.
Shell Recharge
Shell Recharge is Shell’s EV charging division. They offer both public charging stations and home charging solutions.
Shell Recharge operates DC fast chargers (up to 175 kW), as well as Level 2 chargers. That way, they can satisfy both short- and long-term parking needs.
Pros:
- Growing network: While primarily based in Europe, Shell’s network is growing quickly.
- Sustainability-focused: Shell prides itself on its renewable-energy-powered chargers.
Cons:
- Pre-Authorization Chargers: Shell recharge stations place a temporary hold on payment cards, which can be cumbersome.
Preparing the Charging Infrastructure
Before you set up electric car charging networks, it’s important to remember that chargers take the infrastructure. In fact, the vast majority of your expenses will go towards establishing a public charging infrastructure. The first step in this process is to ensure your site has the right electrical capacity, permits, and installation plan.
Unlike a simple outlet and plug at home, charging stations for public use require a dedicated power source, often involving transformer upgrades, trenching, and electrical panel modifications. Be prepared to make a big investment!
Alternative Revenue Sources for Your Parking Lot
If you want to add revenue to your parking operations–without the substantial upfront investment of EV chargers–you can rent out your unused or underutilized spaces to non-residents who are looking for long-term vehicle storage.
Neighbor is a peer-to-peer vehicle storage platform that connects you with qualified renters. The best part is that Neighbor guarantees monthly payments, even if your renter doesn’t. Find out how much your space can earn you.
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