The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has increased demand for public charging stations. In our recent survey, we found 20% of EV drivers are completely reliant on public EV charging. Needless to say, installing EV charging points for business scenarios can be a positive investment as this number continues to increase. However, choosing the right EV charging solution is critical to ensure your solution is viable.
While the need for public charging continues to rise, there is a debate in the media about the availability of these facilities. A recent Panorama documentary, “Electric Cars: Is it time to buy?” fuelled the fire, claiming public charging would not match the government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate.
In contrast, the Renewable Energy Association (REA) released a statement advising there were more cars per petrol/diesel pump on average than EVs. One thing is clear. There is a need for more public charging facilities. However, when, where and how quickly drivers need to charge is vital in providing a service to your customers.
Read this article to learn how to find the best EV charging solution for your business.
The Different Types of EV Charging
You can make people return for more and attract new people to your site by using the correct type of charging. Business owners must understand their customers, whether in retail, hotels, or the workplace. They can then use this information to design charging that complements their requirements.
For example, our survey found EV drivers were charging in a multitude of different locations. Supermarkets were the highest at 49%, followed by public car parks at 41% and out-of-town shopping centres and retail parks were 29%. Also, not forgetting how important EV charging is on long journeys. The research also found 40% of UK EV drivers like to charge at motorway service stations.
Research by Nimblemins found that the average daily commute for car drivers is 20 miles. Home charging can meet these charging requirements. However, when the EV driver is out and about, especially on longer journeys, destinations provide a real opportunity to access charging. This area is where your business can step in and provide this service.
There are three types of chargers you can use to do this:
- Fast charging (Alternative Current charging) (AC)
- Rapid charging (Direct charging) (DC)
- Ultra-rapid charging
❖ Fast (AC) charging
Charging between 7kW and 22kW. Suitable for home charging, workplace charging, and public charging where the speed of charge is not the priority. A full charge can take around 6-8 hours. Most vehicles on the road today can only charge at a maximum of 11kW, even if connected to a 22kW charger. This may change over time as technology improves.
Overnight charging at home or in hotel locations would be the ideal location to use fast charging. It works well when a vehicle is stationary for a few hours. In some cases, it could provide EV drivers with a useful top-up if they are parked for 2-3 hours. Fast charging is also one of the cheaper ways to charge.
❖ Rapid (DC) charging
This type of charging is anything upwards of 50 kilowatts to 100 kilowatts. It can typically take around an hour to charge a battery at the highest advertised speed. Rapid charging works better when charging (stationary) time is limited. Leisure and retail locations would be useful sites to offer rapid charging. Supermarkets, food & beverage outlets, or quick service restaurants are ideal places.
❖ Ultra-Rapid Charging
Currently, the fastest type of charging available, ultra-rapid charging, is between 100kW to 350kW. If you charge at the highest advertised speed, 350kW, it could take less than 15 minutes to charge a battery fully. It’s important to note with 22kW AC charging, not all vehicles can charge at the full advertised speed. Batteries and vehicles self-regulate the speed depending on the state of charge.
Advancements in technology continually improve battery range and charging speeds, all aimed at reducing the time taken, an example of such from Nyobolt announcing a full charge in only six minutes.
It’s also important to note that the actual charging speed will vary from the advertised speed when using DC charging (rapid or ultra-rapid). Many factors will influence this, the vehicle/battery, the charging technology, time of day, the location and the number of other vehicles charging at the same location.
Charging speeds are not linear, modern electric cars will follow a similar charging curve when using DC charging. When the state of charge (SoC) in a battery is less than 20%, the speed may be slower than advertised. Technology in electric vehicles controls and reduces the speed to moderate heat.
Charging between 20% and 80% will be the fastest and could reach the advertised speed of the charger. As the battery SoC reaches around 80% or more, charging speeds will again reduce until capacity is reached. Each make and model of car is different and may have slightly different curves.
There are very few vehicles that can reach the fastest ultra-rapid charging speeds (150kW or more), those that do, are luxury/premium models. The majority of vehicles will peak at speeds of 80-100kW.
Range, or perceived lack of it, has been one of the key reasons cited by many that EVs aren’t “up to the job”, but with many new medium and family-sized electric vehicles offering real-world ranges of 250-300 miles on a full charge, that is no longer the case. We are also driving less each year, MOT test Data found that the UK average annual car mileage is 5,398. This is a 24% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels and is partly reflected by more people working from home.
Businesses need to understand where, when and how EV drivers need to charge their vehicles, helping to create excellence in customer experience and making charging complementary to the existing customer journey is vital.
For EV charging technology, businesses must take the time to understand an EV driver's charging needs. It can help them to match existing customer behaviours and provide the most convenient charging experience. Companies can maximise their revenue and minimise the impact of any change on their customers. It can improve customer loyalty and enhance the overall EV charging experience.
