Commercial EV Charger Installation Services

FAQs About Commercial EV Charging

How much does it cost to install commercial EV chargers?

The cost of installing commercial EV chargers is highly variable and depends on a detailed site assessment. While the chargers themselves have a set price, the installation costs can differ significantly from one property to another. The primary factors influencing the total investment include:

• Charger Type: Level 2 chargers, which are ideal for workplaces and multi-family properties where vehicles park for several hours, are far less expensive than DC Fast Chargers, which are suited for quick-turnaround retail or fleet applications.
• Electrical Capacity: The single biggest variable is whether your building's existing electrical service can handle the added load. If a service upgrade is required, it can be a major component of the project cost.
• Installation Complexity: The distance from your electrical room to the parking spaces directly impacts the cost of wiring and trenching. Cutting through concrete or asphalt is more costly than running conduit along a wall.
• Number of Chargers: While more chargers mean a higher total cost, there are often efficiencies in installing multiple units at once.
• Networked Features: "Smart" chargers with software for payment processing and access control have hardware and potential subscription costs but provide valuable management tools.

The only way to get a firm price is through a professional on-site evaluation. Lumen Lighting and Electric provides a comprehensive proposal after assessing your property's specific conditions.

Can I install an EV charger at my business?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, businesses and commercial properties can install EV chargers. However, a successful installation depends on a few key factors that must be professionally evaluated:

1. Electrical Capacity: The most critical step is an electrical load calculation to determine if your building's main service can support the new chargers.
2. Physical Location: You need suitable parking spaces that are reasonably close to your electrical infrastructure. The layout must also consider factors like traffic flow and ADA accessibility requirements.
3. Permitting: EV charger installation is a significant electrical project that requires permits and inspections from your local authority to ensure it meets all safety codes.

As part of our turnkey service, we handle this entire feasibility assessment for you. We evaluate your electrical system, recommend the best locations, and manage the entire permitting process to ensure a compliant and successful installation.

What is the 80% rule for EV charging?

The "80% rule" has two important meanings in the world of electric vehicles—one for electrical safety and one for battery health.

1. Electrical Code (Safety): The National Electrical Code (NEC) classifies EV charging as a "continuous load." For safety, the circuit powering the charger must be rated for 125% of the charger's maximum output. This means the charger can only draw up to 80% of the circuit breaker's total capacity. For example, a 40-amp charger must be installed on a 50-amp circuit (40A is 80% of 50A). Adhering to this rule is mandatory for a safe, code-compliant installation and prevents overheating.
2. Battery Health (Best Practice): For daily driving, it is a widely recommended best practice for EV owners to keep their battery's state of charge between 20% and 80%. This helps reduce stress on the battery cells and can significantly prolong its lifespan. Charging to 100% is typically reserved for long road trips.

Our expert electricians design every installation to strictly adhere to the NEC's 80% rule, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of your new amenity.