Use the 30C Tax Credit Eligibility Locator tool from Argonne National Laboratory to help learn if your home, business, or facility is in an eligible location for tax credits that could help you save up to 30% of the cost of purchasing and installing EV charging infrastructure.
Determine project scope, budget, funding mechanism, and timeline by considering:
Identify project partners, including local electric utilities, a certified electrical contractor, and Clean Cities coalitions
Decide whether the stations will need to be networked, including if utilization data will be collected and if payment capabilities are necessary, and evaluate equipment ownership options
Engage with charging infrastructure providers so they can provide input on the plan and timeline
Engage with the utility to identify installation needs and costs, including upgrades to electrical service and equipment, and identify a certified electrical contractor
Explore federal, state, and local incentives and determine budget
Assess applicable codes and regulations and permitting requirements
Determine if a formal solicitation is needed
Select a charging site location, considering:
Number and type of charging units required both near and long term
Proximity to incoming electricity and potential metering enhancements
Proximity to a wireless internet connection, if needed
Weather impacts
Future expansion
Select charging infrastructure manufacturer(s) and vendor(s) and network provider; confirm project logistics and equipment delivery
Coordinate with the utility to confirm charging requirements (both near and long term) and pricing (including impacts on utility rates and any electrical upgrades needed at the charging site)
Establish a charging plan, including networking requirements, electricity rate implications, and charging equipment ownership responsibilities
Obtain required permits
Determine inspection requirements and impacts on the project timeline
Determine additional site needs, including signage and security
Assess charging infrastructure maintenance and operation needs and costs
Select construction and electrical contractors
Establish a final site budget, including available incentives, project costs, and ongoing expenses/fees
Begin engineering and construction, including permitting and inspections
Ensure the station is included in the AFDC Alternative Fueling Station Locator
Conduct staff training as applicable
A variety of options for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure exist, thereby creating a multifaceted infrastructure procurement process. The site host’s specific characteristics and goals, such as utilization, equity, and environmental justice considerations, can also influence the process. Installing charging infrastructure can involve complex payment structures, data collection, ownership models, parking, and signage requirements, in addition to typical infrastructure considerations like cost, regulations, safety, efficiency, siting, and type of equipment. Some organizations may also need to issue a formal solicitation, such as a request for proposal (RFP). See the Infrastructure Development Checklist for important factors to consider when selecting and procuring charging infrastructure.
For examples of how other organizations have completed the charging infrastructure procurement process, approached decision making, and implemented charging infrastructure, see the following case studies.
The first step when planning to procure and install charging infrastructure is to consider your community members. It is important to understand their expected charging needs based on travel patterns, EV ownership, amount of time it may take to charge the vehicle battery, and the number and type of EVs expected to be served at each location. This type of information can help better determine the number and type of charging infrastructure required for the project. The California Energy Commission’s Electric Vehicle Charger Selection Guide offers an overview of the considerations for making a charger purchase.
The EVI-X Toolbox offers resources to estimate the charging infrastructure necessary to support typical daily travel in a given state or city, charging infrastructure needs to support long-distance travel (100 miles or more) along highway corridors in a given state or county, and to determine how EV charging will impact electricity demand.
Ensuring equitable access to EV charging is an important consideration when planning infrastructure development. Low-income and underserved communities are typically exposed to a higher proportion of environmental hazards, and EV charging infrastructure can make it easier to encourage EV adoption as a strategy to reduce those impacts.
It is important to design charging infrastructure projects alongside a diverse set of community members. This provides local context that ensures appropriate charging solutions for the area. For example, a high-density urban area with multifamily housing might benefit from Level 2 curbside charging, while a more rural community may not have on-street parking and would benefit instead from centralized fast charging.
The following tools can assist with incorporating equity considerations into the EV charging infrastructure procurement process:
Additionally, the following resources provide guidance for incorporating community engagement and energy and environmental justice goals:
Another important consideration is to determine the cost associated with the required charging needs. This includes equipment, installation, and operation and maintenance (including electricity, demand charges, and any annual charging network fees).
Equipment costs will vary based on factors such as application, location, charging level, and type. When choosing charging infrastructure, features to consider include: networking capabilities, theft deterrence, output power rating (in kilowatts), number and type of connectors, number of vehicles that can simultaneously charge, and operation and maintenance (e.g., payment and data collection capabilities). Ensure that the features chosen also align with anticipated needs and budget. Charger costs for residential use vary from $0 (if no additional equipment is needed) to $900 for a Level 1 charger and $380 to $690 for a Level 2 charger, according to a Rocky Mountain Institute Report. A National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Levelized Cost of Charging EVs in the United States report also showed that costs for public chargers are approximately $3,500 per connector for Level 2 and $38,000 to $90,000 per connector for DC fast, with higher costs depending on power output.