The Factors to Consider Before Installing EV Charging
The UK has set an expectation that we will need 300,000 public chargers by 2030. All too often, the focus is on the number as a target rather than designing charging infrastructure based on use cases. In doing so, we are in danger of having chargers that aren’t fit for purpose, making the transition harder to achieve. Businesses that follow a use-case approach to deliver charging in the right location, at the right time, and at the right speed will attract new customers and improve retention.
Indeed, a consumer and location intelligence specialist CACI survey found that 68% of EV drivers will visit businesses more frequently if they provide the correct charging facilities. The most important things for a business to think about are:
- Where will the EV driver charge
- When are the EV drivers going to charge
- How quickly does the EV driver need to charge
The Location of Your Electric Charging Station
Here are some key factors to consider for the location of your electric charging station.
Accessibility for Customers and Employees (Interoperability)
Convenience and access for all is vital for success. There are charging networks that have chosen to build closed networks; we have seen the limitations of this approach in other technology sectors (e.g., Telecoms).
Businesses need flexibility and interoperability to remain competitive and ensure they receive and deliver the highest levels of service. All hardware and software should operate using Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI).
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication standard for EV charging stations and network software companies. Any EV charging station that is OCPP-compliant can be configured to run any compliant software.
OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) is an open protocol used for connections between charge station operators and service providers.
Simply put, by operating under these protocols, there is greater choice and flexibility for all. Ensuring hardware and software is compliant and interoperable when installing the infrastructure should be the highest priority. Providers can be replaced where the service fails to meet expectations without the need to replace hardware or be disruptive to customers. Vice versa, if hardware fails, that can be easily replaced without needing additional third-party software.
Distance From Other Charging Points
When planning charging stations, it’s important to be aware of competing sites in your catchment area, especially if you are looking to use the provision of charging to attract new customers. If charging exists locally, will your customers go to your competitors and will charging bring new customers to you? When you understand why customers come to you and their behaviours, you can design a charging solution that complements this and maximises customer retention. Provide your customer with charging at the right time, in the right location, and at the right speed.
The best approach when building EV charging sites is to locate where and when (electric) vehicles are stationary. We also need to provide charging when drivers need to charge quickly and time is limited. The most appropriate locations for this type of charging are alongside the motorway and major road networks Whilst some of these locations will lend themselves to be repurposed petrol forecourts (PFS), it is unlikely that all PFS will be suitable for EV charging.
Two main things to consider for charging provision:
- Charge when you stop
Drivers want (or need) to charge a vehicle when they reach their destination or require a comfort break on a long journey. Destination charging will form the majority of public charging. The typical activity could include shopping, a restaurant meal, visiting the cinema or a coffee and bathroom break. Providing the right type of charging should suit the average length of time taken at the site. Fast charging could be the right type here, as drivers are more likely to be stationary for longer.
- Stop when you charge
Drivers need to charge in order to reach their destination. A more urgent need to charge may be an unplanned stop. It is vitally important that the location is welcoming, safe and secure and provides good amenities whilst sufficient charging takes place. Likely to be a quick pit stop to charge with fast-service food and drink. Rapid or ultra-rapid charging could be the right type here, as drivers are likely to be stationary for a short period and eager to continue their journey.
Safety, Security, and Accessibility For Customers
The safety and security of public charging stations are crucial. Our survey also found 17% of respondents were avoiding using public EV charging spaces because they felt unsafe. All businesses must consider whether someone would feel safe charging at their station. Your charging provision may only be available for specific hours because you might not want to provide it when it is less safe at night.
It’s also important to consider how accessible your charging site is. It needs to be suitable for people with accessibility or mobility issues. Also, more commercial vehicles will start using public charging stations. The charging station must be big enough to accommodate bigger electric cars and vans.
Local authorities are also starting to open public spaces for charging at night, for example, in the swimming pool or a public library car park. This offering is ideal for people in quasi-work/quasi-home situations, such as a van driver who works till 10 pm and does not have a home charging solution.
The Cost of Electric Charging Stations
Many people wonder why it costs more to use a rapid charger than a home charger. If you need to deliver a lot of power over a short period, the infrastructure to supply this must be greater. Factors include the size of the cables, civil work to construct a site, the street furniture needed (including chargers) will all be different. Where fast charging is used the hardware is less costly, more agile, lighter, and less cumbersome. Also, the power needed to bring it to the site is very different. There is an inequity for people who can only access public charging stations because it will always be more expensive.
