If you’re a business owner looking to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, there are essential hardware and software services you’ll need to make it run smoothly. Check out our top 9 list, plus some vendor suggestions and charging station companies to kickstart your research.
Hardware You’ll Need for EV Chargers
1. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
EVSE is your EV charging equipment; the charger will supply electricity to your EV. You’ll need to choose a charger level based on how fast you want it to charge. Level one chargers use 110 volts and take much longer to charge than level two or three chargers, which use 208-240 volts.
EVSE Vendors:
2. Installation Services for Electric Vehicle Chargers
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You’ll need to have your EVSE installed by a qualified electrician. They will need to connect the charger to an electrical panel and run wiring to the charging location. Sometimes, they may need to trench and run underground electrical conduit. The electrician may also need to install a breaker for the charger and ensure the wiring meets local electrical codes.
How To Find The Best Electricians for EV Charging Station Installation:
- Check out the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Center for a list of qualified electricians in your area.
- Check popular review and recommendation platforms like Yelp and Angi.
- Refer to resources provided by the EV charger company of your choice, such as Tesla.
3. Maintenance and Repair Services for Electric Vehicle Chargers
Your EVSE must be regularly maintained to ensure it is safe and operating correctly. Maintenance may include cleaning the unit, checking for loose connections, and replacing parts. You may be able to do some of this maintenance yourself, but it’s always best to consult with a qualified technician.
Maintenance and Repair Vendors:
4. Electric Meter
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You’ll need an electric meter to track your EV’s electricity usage. Your meter will help you calculate how much to charge your customers. There are different types of electric meters, including single-phase, three-phase, and time-of-use meters. Be sure to choose one compatible with your EV charging station.
Electric Meter Vendors:
5. Electrical Panel
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Your electrical panel will supply power to your EV charger. Make sure you have a qualified electrician install this, and it should be sized appropriately for the energy your EV charger will need; for example, 60 amps, 100 amps, or 200 amps.
Electrical Panel Vendors:
6. EV Charger Mounting Hardware
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You’ll need to choose a mounting system for your EV charger, which includes the pedestal, post, or wall mount. You’ll also need the right cord and cable management system to keep your lines organized and tidy. Your options for cord management systems include cord hiders, cable raceways, and cable covers. Consult with a qualified electrician to ensure you get the right installation hardware.
Mounting Hardware Vendors:
Top Software Services You’ll Need for EV Chargers
7. Charging Station Management Software
This software helps you manage and monitor your EV charging station. It can track how much electricity is used, how many cars are using the charger, and when it is available. Some charging station management software allows customers to pay for their charging sessions online. It can also help you keep track of your charging station usage and revenue.
Charging Station Management Software Vendors:
8. Payment Processing Software
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You’ll need a way to process customer payments using your EV chargers, and this software will help you manage your revenue. You can track incoming payments and ongoing expenses to ensure that your EV charging station is profitable. And, of course, quality payment processing software will make it a user-friendly experience for your customers.
Payment Processing Software Vendors:
9. Reporting and Analytics Software
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As you scale your EV charging station offerings, you’ll want to ensure that your chargers operate as efficiently as possible. Reporting and analytics software will provide you with the in-depth data you need to optimize your charging station business.
With this data, you can choose optimal locations for new chargers and the necessary improvements for peak performance. Reporting and analytics software can also help EV charger owners glean financial insights, such as which times of day are most profitable or if certain charger types bring in more revenue.
Reporting and Analytics Software Vendors:
Are you interested in learning more about hardware and software for electric vehicle charging infrastructure? Join us at our upcoming EV Charging Summit & Expo.