Installation costs can vary significantly based on factors including the number and type of charging infrastructure, geographic location, site location and required trenching, existing wiring and required electrical upgrades to accommodate existing and future charging needs, labor costs, and permitting. Based on these factors, charger installation costs for residential use vary from $400 to $600 for a Level 1 charger and approximately $1,300 per connector for a Level 2 charger, according to the NREL and INL Levelized Cost of Charging EVs in the United States report. Public and workplace installation costs per charger average around $2,500 per connector for Level 2, with costs varying depending on location and number of chargers installed at each site. Similarly, DC fast installation costs can range anywhere from $20,000 per connector to $60,000 per connector depending on charger power and number of installed chargers per site. The data show that labor is the largest expense in a typical installation, and the per-charger cost goes down significantly for larger installations.
Federal, state, local, and utility incentives may be available to offset installation costs. For more information on charging infrastructure cost considerations, see reports on the Levelized Cost of Charging EVs in the United States, Costs Associated with Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, and Reducing EV Charging Infrastructure Costs.
Networked charging infrastructure is connected to the internet and can send data, such as information on frequency of use, to a network services provider (i.e., charging network) and the site host. Networked charging infrastructure allows site hosts to offer radio-frequency identification (RFID), smart phone, or credit card payment; monitor and analyze use; and provide customer support. By selecting charging infrastructure with hardware that uses the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) version 1.6 or higher, which physically separates the appliance aspects of the charging infrastructure from the network backend component, the site host can easily switch charging networks without expensive equipment upgrades. This prevents stranded assets by allowing any network to operate the equipment in the event that a site host decides to switch charging networks, or the existing provider no longer offers charging. OCPP is the industry standard for open access. For more information on open access, see the Open Charge Alliance.
Non-networked charging infrastructure is not connected to the internet and provides basic charging capabilities without advanced utilization monitoring or payment capabilities. To install a networked station, the site must have access to a wired or wireless internet connection or cellular service.
The process of procuring charging infrastructure includes many other considerations, such as compliance, permitting, safety, ownership, signage, markings, and more.
When choosing charging infrastructure, ensure that the manufacturer has complied with certification requirements, including testing the product with a certified testing body. Charging infrastructure should also be compliant with SAE International standards, such as SAE J1772.
Consider domestically manufactured EV charging infrastructure compliant with Buy America requirements. Visit the Made in America Office website for more information.
Also, check for other optional certifications that may be of interest, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® program. To qualify for ENERGY STAR certification, chargers must be rigorously tested for operational safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Furthermore, certified Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use 40% less energy than other similar products when in standby mode (up to 85% of the time). ENERGY STAR certified chargers use open communication standards and those that have connected functionality capabilities are listed as “Connected Capable” (see ENERGY STAR EVSE Product Finder). Recently, ENERGY STAR started certifying energy efficiency in DC fast chargers of up to 350 kW.
Charging station installations must comply with local and state codes and regulations and be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. To find licensed electrical contractors trained in charging station installation, refer to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) list of contractors trained and certified in equipment installation and consult with project partners, including charging station manufacturers, utilities, and Clean Cities coalitions.
An electrical contractor should be aware of the relevant codes and standards and obtain a permit from the local building authorities before installing charging infrastructure. Additional time may be needed, as the permitting process could require a site installation plan, and approval from fire, environmental, or electrical inspection entities. For comprehensive guidance on all aspects of charger installation, including planning, permitting, construction, and accessibility considerations, see the 2019 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development(PDF). Visit the EV Permitting page for more information on what state and local governments can do to streamline the permitting process for EV charging station installation.
Charging station ownership typically falls into one of two categories: site-host-owned or third-party-owned (e.g., owned by a charging network), though there are other possible arrangements. Charging infrastructure owned by the site host is purchased, installed, and maintained by the site host, which allows for full control over the station and the ability to keep all revenue from the station (if applicable). In this scenario, site hosts are responsible for all associated costs, including any maintenance or payment transaction fees. Charging infrastructure owned by a third party is installed and maintained by the third party, which minimizes responsibility to the site host. In some cases, the site host may also earn revenue by leasing the space occupied by the charging infrastructure to the third party. For more information on the two primary business models, see Public EV Charging Business Models for Retail Site Hosts.
