The electric vehicle is the modern vehicle, and since businesses are using it on a large scale, installing charging stations at your workplaces is essential.
Find out how to achieve a successful installation, with a modern infrastructure, compliant with current regulations and adapted to your professional needs.
Assess your business needs
The starting point for any successful installation is determining the true needs of your business.
→ How many charging stations do you need?
Consider the number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in your company and the number of employees who will eventually want to charge them.
👉 Our advice? Always allow for extra room to accommodate your business's growth!
→ Determine the appropriate charging powers
The power of the charging stations (3.7 kW, 7.4 kW, 11 kW, 22 kW) should be chosen based on the vehicles you use or the speed at which you want to charge. A quick analysis of the distance traveled daily by your employees will allow you to easily determine the ideal power level.
→ Determine strategic areas for installation
Optimize the location of charging stations by ensuring they are close to existing parking areas and are protected.
Prepare your electrical installation
Once you've clearly defined your business needs, review your electrical system to ensure it's ready to accommodate your charging stations. This ensures your charging network is safe, reliable, and compliant with current regulations!
→ Make sure your current electrical network is in good condition 🔍
First and foremost, have your existing electrical capacity assessed by an certified installer. This ensures that your existing electrical infrastructure can handle the demand and minimizes the risk of surges and unexpected power outages.
→ Select the appropriate installation type 🔌
Depending on the needs identified above, you will need a single-phase (up to 7.4 kW) or three-phase (11 kW, 22 kW or more) power supply. Keep in mind that this choice has a direct impact on the complexity and total cost of your installation!
→ Respect electrical standards 📋
Your installation must meet current standards, in particular the NF C 15-100 standard and the specific requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
👉 Practical advice: When it comes to electricity consumption, always make sure that the installation can meet future needs without costly adjustments.
Choosing the right charging station for your car
It's important to determine the type of charging station you need to ensure your business needs are met efficiently. You can choose from many types of platforms, each with its own unique features, benefits, and various factors to consider.
→ Wallbox type chargers
Wall chargers are well-suited for indoor installation, including parking garages or automated garages. They're compact, inexpensive, and easy to install, making them ideal for businesses with tight spaces. Some wall boxes even offer connected solutions to allow you to easily monitor energy consumption and manage access.
👉 Good to know: wallboxes can also be installed outdoors (on a wall, a post or by purchasing a compatible support foot)!
→ Floor-standing terminals
Designed for outdoor installations or open parking lots, they are durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions.
They are also perfect for semi-public or public spaces.
→ Power and connectivity
Choose chargers with intelligent management systems (consumption monitoring, individual billing, remote management, etc.). These connected solutions facilitate daily use and help reduce energy costs.
👉 Top Brands: Schneider, Legrand, Hager, and EVBox are trusted market leaders that all have a wide range of products to suit different business requirements.
Proceed with the installation of the terminals
Installation is where your project comes to life! Carried out by a professional, this step ensures the safety, reliability, and proper operation of your charging stations.
→ Site preparation 🦺
The installer checks the planned locations and connections one last time. The installation site must be safe, clean, and well-organized so as not to disrupt business operations.
→ Electrical connections ⚡️
The charging stations will be connected to the electricity grid using cabling suitable for the chosen power (generally between 4 mm² and 10 mm² depending on the distance and the required power). A residual current device (RCD) must be installed on each charging station.
→ Adaptation and fixing of chargers 🔩
Wallboxes are securely attached to walls, while free-standing terminals require a stable foundation. The installer must strictly adhere to safety standards, particularly regarding waterproofing for outdoor terminals.
⚠️ Important considerations:
- Ensure that all charging stations are protected against the weather (waterproof housing, sealed electrical connections).
- Accessibility is key: chargers must be easy to access for users and for maintenance.
Ensure the maintenance and monitoring of the installation
To ensure your charging stations operate as safely and reliably as possible over the long term, consistent maintenance will be required after installation.
→ Routine inspections
Regular checks allow you to keep an eye on the general condition of your charging stations and electrical connections, and quickly identify wear and tear or malfunctions. Preventative maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your equipment.
Some connected terminals are equipped with a telemetry system, which allows remote maintenance to be carried out.
→ Guarantees and maintenance contracts
Streamline day-to-day management: Set up a maintenance contract with a certified EV charger installer or directly with the charger manufacturer. These contracts typically include immediate troubleshooting.
Take advantage of financial aid
The initial costs deter many businesses from installing these charging stations. However, there are many grants available that can significantly reduce the costs associated with installing electric vehicle charging stations !
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