Creating a Sustainable Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure
Implementing an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a significant undertaking. Yet, with thoughtful planning, this infrastructure can robustly support your operation as you expand your fleet of electric vehicles. Essential to this process is designing an infrastructure that emphasizes both longevity and resilience.
The Basics of EV Charging Infrastructure
The EV charging setup encompasses various components, integrating both hardware and software. Key elements include a power supply, connector(s), charging cables, control board, and a user interface. As your operation integrates more EVs, you’ll likely encounter a heightened demand for electricity, possibly exceeding your current electric service’s capacity. Upgrading your service, in coordination with your local utility, may be essential.
Choosing the appropriate charger type is critical, encompassing decisions on both hardware and software. It’s important to consider not only your current needs but also anticipate future requirements. Factors like charging levels, connection types, charging management capabilities, and OEM charger recommendations play a vital role in this decision-making process.
The Importance of Futureproofing
Futureproofing your charging infrastructure is vital. According to Energy5, this approach ensures compatibility and flexibility, allowing for a broad spectrum of charging technologies, emerging standards, and connectivity options. Implementing a charging infrastructure demands significant investment and time. Given the uniqueness of each project, involving all stakeholders is crucial to determine the most suitable infrastructure solution.
Strategies for Futureproofing
Begin by evaluating your short- and long-term EV growth plans to understand future energy requirements. Communicating your growth vision with the utility provider is essential to ensure provisions for future energy loads. Futureproofing doesn’t always mean installing extra chargers immediately. However, installing conduits with adequate capacity for future expansion is advisable.
Will Stearns, a civil engineer and project manager at Cleantek, clarifies that futureproofing involves preparing the existing switchgear for future expansion without necessarily installing all the wiring immediately. This process might involve significant site disruption, such as excavating pavement and trenching, and the installation of sub-surface elements.
Electrical switchgear, as Franklin Electric explains, is a centralized assembly of circuit breakers, fuses, and switches. It serves to protect, control, and isolate electrical equipment. A typical switchgear panel includes a power disconnect panel, current transformer cabinet, utility meter, distribution panel, low voltage distribution panel, and a transformer.
As your EV fleet grows, so does your electrical demand. The goal is to avoid repetitive, extensive infrastructure projects with each addition to your fleet. “Laying the groundwork for your charging infrastructure takes research — and smart decisions,” according to Freightliner.
Futureproofing your EV charging infrastructure is not just a technical challenge but a critical step towards successful EV integration. Companies like Electrada simplify the futureproofing process, offering comprehensive solutions for all your fleet charging requirements from start to finish. Get in touch to learn more.