When installing EV charging infrastructure, consider the signage and pavement markings that may be necessary to help inform drivers. Other considerations are installing the charging infrastructure in a convenient location, lighting, and minimizing vandalism by using preventive strategies (e.g., motion detectors, anti-vandalism hardware). Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements should also be taken under advisement. Some EV charging incentive programs (e.g., the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program) and state legislation (e.g., in California and Hawaii) may require that new EV charging installations are ADA-compliant (accessible, easy to use, and safe). Key considerations include ensuring adequate space for exiting and entering the vehicle, unobstructed access to the charger, free movement around the charger and connection point on the vehicle, and clear paths and proximity to building entrances. For more information on accessibility considerations, see Access Board’s Design Recommendations for Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations report.
EV sales continue to increase, according to Argonne National Laboratory. Because of this, utilities play an important role in supporting the projected future growth of charging infrastructure and managing energy efficiency optimization for charging stations and the electrical grid. It's important to engage with utilities early in the infrastructure planning process. Utilities can mitigate grid impacts by offering managed charging (also called smart charging). This allows a utility to remotely control EV charging by increasing, decreasing, or turning off charging to help meet the needs of the grid. In addition, utilities can offer incentives or unique ownership models for charging equipment and installation.
During the planning and procurement process, site hosts may also choose to engage their local Clean Cities coalition and state and local governments for advice.
For more information on charging infrastructure and electric utilities, see the Edison Electric Institute’s Electric Transportation website, the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s Transportation Electrification website, and Atlas Public Policy’s EV Hub.
Depending on the site host organization’s procurement requirements, a formal solicitation process may be needed to purchase and install charging infrastructure. Each of the considerations above, as well as operation and maintenance issues, can be included in the solicitation. For information on charging infrastructure requests for proposal (RFPs), see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Guidance in Procurement of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. State agencies can register for the EV States Clearinghouse to view example RFPs.
How to use EV charging stations? How to charge an EV? Find out how electric vehicle charging stations work here.
You’ve probably heard more and more about electric vehicles in recent years, as they’ve become one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly purchases. Many people have developed an interest in them as a result of rising fuel prices and various government incentives for those who no longer want to use conventional cars. Of course, it can be challenging for beginners to comprehend how the system works: in the past, you only needed to find the nearest gas station, and it only took three minutes to fill your tank. But what about now?
Charging an EV can seem like a daunting task: when it comes to choosing a charging station, knowing when to recharge your car, and understanding how this seemingly simple process can power a two-ton vehicle. All of these questions will be addressed in the following sections, so stick with us and read on.
A charging station is a setup that provides electricity for charging electric vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles. The process is straightforward: the charger draws electrical current from the grid and delivers it to the car’s battery.
There are several types of EV charging stations. Some require no special tools to function and can simply be plugged into a wall outlet, while others need to be put in by a professional installer. Here are the three most common types of EV charging stations:
These EV chargers are most commonly found in the United States since they work with 120 V outlets. These charging stations are commonly found in homes, and they are the easiest to use. Plus, they don’t need any additional hardware, so all you have to do is plug in your car to start charging it. These chargers can add up to 5 miles per hour of charging, which is ideal for people who drive to work within a single city. If you simply leave your car to charge overnight, it will be ready for your commute to work in the morning! These chargers are also the least expensive option.
These chargers can add up to 20 miles per hour to your battery charge, but you will need some additional tools to use them. First and foremost, these chargers must be managed with outlets of higher capacities, such as 208 V (commercial) or 240 V (residential), which is why Level 2 EV chargers are usually used in Europe. The chargers can be connected to a solar panel and should always be installed by an electrician.
DC fast chargers will increase your vehicle’s range by up to 80 miles in just 20 minutes. These stations require high 480 V inputs as well as some advanced technology in both the vehicle and the equipment. As a result, these are less common and usually are only used in industrial or commercial settings. You can purchase a specialised adapter to use at Level 3 chargers if your car is not compatible with them.
Your car operates by using its fuel cells to drive a motor, which then spins the wheels after it has been charged. And once charged, the range of your EV is determined by its features. While having a larger battery increases power, it also adds weight, which strains the engine. The engine, therefore, requires more power. While having a smaller battery makes the vehicle lighter, the shorter range and slow recharge make it unsuitable for long trips.
Here’s the step-by-step process of using a public EV charging station:
The first thing we advise you to do is download an app that will make using charging stations easier for you or enable you to operate a charging station in the first place. One of those applications is Bonnet, which will save you both time and money. There are numerous charging networks out there, but each one requires you to register and create a separate payment account. But Bonnet is connected to over 17 of Europe’s top EV charging systems, making it simple to pay at chargers belonging to all of them with a single app and bank account. Simply download the app, use it to find the closest charging station, and then pay for your charging in one click!
