How To Install EV Charging Stations At Your Business
So, you are interested in installing electric vehicle chargers at your corporate office for your employees or at your business for customers.
It is wise to add Level 3 charging stations because they offer a number of benefits depending on the intended user.
- They can attract new business
- They increase the average time customers spend at your location
- They provide an incentive to employees while demonstrating your commitment to the environment
Depending on the output capacity of the Level 3 charger station, it can fully charge an empty battery in as little as 7 minutes for a small passenger car to 50 minutes for a light commercial vehicle.
The typical installation cost is in the range of $30,000 - $250,000 per location depending on whether it is a single ev charging pedestal or many pedestals.
For this reason, it is important to carefully consider all aspects of the system in order to get the most benefit from this investment.
1. Choosing The Electric Vehicle Level 3 Connector
| Types | Vehicle Makes |
|---|---|
| CSS | GM, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, BMW, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo |
| CHAdeMO | Nissan LEAF, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV |
| TESLA | Tesla |
2. Establishing Rules for the EV Chargers
| Time Limits | Establish time limits on chargers to ensure efficient use of chargers. Remind users of time limits |
| Multiple Users | Prohibit users from disconnecting other users’ electric vehicles. Establish a protocol for users who pass their allotted time on a charger |
| Improper Use | Remind users of the importance of charging safely. Ensure users store charging cord properly by providing signage for proper storage |
3. Providing a Safe Environment for EV Charging
• Installl only charging equipment has been rated and listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) such as UL, CSA, or ETL
• Schedule a regular maintentance and test interval for the charging station
• Manage charging cords to minimize trip hazards for users
• Prevent charging cord damage by keeping the cord on its holder
• Report damage immediately to the appropriate personnel
4. Should We Charge to Charge?
• Payment and payment methods are decided by the charging station owner
• Requirement payment may help recover equipment and usage cost
• Options include: charge per kWh used, time parked, or a flat fee
5. Protecting Your Investment? Surge Protectors for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Today’s increased reliance on very sensitive electronics makes surge protection an important topic for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Systems.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety study found that $26 billion dollars was lost due to non-lightning power surges.
In addition, there are about 25 million lightning strikes in the US each year that cause between $650M to $1B in losses according to the Insurance Information Institute, State Farm©.
This article discusses the various types of EV Charging Systems and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) to help you develop a comprehensive surge mitigation strategy.
Each section will provide a recommendation on exactly which EV surge protector to use for your equipment and where to install these Surge Protective Devices for EV Chargers.
Where To Protect a Level 3 EV Charging Station
Power Source : DC Fast Charging (DCFC)
The fastest charging method (30 minutes for 124 miles) but also the most costly.
These are connected to the power utility grid with an AC to DC power conversion module.
The output DC voltage range is from 120Vdc to 1000Vdc with higher voltages expected in the future.
In addition to the AC source, these systems can be fed or supplemented with by a photovoltaic power plant or energy storage system.
EV SPD Protection Point - DC Power Cabinet and Charging Dispenser
| Location | Equipment | Protection Point | Surge Protector Model # | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Power Cabinet | 277Vac Power Input | DS73US-277Y/NN |
|
| Up to 1500VDC Power Output | DS50PVS-1500/51 |
| ||
| 120-240Vac Power Input | DS72US-240T/NN |
| ||
| Ethernet Cat 6A | MJ8-C6A |
| ||
|
| Charging Dispenser | Up to 1500VDC Power Input | DS50PVS-1500/51 |
|
| Ethernet Cat 6A | MJ8-POE-C6A |
|
Standard and Electric Code References for
Surge Protective Devices (SPD) and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | ANSI C62.41, Low-Voltage AC Power Circuits |
| 2 | UL1449 4th Edition, Surge Protective Devices |
| 3 | UL1449 5th Edition, Surge Protective Devices |
| 4 | UL497B, Surge Protectors for Data Lines and Fire-Alarm Circuits |
| 5 | UL497E, Antenna Lead-in Conductors |
| 6 | IEC 61643-11, Low-Voltage Surge Protective Devices - Part 11: Surge Protective Devices Connected To Low-Voltage Power Systems - Requirements And Test Methods |
| 7 | IEC 61643-21, Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices - Part 21: Surge Protective Devices Connected To Telecommunications And Signalling Networks - Performance Requirements And Testing Methods |
| 8 | IEC 61000-45, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-5: Testing And Measurement Techniques - Surge Immunity Test |
| 9 | CSA 22.2 |
| 10 | NOM-001-SCFI, Standard for Electronic Equipment |
| 11 | NOM-003-SCFI, Electrical Products - Safety Requirements |
| 12 | ANSI/UL 2202 Electric Vehicle Charging System Equipment (AC to DC) |
| 13 | ANSI/UL 25942 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (AC to AC) |
| 14 | UL 2750 Outline Of Investigation For Wireless Power Transfer Equipment For Electric Vehicles |
| 15 | UL 9741 Standard for Bidirectional Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System Equipment |
| 16 | ANSI/UL 2231-12 Personnel Protection Systems for Electric Vehicle Supply Circuits – General ANSI/Requirements (referred to in UL 2202/UL 2594) |
| 17 | ANSI/UL 2231-22 Personnel Protection Systems for Electric Vehicle Supply Circuits – Protective Devices for Use in Charging Systems (referred to in UL 2202/UL 2594) |
| 18 | ANSI/UL 22512 Electric Vehicle Plugs, Receptacles and Couplers |
| 19 | UL 2580 Batteries for Use in Electric Vehicles |
| 20 | ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC 2271 Batteries for Use in Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Applications |
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|---|---|
| 10108 USA Today Way Miramar, FL 33025 USA | Contact us to develop a surge mitigation solution for your application |
| www.citel.us | Where to purchase Citel SPD's |
