Electric Vehicles are increasing in popularity and adoption amongst global consumers. As a result, the demand for installation of accessible electric vehicle charging stations has increased. If your community has contemplated how to begin planning for and future proofing the community via make-ready work for installation of electric vehicle chargers, you've come to the right place.
Looking to install an EV Charging Station in your community? Look no further than Falcon! As your trusted advisor, we'll guide you through the process and help you make the most of this cutting-edge technology. With our expert support, you'll be able to provide your residents with a convenient and sustainable way to power up their electric vehicles. From selecting the right equipment to navigating the installation process, Falcon has you covered.
Why an expert is beneficial in the planning process for EV charging station implementation in your community:
- Technical expertise: An expert in EV charging infrastructure can provide in-depth knowledge about the latest technologies, standards, and best practices. They can assess the specific needs of your community, analyze existing infrastructure, and propose appropriate solutions for the future. This can help ensure that the charging stations are efficient, reliable, and compatible with various electric vehicles.
- Independent Analysis: There are multitude of contractors out there offering to install EV charging at little to no cost, however, there are a number of potential pit-falls that multi-family and commercial clients need to be aware of, including:
- Installation of EV charging stations that do not accommodate future expansion.
- Many of the agreements being offer for “free” or “little to no cost” come with hidden stipulations that lock the end user into extremely high service charges or non-compete clauses that prohibit the client from using any other vendor for a given period of time.
- Before engaging any contractor to perform work, strong consideration should be given to hiring an independent third party that has no vested interest in these contracts in order to obtain a clear understanding if the scope of work is the right fit for the project site.
- Planning and optimization: An expert can assist in the strategic planning and optimization of charging station locations within your community. They can conduct site assessments, considering factors such as traffic patterns, power grid capacity, and accessibility, and determine optimal locations for charging stations. This can help maximize the convenience and accessibility for EV owners while minimizing infrastructure costs.
- Future-proofing: EV charging technology is rapidly evolving, and it's essential to future-proof the infrastructure to accommodate technological advancements and innovations in the near-future. An expert can provide insight into emerging technologies, such as fast-charging capabilities, vehicle-to-grid integration, and smart charging systems. They can help design a scalable and adaptable infrastructure that can meet the evolving needs of electric vehicle owners.
- Regulatory compliance: EV charging infrastructure is subject to various regulations, permits, and standards. An expert can navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure that the charging stations meet all necessary requirements. They can also provide guidance on safety standards, accessibility guidelines, and interoperability protocols, ensuring that the charging stations are compliant and deemed safe for public use.
The benefits of installing EV charging stations in your community:
- Future-Proofing Infrastructure: As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, the demand for EV charging infrastructure will increase. Installing charging stations now ensures that your community is prepared for the rising number of electric vehicles on the road, avoiding potential infrastructure gaps and ensuring residents have the necessary support for their transportation needs.
- Attract and Retain Residents: Many individuals are choosing to drive electric vehicles due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs. By offering convenient access to EV charging infrastructure, you make your community more attractive to potential residents who may own or plan to purchase electric vehicles. This can also help retain existing residents who might consider switching to electric vehicles in the future.
- Foster Innovation and Technological Advancements: Electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure are part of an emerging technological revolution. By embracing this technology and providing charging stations, you encourage innovation and position your community as a hub for future advancements in electric transportation and related technologies.
- Encourage Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration: EV charging stations can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, allowing electric vehicles to be charged utilizing clean, sustainable, energy. This promotes energy efficiency and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, leading to a greener and more sustainable energy ecosystem.
- Support EV Transition for Residents: Installing EV charging stations makes it easier for residents to transition to electric vehicles. It eliminates concerns about access to charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and reliance on public charging networks. By providing convenient and accessible charging options, you empower residents to make the switch to electric vehicles confidently.
- Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action: Installing EV charging stations aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By taking the initiative to promote electric vehicle adoption, your community becomes a leader in sustainable transportation and sets an example for others to follow.
Falcon can provide many services to aide your Community in navigating this process as seamlessly as possible. Our services include:
- EV Charging Feasibility Studies
- Electrical Load Studies
- EV Charging Needs Assessments
- Preparation of Community-Specific Guidelines and Standards for EV Charging Installations
Where to Begin
- Evaluate existing electrical infrastructure
- Identify common/house loads
- Identify residential loads, if applicable
- Calculate the available spare capacity
- Evaluate options for adding chargers in the future, providing make-ready solutions for future residents who’d like to purchase an electric vehicle in the future, and charge in the convenience of your own community.
- Where applicable, identify current opportunities for financial incentives for EV Charger installation at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as utility company-specific financial incentives.
Our EV Feasibility Studies provide peace of mind for the community. Examples of information considered during Falcon’s EV Feasibility study include, but are not limited to:
- How many EVs are in the Community, and how many might there be eventually?
- What type of parking is available?
- How is electric metering handled?
- Will the Community be providing the Charging Stations or will individual unit owners install their own?
- Consider that permitting requirements may vary from town to town, city to city
- Some Jurisdictions will have very limited requirements
- Others may require a full set of plans, a load study certified by an Engineer, and possibly even a site plan and survey where multiple charging stations are to be installed in an outdoor application.
Electric Vehicle Guidelines and Standards
- Consistency is key. Ensuring your community has a process in place regarding how to field inquiries from residents when residents wish to install an EV Charger. The Association should establish a process for reviewing applications from residents who wish to install an EV Charger.
- Falcon can assist the Association with preparing professional, community-specific guidelines and standards documents for EV Charger installations, for use across the community.
- Safety and Standardization are paramount- If an Owner would like to install an EV Charger in their home, your Association should be prepared to handle these requests quickly. Falcon can assist your Association with drafting a resolution, including a formalized process, and prepare community-specific guidelines for EV Charging installation applications.
By utilizing Falcon's expertise while planning for the future of EV charging stations in your community, you can benefit from specialized knowledge and experience, leading to a well-planned, efficient, and future-proof EV charging infrastructure that serves the needs of your community.