Once you locate a charging station, you need to park your car and take the following steps:
You can pay for the use of charging stations in a variety of ways. Some of them accept payment with credit cards, while others might need a special access device, and some are even free. You shouldn’t be too confused, though, because each charging station usually has instructions posted on it. The majority of charging stations base their prices on the number of kilowatt-hours used, though some also take into account the total amount of time you spend charging your car. In general, installing your own charging station at home will be much more affordable for you, as you will not need to spend your money every time you charge your car.
Keep in mind that charging stations will usually have a display that shows how much energy was transferred to your car and how much money the current charging session will cost you. There will also be a special hotline number that you can call if you have any questions about the charging procedure or issues.
The majority of electric vehicles have the common J1772 plug, but Teslas are not included in this group. So you’ll need an adaptor if you own a Tesla or wish to utilise a Tesla charging station. This is just like it works with smartphones; if you want to use a USB-C cable on a device that features a USB-A port, you won’t be able to use it until you purchase an adapter. But don’t worry, you can simply buy adaptors for EVs online or in specialised stores for a reasonable price; just be sure of the type you need.
As we’ve already discussed, in order to successfully charge your car, you need to understand what type of connector your car has to ensure that the charging station you choose can accommodate your vehicle’s outlet. There are only 4 of them: 2 AC (alternating current) charging units for up to 43 kW and 2 DC (direct current) charging units for quick charges up to 350 kW.
This is the most common type, also known as J1772 or J-plug. It is a single-phase plug that can charge your automobile with 7.4 kW of power per hour and is primarily utilised in America and Asia. The absence of a built-in automatic locking system is the only drawback of a J-plug.
Before it became clear that using connectors with all three phases is much simpler, European cars also utilised type 1 plugs. After that, the type 2 connector was developed, enabling substantially faster charging of automobiles and delivering up to 43kW of power per hour. Because of this, type 2 (mennekes) plugs superseded J-plugs as the new European standard after their introduction in 2003.
Today, manufacturers of electric cars simply produce identical cars and add a different type of connector depending on the market where the car will be sold. Additionally, type-2 plugs support automatic locking systems, which is another benefit.
In 2010, Japanese manufacturers created CHAdeMO, which was envisioned as a new global standard. While it hasn’t gained much popularity, some cars have still made the conversion. CHAdeMO has an extremely high charging capacity of up to 100 kW per hour and features bidirectional charging. Only China and Japan still have a higher preference for this type of plug, though.
The combined charging system, or CCS for short, is a type 2 plug solution for quick DC charging. It has two additional pins at the bottom that speed up charging, two pins for communication, and an earth conductor in the upper half that serves as a reference for the protective system. This method enables charging at up to 350 kW per hour, making CCS the most popular DC connector used in America and Europe. However, it is not compatible with CHAdeMO, thus, you must use an adapter to utilise both together.
In light of the aforementioned facts, you will likely be using mostly type 2 AC chargers. They are a widely used European standard, hence they are present in virtually all charging stations. Naturally, you should keep an eye out for suitable chargers because certain charging stations could feature a fixed cable, meaning you won’t need to use your own cable. And don’t forget to verify that the cable at a public charging station fits the socket on your car!
Investing in an EV is undoubtedly a smart choice that can also bring you lots of benefits. After tallying up all the fees and charges, there is a significant probability that it will turn out to be even less expensive than owning a regular car. Although it can be confusing to comprehend the entire process of charging your new electric car, we guarantee you that it is not as challenging as it may seem. Everything will run smoothly once you read our article and charge your car the first couple of times.
We are aware of the difficulty of using many networks to charge your EV: you have to register with each charging service, link your bank account, and make payments using third-party apps and services. This makes the usually quick and uncomplicated procedure of charging an EV time and energy-consuming. So we have the perfect answer for you: Bonnet, an app that connects more than 17 of Europe’s top EV charging stations and allows users to manage all of their charging sessions through a single account. Bonnet fits everything in one user-friendly application, eliminating the need to constantly download new apps, create accounts for each charging network, and look for a charging location in dozens of different apps. Bonnet makes EV charging easy!
All electric vehicles can be charged at level 1 and level 2 stations. In order to utilise the station, you must also have a plug or socket that is compatible with it.
There is no set maximum amount of time an EV battery can last. Most manufacturers guarantee that an electric car battery will last between 10 and 20 years before needing to be replaced.
Yes, electric automobiles do use some battery power when they are parked, but only very little. EV experts advise charging your EV to at least 50% before putting it in long-term parking.
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