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There is a growing market of EV customers and installing them now can help a business stand out
What to know before you install
It is important to know what to look for when installing charging stations so they are operational and set up for potential future expansion . For instance , many paid charging stations require a cell phone to operate so it ’ s important to check for an adequate signal before choosing a location .
Know the goals and audience for the charging station . Depending on the goals , a charger may not need all the bells and whistles . An experienced charging solutions company can help determine what kind of charging station is needed .
On the first installation , consider putting the conduits in place for further expansion . It is wise to start with two-to-four charging stations , but Mike suggests putting the presets in place for a full suite on the first installation . With presets in place , there ’ s less cost and less risk when demand increases down the road .
Cost
The upfront costs for the infrastructure and installation can vary widely based on numerous factors , including where the business is located , whether the ports are inside or outside , and how far from the building they are . Upfront costs may be a significant investment but many government programs or grants are available to offset them .
For companies that want to monetize charging stations , Mike would caution against expecting them to be a large stream of revenue itself and instead encourages businesses to view it as a competitive edge .
Best practices
It ’ s essential to plan the right sites for charging stations that will allow for expansion in the future . To make sure there are no costly mistakes , hire an electrician who has experience installing chargers or speak to the charging company and have them walk the installer through it .
Mike recommends finding a charging station company with quality customer service to ensure the charging stations are installed correctly and offer ongoing support .
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