What Are Level 2 EV Charging Stations?
Level 2 EV charging stations are mid-grade stations that offer charging speeds between 7kWh and 19kWh, meaning they will fully charge most electric vehicles in 5 to 10 hours. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation they typically add 10 to 20 miles of range per hour of charging. Unlike level 1 and DC fast charging stations, they are designed for residential, commercial, and public applications. As a result, level 2 EV chargers can be found at a wide range of commercial properties and facilities.
They come in many configurations and size, including wall units and full sized dual port stations. The highest performing level 2 EV charging stations are capable of charging between 65 and 80 miles of range per hour. Click here to have the Property Manager Insider team locate a qualified contractor to provide a free level 2 EV charging station quote.
How Much Do Level 2 EV Charging Stations Cost?
In general, property managers can expect to pay around $6,000 to install a commercial grade level 2 EV charging station. While $6,000 is an industry average, actual installation costs can vary greatly on a property by property basis. When it comes to costs, there are two main factors, equipment costs and installation costs.
Equipment costs refer to the price of the physical charging stations. While there are many EV charging station manufacturers, equipment costs are usually competitive across brands for stations with similar features. Commercial quality level 2 stations from Blink, EVBox PowerCharge, or ChargePoint will all have similar prices.
Installation costs, however, can vary greatly. This is because installing EV charging stations is not as simple as plugging a cord into a wall. First, they always require running power from the electrical panel to the installation site. In many cases, properties must also upgrade their electrical panels or at least add circuits. The final installation cost variable is site work. This refers to construction costs to install the charging stations in a parking lot or garage.
Who Installs Level 2 EV Charging Stations?
There are two main types of companies that install level 2 EV charging stations. The first are specialty EV charging station companies. These are companies that specialize in EV charging station installations. They typically work with multiple EV manufacturers and have experience installing stations at all types of commercial properties.
Commercial electrical contractors also commonly install level 2 EV charging stations. While they might not be EV charging station specialists, electrical contractors can be a great resource for properties with complex installation needs. An asphalt contractor might be needed to handle tearing up the parking lot and building the pad site the new EV charging stations will sit on. Typically the specialty installer or electrical contractor will coordinate any other contractors needed to handle the project.
Commercial vs. Residential Stations
Since there are many level 2 EV charging stations available, it is important property managers choose one that is best suited for commercial applications. This is because not all stations are built equally. For example, stations best suited for residential applications will only have 1 port and might not offer Wi-Fi reporting.
To put it another way, property managers should choose stations that will meet the needs of their property. The right level 2 EV charging stations can be different for a shopping center, office park, or multifamily property. Most, if not all, will have dual ports, offer faster charging speeds, and be Wi-Fi enabled for reporting. Need help finding the best level 2 EV charging station for your commercial property? Click here to get connected with an EV charging station expert that can offer a free quote.
Level 2 EV Charging Stations Pro’s
There are many benefits to installing level 2 EV charging stations at a commercial property. First and foremost, they can help a property earn or maintain LEED status. Second, they demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, which is becoming a top priority for many large corporations. Additionally, there are usually local, state, and federal incentives to install EV charging stations. Property managers can take advantage of these to earn tax credits and rebates that help offset installation costs.
Another benefit of installing EV charging stations is attracting and retaining tenants. For example, charging stations can drive traffic to a strip mall or shopping center. This is a benefit to potential tenants evaluating retail space. EV owners looking for an apartment are only evaluating properties that offer station charging stations.
Level 2 EV Charging Stations Cons
While level 2 EV charging stations offer many benefits, they also have drawbacks. Even though charging stations are designed for commercial applications, they are not a great fit for all property types. For instance, an EV owner with a short window of time might opt for a shopping center with DC fast charging stations. This is because DC fast charging stations can fully recharge an EV in 60 to 90 minutes. Meanwhile, most level 2 stations provide around 20 miles of range per hour of charging.
Another drawback of level 2 chargers are high installation costs to reach higher charging speeds. While a 40-amp charger can deliver 9.6kWh, a 48-amp charger bumps up to 11.5 kWh. Even though that sounds great, a 48 amp charger requires heavier gauge wire and is subject to more stringent installation requirements set forth by the National Electrical Code.
Best Level 2 EV Charging Stations For Commercial Properties
So, what are the best level 2 EV charging stations for commercial properties? While there are many different options, Property Manager Insider has identified some of the best charging stations for a variety of commercial properties. All of these stations are produced by reputable manufacturers and will meet the needs of most commercial properties:
With many different options, it can be difficult to select the right stations for a particular property. To make those decisions easier, property managers can fill out the form below or use BidSource to get connected with a qualified EV charging station installation contractor.
Free EV Charging Station Installation Quote
Need a quote to install an EV charging station at your property? The BidSource team at Property Manager Insider will find a qualified local contractor to assist with your project! Just tell us about your project using the form below and our team will match you with a local company ready to provide a free quote.
EV Charging Station Lead Form
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