How to Choose the Right EV Charging Station for Your Business

Choosing the Right EV Charging Station for Your Business: A Hands-on Guide 

In this day and age with sustainability being a critical part of any NZ business strategy, the transition to an EV infrastructure can come with its challenges. There are obstacles you will encounter and need to overcome. The most pressing? Setting up the right EV charging infrastructure. Let's dive deep into this together. 

Decoding Open Communication Protocols 

Ever heard of open communication protocols in the EV charging world? Think of them as the universal translators of the tech realm. They're the unsung heroes ensuring your different systems talk to each other without a hitch. When you choose a charging station with these protocols, you're not just making a purchase; you're making a long-term investment. The NZ Transport Agency has a brilliant piece on why these are crucial. 

The Art of Load Management 

Imagine load management as the maestro of an orchestra, ensuring every instrument (or charger) is in perfect sync. It's the magic behind preventing system overloads and ensuring top-notch performance, especially when you've got a bunch of EVs charging all at once.  

Tethered or Socketed: Which One's for You? 

·   Tethered Charging Stations: Think of these as the ready-to-go options. With cables already attached, they're a dream for businesses with a standard fleet of EVs. 

·   Socketed Charging Stations: These are the all-rounders. Their adaptability means you can plug in various cables, these suit staff parking who may have a range of different vehicles and needs. 

Decoding Charging Station Setups 

From simple wall-mounted units to sturdy standalone pillars, your choice should reflect both your space, accessibility, and your budget. While wall-mounted ones are great for tight indoor parking and beside buildings, the standalone units are often the stars of larger carparks and next to walkways. 

Tailoring to Your Unique Business Needs 

It's all about understanding your fleet's size and their daily distance patterns and routes. If they're always on the move, you may need DC charging solutions. But if they do shorter more frequent trips or are parked overnight AC charging is a much more cost-effective solution. 

Charger Types: Cutting Through the Noise 

·   Type 2 Tethered Chargers: These are our standard offering with almost all New Zealand new vehicles following this standard. They mean drivers don’t have to get cumbersome cables from their vehicles and there is no possibility of the cables being lost or left behind. Adaptors can even be supplied to use these with Type 1 vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf if these are part of your fleet. 

·    Type 2 Socketed Chargers: These allow the vehicle user to supply their own cable to charge both Type 2 or Type 1 vehicles. These are more popular when charging is provided for staff who may have a mix of vehicles. 

AC vs. DC: What's the Buzz About? 

AC (Alternating Current) is your everyday choice, perfect for overnight charging or extended daytime charging. But DC (Direct Current)? That's the speed demon of charging, ideal for businesses that are always on the go. But remember, speed often comes at a premium. 

Smart Charging: Welcome to the Future 

Picture this: your EV chargers chat with each other, giving priority to those running low. This smart daisy-chaining ensures every vehicle gets its fair share, making the most of your electricity. This can provide substantial savings in installation costs and get you a large quantity of EV chargers on a very limited electrical supply. 

Off-Peak Charging: More Bang for Your Buck 

Did you know charging after 9 pm, during off-peak hours, could lead to massive annual savings? It's not just about when you charge; it's about charging smartly. WorkSafe NZ offers some top-notch guidelines to ensure you're on the right track.  

Busting Myths 

Ever been told you can only have two chargers on your site? Time to think again. With the tech we have today, scaling your EV charging setup is completely possible if you work with us. We help you build a system that can adapt to your business's growing needs and be future-proofed. 

Wrapping Up 

Navigating the EV charging world can feel like a maze, but with the right guidance, it’s worth every step. Whether you're a small start-up or a big player, there's an EV solution with your name on it. Ready to take the plunge? We.EV is here to guide you every step of the way. For more insights, check out the NZ Transport Agency's guidelines.