Investing in EV charging positions your organization as a sophisticated, tech-enabled, and conscientious leader. In addition, it unlocks operational cost savings for your vehicles and buildings while providing an amenity and revenue-generation opportunity. This strategic investment enhances your brand reputation while creating tangible financial benefits. Acting now helps you qualify for limited-time incentives and avoid falling behind in a market that increasingly rewards forward-thinking, sustainable operations.
EV charging site costs fall into three main categories:
Work with an electrical contractor and use load profile calculators to estimate your specific connected load and annual consumption needs. If you’re considering fleet electrification, use the EV Fleet Savings Calculator to estimate project costs and compare total cost of ownership with gas fleet vehicles.
Form a cross-functional team (finance, ops, engineering, IT, marketing), define roles, set clear timelines, and use a checklist or project management tool to track progress. Build the team before selecting EV charging solutions and breaking ground for the EV charging site. It’s key to have assigned project manager(s) for the installation and set up of the EV charging site. Ensure that the stakeholders feedback is considered throughout the project and that they’re invested in the continued success of on-site EV charging.
When selecting an EV charging site, prioritize locations with adequate space, accessibility (including ADA compliance), and proximity to existing electrical infrastructure to minimize installation costs. Position chargers close to your electrical service panel to reduce trenching and potential electrical upgrades, and consider wall-mounted or dual-port chargers for cost efficiency. Plan for future expansion possibilities and use strategic signage for wayfinding rather than placing chargers in highly visible but electrically distant locations. Choose the quantity and level of chargers that fit within your available electrical capacity to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades.
The length of the project primarily depends upon the extent of required electrical upgrades, the scale of the charging site, and the level of chargers being installed. Expect the project to take between 6 and 24 months from initial planning to completion. Grant deployment schedules are typically 6 months to 1 year after acceptance.
There are three main levels of EV charging, each offering different speeds and power requirements.
Permit approvals and qualification for many incentive programs, often require that your charging site meets the following standards:
EV charging stations must be certified by recognized testing laboratories (such as UL, Tüvsüd, or Dekra) and use SAE J1772-compliant plugs for Level 1 and 2 chargers or CCS plugs for DC Fast Chargers. Each charging plug requires a dedicated parking space. Sites must adhere to ADA guidelines for accessibility and incorporate clear wayfinding signage to direct drivers to the charging stations. Networked chargers with WiFi, cable, or 4G connectivity for remote monitoring and payment processing are commonly required for any public-facing charging site.
Networking your EV chargers offers significant advantages, as these internet-connected units allow for fee-based charging, remote monitoring of usage, and increased visibility on popular EV mapping applications like Google Maps and PlugShare. While networked chargers incur annual network fees, they provide valuable data, remote troubleshooting, and revenue generation opportunities. Conversely, non-networked chargers are simpler and have lower ongoing costs, but they are limited to free charging and lack remote management or public visibility features.
To future-proof your EV charging site, plan for expansion over the next 5–20 years by ensuring sufficient electrical capacity, upgrading site power distribution, and designing infrastructure to accommodate additional chargers. Reserve parking spots for future EV charging and, where possible, install extra panels and conduit during initial construction to avoid costly retrofits later. Additionally, select interoperable hardware and software, such as OCPP-compliant solutions, to maintain flexibility and avoid vendor lock-in as technology evolves.
OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is an open standard that ensures interoperability between EV charging hardware and software, regardless of manufacturer. Using OCPP-compliant equipment allows you to switch network providers or upgrade systems without compatibility issues, giving you greater flexibility and control over your charging infrastructure. This prevents vendor lock-in and supports future scalability, making it a critical component of a future-proof EV charging strategy.
To find a qualified electrical contractor, utilize the EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) "Find a contractor" tool to locate local electricians experienced in commercial EV charger installation. It is crucial to select an EVITP-certified electrician, especially if you are applying for federal grants. Additionally, always check their references and confirm their understanding of the electrical requirements and experience with the specific chargers you plan to install.
Yes, there are valuable state and federal financial incentives available for EV charging sites, including grants, tax credits, and rebates. These programs are typically limited in funding, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and often have short application windows—making early action essential. Incentives can significantly offset upfront costs, making them a critical first step in any EV charging project. Use the U.S. Department of Energy’s incentive tool to identify programs available in your area and carefully review their requirements to prepare a strong application.
To prepare a strong incentive application, thoroughly understand all program requirements including minimum kW output per plug, networking needs, warranty periods (typically one year minimum), and public availability requirements (usually 80+ hours per week). Prepare comprehensive documentation with itemized quotes, detailed project estimates, and ensure your selected charging hardware is certified and meets all technical standards. Secure property owner approval if you don't own the site, and be aware of ongoing commitments such as annual reporting requirements and minimum charger uptime standards (often 97% for programs like NEVI).
To prepare a strong incentive application, thoroughly understand all program requirements including minimum kW output per plug, networking needs, warranty periods (typically one year minimum), and public availability requirements (usually 80+ hours per week). Prepare comprehensive documentation with itemized quotes, detailed project estimates, and ensure your selected charging hardware is certified and meets all technical standards. Secure property owner approval if you don't own the site, and be aware of ongoing commitments such as annual reporting requirements and minimum charger uptime standards (often 97% for programs like NEVI).