Quick Checklist: Is DC Fast Charging Right for Your Business?
- june7668
- May 27
- 3 min read
As electric vehicles (EVs) move into the mainstream, businesses are now presented with the opportunity to turn their unused or underutilized parking spaces into income-generating charge points. Depending on your business, offering EV charging can help you attract new customers, encourage existing customers to spend more time (and potentially more dollars) at your location, and create a new, reoccurring revenue stream.
If you are thinking about adding EV charging to your business, you might be wondering what type of charging solution would be best. DC fast chargers charge vehicles more quickly than Level 2 AC chargers, but they are more expensive to purchase, install, and operate. For certain businesses, though, offering DC EV charging can really pay off, even with the higher upfront cost.
Start with the Basics
Here's a high-level summary of the differences between DC fast charging and AC charging:
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) typically charges an EV battery from 20% to 80% within 15 to 75 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charger capacity. DCFC require greater electrical supply and higher installation costs.
Level 2 AC Charging typically charges an EV battery fro 20% to 80% within 2 to 6 hours, depending on the vehicle and charger capacity, making it suitable for locations such as workplaces, residential buildings, and destinations with longer dwell times.
Answer These Questions
To find out if DC fast charging is right for your business, answer the questions below, keeping track of the number of "Yes" answers.
Property Profile
Do drivers typically stay on-site for less than 90 minutes?
Does your business location see substantial vehicle traffic?
Driver Demographics
Do you cater to commercial fleets or drivers passing through on longer trips?
Are you in a location where drivers would expect or are willing to pay for faster charging, especially if it means less time waiting?
Site Feasibility
Can your property comfortably accommodate the footprint for DCFC equipment without impacting your regular operations and traffic flow?
Will neighboring businesses or local communities benefit from and support the presence of DC chargers on your site?
Business Model
Are you planning to monetize your charging stations?
Do you believe that offering DCFC will enhance the value of your business or property?
Will your business benefit from having customers stay longer?
Competition
Have competing businesses in your area already installed DCFC, or do they plan to?
Will being among the first to provide DCFC in your locale help distinguish your brand?
Budget
Can you leverage federal, state, or utility incentives or rebates to offset equipment and installation costs?
Are you willing to pay higher upfront costs in exchange for higher long-term revenue potential?
Interpreting Your Results
If you answered "Yes" to most of these questions, DCFC may be a good option for your business, allowing you to offer fast charging for high-demand scenarios and provide a valuable service that sets you apart.
If you answered "No" to most of these questions, Level 2 AC charging may still be a great alternative.
Whether you opt for DC fast chargers or AC chargers, incorporating EV charging stations reflects your commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainability. It also enhances the overall customer experience, making it more convenient for EV owners to spend time at your establishment and leading to positive reviews and repeat visits.
Expand Your DC Fast Charging Options
When it comes to DC fast charging, you may have more options than you realize. EnergiSpot features a 40kW DC Fast Charger that offers the best of both worlds -- a quick charge and a compact footprint that minimizes the impact to your site. This all-in-one design also has lower electrical supply needs, so the cost of installation and any infrastructure upgrades, if needed, is also lower than other DC fast charging solutions.
Future-Proofing Your Business
When considering the benefits of adding EV charging to your business, think about the future of transportation. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, having the infrastructure in place can be seen as a forward-thinking move. Offering charging options today means adapting to the shifting energy landscape and anticipating consumer preferences. By future-proofing your business, you position yourself as a proactive player in the evolving market.
Optimizing Success
After launching your DC fast charging stations, continuous evaluation of their performance is key. Regularly measure impacts such as increased foot traffic, sales metrics, and customer feedback. Based on this data, be open to making adjustments. Flexibility and responsiveness to results can further optimize your investment and enhance its overall benefits to your business.
At EnergiSpot, we make optimization easy, with advanced software that gives you 100% visibility into your EV chargers and hands-on support to help you maximize charging revenue. To learn more, contact us.
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