Are you considering investing in a commercial EV charging station for your business? If that’s the case, you may be curious about the cost. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the pricing of commercial EV charging stations and offer valuable tips to help you find the best deals. Explore the various factors influencing the cost of commercial EV charging stations and gain valuable insights into finding the most cost-effective solutions that best suit your needs.
Types of commercial EV chargers
The price tag of your commercial electric vehicle charging station depends on your electrification needs. You will need to know which power level is best for your business.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations come in three distinct power levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, also known as DC fast charging. These options offer varying charging capacities to meet the diverse needs of EV owners.
Level 1 is the standard for home charging using a wall plug of 120 volts and is the slowest type of EV charging equipment.
Level 2 chargers are usually found at public charging stations and use 240 volts.
DC fast chargers are the most robust of the three and charge with 480+ volts. DC fast chargers are currently the fastest way to charge an EV.
Level 1 and Level 2 chargers supply alternating current (AC) from the grid, which has to be converted by the electric car’s battery to direct current (DC) since EV batteries can only accept DC current. This conversion is what makes Level 1 and Level 2 chargers so much slower than DC fast chargers.
How much does it cost to install a commercial EV charging station?
The price of an electric vehicle (EV) charging station is influenced by several factors. These include the type of charger, the quantity of chargers, and potential electrical upgrades that might be necessary. It’s important to consider all these aspects when determining the cost of installing an EV charging station.
Generally speaking, a Level 2 charger will cost between $1,000 and $5,000, while a Level 3 charger will cost between $30,000 and $80,000+.
Of course, there are many other factors to consider when budgeting for an EV charging station, such as installation costs, permits, and ongoing maintenance. However, the initial cost is a good place to start when doing your research.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to install an EV charging station at your business should come down to a cost-benefit analysis. Weigh the up-front cost against the potential benefits of being a sustainable business that meets the needs of your employees and customers. If the benefits outweigh the costs, then EV charging stations are a great option for your business!
Most commercial facilities choose Level 2 or DC fast chargers. As you may have assumed correctly, Level 1 chargers are the cheapest, Level 2 chargers are at the mid-range price point, and DC fast chargers are the most expensive.
Multi-family units or office buildings usually go with Level 2 chargers since they are more affordable than DC chargers and have a relatively sufficient charging speed. Other commercial properties with medium- or heavy-duty EV fleets choose DC fast chargers in order to adequately provide for their EV charging needs.
Level 1 chargers are not a good option for commercial facilities, not only because they are too slow, but they can overload the electrical circuits at a facility. Level 1 chargers were not designed for commercial use, but for residential use, and that is why they can cause electrical issues when used for a large operation.
| Charge Time | Charger Type | Estimated EV Charger Cost | Amperage | Voltage |
| 4-8 hours | Level 2 | $700 – $2,000 | 48A | 200-240V AC |
| 2-5 hours | Level 2 | $1,800 – $5,000+ | 80A | 200-240V AC |
| 1-2 hours | Level 3 | $30,000 – $40,000+ | 100A | 480V+ DC |
| 30-60 min | Level 3 | $55,000 – $65,000+ | 200A | 480V+ DC |
| 15-30 min | Level 3 | $65,000 – $75,000+ | 250A | 480V+ DC |
When considering the installation of an EV charging station, it’s essential to understand that costs can vary based on several factors. Generally, a budget of $1,000 to $5,000 per Level 2 charging station should suffice. This budget includes the charger itself, alongside the necessary electrical and construction work. Naturally, the final expense depends on variables such as the chosen charger type and the extent of electrical modifications required. With thorough planning, you can ensure optimal value for your investment.
In the end, the overall cost could significantly decrease because of the utility rebates and incentives offered for commercial EV charging stations. Additionally, if you already have electrical infrastructure in place that can be modified for EV charging stations, you can save even more money.
What are the costs associated with a commercial EV charging station installation?
In order to figure out how much installing an EV charging station at your property will cost, you’ll have to consider infrastructure and installation costs.
Infrastructure expenses will be the most expensive and will depend on:
- Cost to deliver power to the commercial EV charging stations
- Labor and material costs for electrical conduit and wire, which will require digging
- Labor and material costs for pouring new concrete
- Labor and material for electrical panels (if needed)
- Networked or non-networked (connected to internet/online management system or not)
How much does a commercial EV charging station cost?
The total installation expenses can vary based on several factors, including but not limited to the complexity of the project, the type of materials used, the size of the area being worked on, and any additional services required. It’s important to consider these factors and thoroughly assess the specific requirements of your project to accurately determine the overall installation costs. Here are some important things to consider:
- Number of chargers
- Charger manufacturer
- Charger level type
- Labor
- Permits
- Taxes
- Location
- Landscaping & lighting
EV charging solution financing options
As mentioned above, rebates, incentives, and tax credits will cause the eventual price you pay to electrify your facility much lower than initial estimates. Yet, there are even more options available to you that can help cut initial EV charging projects costs down even more. Here are three financing options offered by WattLogic:
Turnkey installation
Everything is covered for you. An EV charging company that offers this option should provide design, product selection, permitting, rebate and incentive management, and installation. With this option, you don’t have to worry about anything, but figuring out how to alert everyone about the new EV charging stations!
Charging as a Service
You pay a monthly subscription fee and avoid paying all upfront costs. With this subscription fee, you receive everything as you would have had you purchased it outright.
If you choose WattLogic as your EV charging company, with our Charging as a Service package you could also capture additional revenue from people charging, which could cover the cost of your subscription fee. Depending on how robust your EV charging station system is you could even see positive cash flow!
Shared Revenue
The EV charging contractor will install your stations for you and take on the cost, then collect the revenue your stations receive from drivers charging their EVs. A variation of this option would be the EV charging installer splitting both the cost and revenue with you.
Finding the right EV charging company
Have you been thinking about installing a commercial EV charging station, but the process seems daunting? Don’t worry, WattLogic has got you covered. We will take care of every step of the process for you, from design and installation to EV charger selection and software connectivity. Plus, we can help you navigate the permitting process and take advantage of rebates and incentives. And our ongoing maintenance support will keep your charging station up and running for years to come. So if you’re ready to go electric, let WattLogic handle everything – we’ll make it easy.
