Every year, more and more electric vehicles (EVs) hit the road. It’s estimated that EVs will make up 40–50% of passenger vehicle sales by 2030. With so many EVs out there, why wouldn’t you want to install a public charging station in your gas station parking lot to cover a new customer base?

But installing an EV charging station in your parking lot might be more complex than you think. Keep reading to learn what to consider before installing one.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Installing a public EV charging station can sound exciting, but it’s not a decision you should make impulsively. Here are a few things you should consider about EV charging station installation.

PLACEMENT

One of the most important factors is where you’ll put your charging station — and how many chargers you can fit. You want your charging station to be visible but should avoid taking “good” parking spaces away from your regular customers. Don’t place the chargers right in front of your doors, but don’t hide them away in the far back of your lot or behind your building, either. Make sure your charging stations are placed somewhere with plenty of lighting for late-night drivers.

As for how many chargers you can fit, you need to consider your available number of spaces and your building’s utility capacity. You don’t want half your parking spots dedicated to charging stations, and your building’s utility limit can only provide so much electricity. Even if you plan to add just a few chargers, you may need to consider upgrading your utilities or adding solar-powered charging stations.

CHARGING STATION COSTS

Installing public EV charging stations means investing time, effort, and money. Cost considerations include equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance. The cost can vary depending on what type of charger you install, the existing infrastructure of your gas station, and who you choose as an installer. Shop around to find the manufacturer and installer that offers the best deals.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

While there may be quite a bit of upfront cost, EV charging station installation at parking lots can have some great benefits. For your gas station, these benefits can include:

  • Increased foot traffic to your c-store as patrons wait for their vehicles to charge
  • Added revenue from digital ads on the chargers
  • Added revenue from EV charger usage
  • Improving your brand image and increasing customer loyalty
  • Standing out from the competition
    Federal grants, rebates, or tax credits

DIFFERENT CHARGING TYPES

There are three types of EV charging stations: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast chargers). Level 1 chargers are designed for residential use and have the lowest output, so do not install these at your gas station.

Level 2 chargers are the most common type of charging station, often found in homes, apartment complexes, and workplace parking garages. They can take around eight or more hours to fully charge an empty EV battery. DC fast chargers can recharge an EV in 30 minutes to an hour.

Since DC chargers work so fast, they tend to have higher equipment and installation costs. However, their speed makes them more attractive to customers. They could be worth the investment since drivers might be less willing to hang around your gas station for hours while their vehicle charges. Being able to plug their EV in while popping into your c-store for a quick snack may be more of a draw.

FINDING A PUBLIC EV CHARGING STATION MANUFACTURER AND INSTALLER

Once you’ve figured out placement and what type of EV charging station you want, it’s time to look for manufacturers and installers. Your manufacturer and installer may be the same company, or you might purchase a charger from one company and find a contractor to handle the installation. Compare prices, product quality, charging capabilities, customer support, software features, and other essential factors when shopping around.

REGULATION COMPLIANCE

While comparing products and contractors, keep regulations top of mind. Ensure your charging station manufacturer has complied with any and all certification requirements.

Your charging station will also need to comply with local, state, and federal regulations, so be sure to find a contractor who is aware of all the relevant codes and will obtain the proper permits. Take your time researching manufacturers and contractors until you find a team you can trust.

TURN TO VENTURE FUELS FOR YOUR FUEL NEEDS

You’ve figured out how to cover the EV charging side of your business, but how is the fuel side? You need a fuel partner you can depend on to deliver quality fuel when you need it. Venture Fuels is here to cover all your fuel needs, from a robust delivery system that ensures you always have fuel to market monitoring that helps you get the best prices. Contact us today to learn more.