Frequently Asked Questions

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The list of reasons to add EV charging continues to grow, with no slowdown in sight. Part of the growth is due to the continued increase in sales of new and used EVs. By 2030, it is estimated that EVs will make up 30% of the overall auto market in the U.S. Additional reasons include:

1. Federal and State Incentives. There are several federal and state-funded programs to lower the costs of adding EV charging. ACS can help guide you through the process of identifying and applying for the available tax credits and incentives. You can learn more at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center as well as at the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation.
2. Support Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Initiatives. Adding EV charging aligns with global environmental and corporate social responsibility goals and contributes to lower carbon emissions. 
3. Increase Customer Satisfaction and Brand Awareness. EV charging stations offer a sought-after amenity that enhances your customer and employee experience and increases brand awareness and customer loyalty.
4. Future-proof Investment. The adoption of EVs is not an if but a when. Installing chargers now is a proactive step to future-proof your property against changing market dynamics.
5. Create an Additional Revenue Stream. EV charging services will generate revenue every time it is used at your property or business, which can be used to offset the costs of the EV chargers themselves.
6. Increase Property Value. The presence of EV chargers can enhance your property's overall value. As EV adoption continues to grow, properties with charging infrastructure will become more appealing to potential buyers and investors.

Below are a few of the most common terms used in EV charging. You can find more terms and information here. 

• AC (Alternating Current): AC power is an electrical current that can change (or alternate) directions. In EV charging, AC power is converted into DC power to charge electric vehicles.
• BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): This type of car is entirely powered by a battery and uses an electrical charge to run. A BEV is an alternative to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. 
• DC (Direct Current): DC power is an electrical current that flows in one direction. In charging, AC is converted to DC to enable charging. DC is also used for energy storage.
• EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment): EVSE is the equipment used to charge electric vehicles and includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC Fast Charge charging stations.
• HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): An HEV is a type of vehicle that gets its power from an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. 
• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicle:  A vehicle that is powered via gasoline, oil, or other fuel.
• kWh (Kilowatt Hour): A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power used for one hour. The average amount of kWH needed to charge an EV runs between 50-100 kWh, which roughly translates to 100-250 miles of range. 
• OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol): A way for EV charging sites to stay connected to a central management system to perform routine maintenance, identify issues, and collect data. 
• PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): A type of hybrid electric vehicle that has both an engine and an electric battery. It can be charged from an external power source, making it more like a BEV.

With millions of vehicles on the road, the positive environmental impact of EVs is significantly higher than their gas-powered counterparts.

Critics often note that the manufacturing of EVs emits carbon emissions or that the power needed to charge an EV emits pollutants into the air, thus making EVs harmful to the environment. While these things may be true, the emissions produced overall by EVs are far lower than gas-powered vehicles. Factoring in production and usage, EVs emit around 60 GHGs while their gas-powered counterparts emit between 350-400.

Learn more here.

• Level 1: Most often used in residential settings, Level 1 chargers can be plugged into standard household outlets (120V). Charging to 80% can take from eight to      10 hours.
• Level 2: Level 2 chargers provide a much faster charge and use 240V. They are commonly used in homes, workplaces, or public spaces.
• Level 3 DC Fast Charging: These chargers are the fastest option and are ideal for commercial locations, highways, and public spaces. They are ideal for long-distance travel​.

See our blog for more information.

 

A good rule of thumb in determining how many EV chargers you will need is to add one EV charger to every 25-30 parking spaces. For additional help in planning, contact ACS and we can work with you on a recommendation, or you can review the information in the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s EV Charging Infrastructure Toolbox.

 

We make adding EV charging solutions easy. We can handle everything, from hardware selection to installation and commissioning to ongoing maintenance and 24/7 technical support. We also offer flexible financing solutions whether you are looking to buy, lease, or pay a monthly subscription fee. We will work with you to make the move to sustainable mobility the easiest decision you have to make.

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For Level 1 charging, a standard 120V outlet is sufficient. For Level 2 chargers, a 240V outlet is required, similar to a dryer or oven connection. DC fast chargers need a 480V connection, making them suitable for commercial or industrial settings​.

For Level 1 chargers, most installations can be managed at home with the guidance of a licensed electrician.

For replacing or upgrading to Level 2 or Level 3 charging, Automotive Charging Solutions (ACS) can develop a plan to maximize the EV charging experience without wasting time or money. Items typically included in rip and replace projects include: 

• Equipment, including pedestals and cable retractors
• Removal of current chargers and installation and commissioning of new charging stations 
• Networking
• Consultation on available incentives
• Permitting and additional electrical work

Items like signs and stencils, bollards, and paint are not typically included but can be priced separately. 

Charging time depends on the EV model and charger type. Level 1 chargers can take over 24 hours for a full charge, while Level 2 chargers usually take 4-10 hours. DC fast chargers can recharge up to 80% of a battery in 30 minutes​. 

Our financing options encompass any size or budget, from purchasing the equipment outright, financing or leasing, or tapping into our Charging as a Service (CaaS) plan.

• CaaS: ACS handles everything, from installation to maintenance to technical support. The customer pays a low monthly charge and receives a portion of the revenue.
• Finance: ACS provides 3, 5, and 6-year financing options and handles all maintenance and technical support. The customer receives any revenue made on EV charger usage.
• Purchase: The customer owns the equipment and is responsible for the operation of hardware and software solutions. ACS handles all maintenance and technical support. 

Public chargers must meet local building codes, including proper spacing for parking, accessible pathways for disabled users, and possibly designated EV-only parking spots​. The ACS team has experience with this and can help you navigate these requirements.