With the rapid increase in EV usage, businesses are considering the benefits of installing DC EV charging stations.
Here, we’ll cover the benefits of fast DC EV charging stations for businesses and the factors to help determine if it is the right option for your business.
What Is DC Charging?
DC chargers deliver ready-to-use direct current (DC) power electricity to the battery. The energy goes directly to the battery without the need to pass through other devices. Since the charger does the energy conversion, it enables rapid charging.
Curious about the difference between AC and DC charging? We cover this topic in-depth in our guide here: AC vs DC EV Chargers: Understanding the Differences.
Benefits of Fast DC EV Charging
Benefits of fast DC EV charging for owners include:
- Rapid charging times, often in just 20 minutes to 1 hour
- Replenish up to 80% of your battery fast
- Ability to get back on the road fast during long-distance travels
- Add significant range to your vehicle within minutes
- Fewer pit stops during trips
- Reduce your time spent at charging stations
- Increasing availability due to growing public EV infrastructure
Advantages of Installing a Fast DC EV Charging Station for Your Business/Commercial Area
Attract Customers and Boost Customer Loyalty
Public EV chargers can potentially draw new customers in. However, most public EV charging stations feature alternate current (AC) chargers.
Using AC chargers requires hours of charging time whereas DC chargers are incredibly fast. Stand out from your competitors and attract customers with the ability to charge EVs quickly – often in an hour or less.
Save Your Employees Time and Money
Many employees who lack access to a home EV charging station may tire of paying to use public charging stations. With DC fast chargers, employees can take advantage of convenient, fast DC EV charging right at work. This incentive can improve employee retention and attract new talent.
Position Your Business As a Leader in Sustainability
Installing a fast DC EV charging station can position your company as a leader in responsible business practices and environmentally friendly choices.
Like-minded customers will seek out businesses that offer public EV charging stations. By demonstrating your company’s commitment to eco-friendly measures, you can enhance your brand’s image, inspire other local businesses to lower their carbon footprint, and draw in like-minded customers.
Happier Employees
Offering free or low-cost fast DC EV charging to your employees may:
- Show your commitment to staff
- Help staff feel valued
- Improve employee satisfaction and retention
- Encourage employees to be more productive, motivated, and engaged
Reduced Costs
Investing in DC fast charging for your fleet can save on costs and maintenance compared to relying on public DC EV charging stations.
Increased Revenue Opportunities
Along with saving money, offering fast DC EV charging can provide an additional income stream for your business. By charging customers a fee to use fast DC charging, you can generate additional revenue. Customers often seek out fast charging options to minimise disruptions to their day.
You May Also Like: 9 Benefits of Workplace EV Charging
When to Use Fast Charging
Ideal applications of DC charging for EVs include:
- Time Restrictions: When you need to charge your EV rapdily and get back on the road as quickly as possible, DC fast charging is a great option. DC fast charging can significantly increase your state of charge in a short amount of time.
- Long-Distance Travel: DC fast charging is ideal for long-distance trips. DC fast charging enables fast top-ups that save time and cut down on stops.
- High-Volume Charging or High-Traffic Areas: DC fast charging stations are ideal at busy rest stops or locations near major highways.
- Large Vehicles: For trucks or larger vehicles with big EV batteries
Things to Consider Before Installing a DC EV Charging Station
Investing in EV charging infrastructure can benefit businesses that offer fast charging stations or have EV fleets. From attracting more customers to boosting your fleet’s efficiency, fast DC EV charging is worth considering.
However, it is crucial to evaluate your setup, customer needs, and fleet to ensure the most efficient use of resources and optimal charging performance.
We recommend careful consideration of these factors when planning DC EV fast charging infrastructure:
- Layout and available space
- Power capacity of each depot
- Will your business be expanding in the future? Consider implementing a charging infrastructure that can be scaled to meet future needs
- Will you implement multiple charging types with varying connector types and power outputs?
- Do you have a fleet? What are the charging needs of the vehicles (battery sizes, vehicle models, etc.)?
- Where will company vehicles be stationed during non-operating hours?
- What payment methods will you accept? We recommend offering a wide variety of payment options to suit your customers’ needs (i.e. mobile payment apps, POS machines, RFID cards)
- How long do customers spend at your location?
FAQs
How does DC EV charging work?
DC charging works by converting AC power from the grid to DC power that can be directly used to charge the EV’s battery. This process allows for faster charging speeds compared to AC charging.
Can DC fast charging affect the life of the battery?
DC fast charging can affect the life of the battery if you charge your EV too frequently. However, there are ways to avoid unnecessary stress on your EV’s battery.
Here are tips to maximise your battery’s longevity and efficiency:
- Avoid using DC fast charging if your SOC is over 80%
- Stick to fast charging in the ideal range, which is 20 to 80% SOC — charging speeds are fastest in this range
- Avoid fast charging with an SOC below 10%
- Use a mix of slow and fast EV charging methods
When should I use DC charging?
DC charging is ideal for:
- Long road trips
- When you need to top up your battery as fast as possible
- EV owners who want to minimise time spent on stops
Ready to Invest in a Fast DC EV Charging Station for Your Business?
Investing in fast DC EV charging for your business can benefit employees and vistiors and position your business as a leader in sustainable efforts.
Enquire now to learn more about the benefits of fast DC EV charging for businesses or for a free on-site quote.