If you were to break down the costs of rapid charging, there are two main areas:
- The cost of energy (the electricity that goes into the charger)
- The cost of the infrastructure hardware and building the site out
In addition to the charging hardware, the costs of building out the site can include:
- Civil works
- Bay markings
- Bay painting
- Bump stops
- Protection barriers
- Site signage
Installers must factor these things into the infrastructure to achieve longevity. Also, some of these are vital to minimise any accidental damage to the charger/site. Although businesses put many preventive measures in place, accidents can still occur. Drivers can sometimes collide with hardware.
Regular maintenance of the EV charging stations is critical to offer EV drivers the best possible EV charging experience. For example, in our survey, we discovered 36% of drivers were unable to access charging because the charging station was broken or out of order.
There are also proactive and reactive costs to maintain and operate the chargers. The bigger and faster you want the charger, the more expensive it will be onsite. For example, when your business provides access to faster and rapid charging rather than ultra-rapid charging. The costs of charging an EV will stay lower.
Funding EV charge points
The provision of an EV charging station for your customers is a great business opportunity. At SMS, we offer a fully funded solution, so you can set aside any concerns about costs. We fund the entire project, handling everything from planning and grid connection to smooth operations, whilst you receive a fixed amount or a share of the revenue in return. Additionally, you may also be entitled to a grant from the government for your EV charging station.
Finding the Best EV Charging Points
Once you have considered all the factors above, it is time to find the best EV charging points for your business. Here are some key areas to look at before making the final decision.
Research Charging Point Operators
It would be best if you worked closely with your charging point provider. Your solution must work for your business, or you could lose customers.
Check Reviews and Ratings
ZapMap is the best source for EV drivers and the industry to go and see which brands are performing well. ZapMap is like TripAdvisor but for the EV industry. Suppose you go to a specific charging station. You can leave a review, so others know if it is good, bad, or indifferent.
It all helps to create a brand league table, and people can see:
- Which brand is performing well
- Which chargers are always out of action
While ZapMap is one of the most significant sources of information. Other things are happening in the EV industry. There is a new trade federation called Charge UK. Some of the biggest CPOs are helping to create a powerful voice. It will help the EV industry, especially for central government and policy lobbying.
Consult with The Best Experts On The Market
Like anything in business, the most sensible approach is to work with an experienced partner. As the electric vehicle industry grows, more businesses are starting in this area. It would help if you worked with specialist electric vehicle charging installers to avoid problems.
Working with an established company is safer than gambling on a new one. If you install the wrong charging options, your business could suffer financially. Working with the right vehicle charging installers is crucial. A professional partner can help you select the right solution to give the best customer experience.
Installation and Maintenance Of EV Charging Points For Business
After deciding on the best EV charging points for your business, you must find the right company to install these EV charging stations. Also, remember you need access to a professional system for regular maintenance checks.
Choose a Reliable and Experienced Installer
When you look for a CPO, you need to ensure they are capable of specifying and designing to your use case and customer journey. Your partner needs to provide a solution that matches that. It needs to give you a payment solution that is simple and easy for drivers. Also, consider public charging government regulations of facilities being available 99.9% of the time.
Working with the right CPO means working openly and transparently. They can help you look at technology as an enabler. For example, if you have loyalty and reward schemes. You can make access to charging easier and combine them. You can then lock this customer into your business.
The most significant part of delivering charging is where to locate it and how to get power there. As a company, SMS has gone through these pain points with telecom providers for decades. Now, as expert EV charging installers, this strong background in infrastructure build-out is helping businesses who want to start using EV chargers.
It’s also essential that the solution will be able to match the future of the EV industry. As more EV vehicles come onto the roads, the business must grow the charging site. The underground infrastructure needs to factor in that it will fit in 30 to 40 years and accommodate growth in the market.
Maintenance of EV Charging Points
If you look at the current infrastructure, there are pockets of chargers out of action or out of service. One reason is that it is an aged infrastructure, even in a relatively short period. The support packages or maintenance and parts from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are no longer available.
The EV industry is in such a fast-paced technological world. OEMs no longer support infrastructure 5-10 years old. Consequently, it may need a complete overhaul or replacement because of smart charging and more technologically advanced charging. What was good in the last few years might not be good now.
From a payment perspective, the potential for a better user experience is replicating what Tesla has and using a Plug and Play system. That is why you must work with the right installer to ensure you have the correct setup for your business. One familiar with the movement into an ISO 15118 standard for EV-to-grid communication.
The Future of Public EV Charging Solutions
The government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate sets a clear roadmap for ministers. All new cars sold from 2030 must be hybrids or pure EVs. The public charging needs for electric vehicles will continue to rise. Using this trend to create revenue could make a massive difference to your profits.
EV charging points can benefit your business by considering the factors above and finding the best options. You can give your customers and employees reliable and efficient charging facilities. Your only positive dilemma for the future could be how many chargers you need to meet the demand.
Contact SMS to install EV public charging on your land or property. Become a go-to charging site for EV drivers and enjoy a long-term revenue stream.