How to Prepare Your Business for an EV Charging Project Assessment

Many factors influence commercial electric vehicle (EV) charger installations. Before work can begin, providers like PowerFlex run an assessment to determine how long the project will take and how much it will cost. Here are a few things you, the customer, can do to help speed the assessment process along.

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Step 1: Obtain a copy of your electrical plan

These drawings (often referred to as “as-builts” or “plan sets”) are one of the first items a provider will need to gauge the feasibility of EV charging on your property. Your engineering or facilities team should be able to provide a copy of the electrical plan, ideally in PDF format.  If you already know where you want to add EV charging ports at your workplace, mark the locations on your drawings. At PowerFlex, we’ve found that when a company indicates specific areas for EV chargers, it aids in assessing the property’s potential for electrification.

(Related: How to Create an EV Charging Billing System)

Step 2: Gather past utility bills

Your historical electricity usage informs your organization’s current (and future) energy needs. This information helps a contractor determine how well your existing electrical system can support EV charging in addition to regular operations.  This step is typically simple — log into your utility provider’s website and download copies of bills from the past year. Or, email your billing or accounts payable department and ask for the last 12 months of utility payments.  Your company may require third parties to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before divulging this information. Check with your legal department and ensure the proper paperwork is signed before proceeding.

Step 3: Clarify your goals and vision for EV charging

There are many reasons why an organization would want to implement EV charging. Gaining clarity around your company’s motivations helps a contractor design an EV charging station that’ll fit your needs, now and into the future. Answering the following questions can help bring your goals into focus:

• Why do we want EV chargers? Why now?
• What’s the long-term vision for charging?
• Who will be charging their vehicles? Employees? Fleet operators? Visitors?
• How many chargers do we want today?  
• Are we hoping to scale up the system in the next few years?

Step 4: Gather a list of stakeholders  

Installing a workplace EV charging system is a significant endeavor, and more than one person will likely be involved in project sign-offs. Decisions may even have to be agreed on by a committee, department, or development team. To smooth the approval process, develop a list of decision-makers up front. Starting a conversation early with the key stakeholders strengthens buy-in for the EV charging project. This list also helps with communication — these are the people you should keep informed as the project progresses.

Step 5: Confirm a project budget

Before requesting an assessment for charger installations, discover what your company is committed to spending on the project. With this information, a contractor can determine whether your goals are realistic and begin working out the best strategy for achieving them. Though large-scale EV charging installations are a serious investment, there are a wealth of rebates and incentives that can help cover installation costs. At PowerFlex, we’re experts on navigating program application and approval processes and can work with your internal teams to make sure we secure the maximum financial benefits.

Next Step: Contact PowerFlex

Taking a few easy actions before scheduling an EV charging assessment is an excellent way to kick off a successful project. Putting the right information in the hands of your EV charging provider from the beginning ensures they can do the best job possible. And when you choose PowerFlex as your provider, you’re leveraging more than 35 years of experience in the clean energy industry. In addition to smart EV charging, PowerFlex provides a full range of turnkey solutions that include solar, storage, microgrids, and energy management systems. Get in touch today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can speed your transition to electrification.