Want EV chargers at your property but are unsure where to start? The first step is assessing the property’s feasibility. This means understanding the site’s limitations given current infrastructure, knowing what’s required to ensure safe installation, and assessing any upgrades needed to support demand. The two primary considerations to determine a property’s feasibility are 1) assessing the site’s current electrical capacity and network signal, and 2) discovering all necessary permits and guidelines for installing chargers. Let’s discuss what each looks like in depth and see how you can determine your property’s feasibility.
Assess the property’s current electrical capacity and network signal.
The first step in determining if a property can support EV chargers is to evaluate the building’s current electrical infrastructure, network, and capacity.
What this looks like:
An expert will conduct a detailed inventory of all existing load types, then coordinate with the utility provider to assess the building's peak demand against its electrical capacity. If the property's equipment does not support the required capacity, and/or the utility provider confirms there is not enough power to support added chargers, the property will likely require an equipment and/or service upgrade. A network survey should also be conducted to determine if the site’s current connectivity infrastructure can support chargers; if not, upgrades and additional infrastructure will likely be required. A qualified specialist will be able to inform owners of their property’s electrical and signal capabilities and offer viable solutions to move forward.
Why it’s essential:
A trained assessment of the property’s electrical capacity can help mitigate future safety risks and hazards. Additionally, owners considering future expansion of their current charging solutions can design with that in mind, ensuring they complete any required upgrades ahead of time.
Discover necessary permits and guidelines for installing chargers.
Property owners must familiarize themselves with local, state, and federal regulations regarding EV charger installations to identify any and all necessary permits for their project. There are several online resources available to assist with this discovery process; however, for many busy property owners, hiring a trained expert is the best strategy to ensure no permits or guidelines are forgotten.
Potential requirements for installation may include, but are not limited to:
- Authority Holding Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements
- *Each AHJ has stipulations for installation, including specific plan formatting, technical details, code requirements, and more. AHJ regulations and guidelines may change, meaning properties must stay up to date on the latest requirements.
- Completion and approval by certified specialists (holding EVITP, C-10, or other required certifications)
- Electrical permits (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- Building permits (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- Accessibility guidelines (U.S. Access Board)
- Building code obligations (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- Parking ordinances (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- Safety regulations
- Zoning ordinances (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- State electricity laws and incentives (Alternative Fuels Data Center)
- Compliance with National Electric Code (NEC) and National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA) (Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, p.3)
Why it’s essential:
Failing to obtain the proper permits and comply with regulations and ordinances can lead to future legal, financial, and safety issues.
How Chargie Can Help
Chargie will determine a property’s initial feasibility in two ways. First, one of our qualified sales representatives will conduct a site walkthrough and work with our engineers to assess the property’s current electrical capacity and network connection. They’ll then explore potential upgrade methods if necessary. Then, our sales and programs teams will guide owners through the entire permit discovery and application process, ensuring compliance with any regulations or guidelines.
