A Guide to EV Charging Station Design for Business Owners

With the rise of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the demand for convenient and accessible charging stations has never been higher. Veloz, a California-based EV advocacy organization, calculates that at the end of 2024, there are more than 5.7 million electric vehicles on the road in the United States, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV). In 2024, a combined 3.2 million hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles made up 20% of all new car and truck sales, including 1.9 million hybrid and PHEVs and 1.3 million BEVs. By 2030, EV sales could more than triple to 7.7 million and account for nearly 46% of all light-duty vehicle sales.

With the increasing demand for reliable charging networks, businesses have a unique opportunity to cater to the EV market. Installing charging stations is a strategic move that can enhance customer experiences, improve your brand's visibility, and increase foot traffic.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about EV charging station design so you can capitalize on this opportunity with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about designing your EV charging station site.

Choose the Right Location

Location is one of the most crucial factors in the success of your EV charging station. A strategic location ensures your station is both easily visible and accessible. By attracting as many EV drivers as possible, you can maximize usage and revenue generation.

Consider these factors when choosing your location:

• Accessibility: The most ideal charging stations are located within easy reach of major entry points or thoroughfares. For example, high-traffic areas near shopping centers, office buildings, and hotels are prime spots.

• Visibility: Ensuring your chargers are well-lit and easy to navigate enhances security and convenience. For maximum visibility, you may need to factor some additional lighting into your charging station design budget.

• Security: It’s essential EV drivers feel safe while their vehicle is charging. To increase safety at night, make sure your design provides ample lighting and surveillance. Consider also ensuring that your property team is aware of the locations for easy access to panel breaker boxes, emergency shut-off switches, fire safety equipment, and fire safety protocols.

• Regulations and Zoning: Some local authorities have specific guidelines on where chargers can be placed. To avoid legal complications, research the rules that apply to your premises and ensure compliance with both municipal and state laws. Your electrical contractor and Blink sales manager can help with these details.

By assessing these essential factors, you ensure your charging station is practical, efficient, and a valuable asset for your business and your customers.

Choose the Right EV Charger

Selecting the appropriate charger is an essential element of electric vehicle charging station design. The three main types of EV charging plugs are:

• Level 1 (Slow Charging): Level 1 chargers use a standard 110/120V outlet to deliver around 2-5 hours of range per charging hour. L1 chargers deliver a “trickle charge” that can take 5-6 hours to charge a PHEV or 40-50+ hours to charge a BEV. They are best suited to emergency charging or possibly long-term parking lots where vehicles are parked for extended periods. While Level 1 charging cables typically come with a new EV purchase, due to the slow charging speeds, most EV drivers upgrade to Level 2 charging and save the L1 cable for emergencies.

• DC Fast Charging (Rapid Charging): DCFC is the fastest option and uses three-phase 480V power. DC fast chargers can generally deliver 80% of a charge in just 30 minutes, though speeds vary based on station amperage and vehicle capacities. DCFC are typically installed at fleet depots, service stations, and commercial areas near highways where drivers need a quick battery boost during long journeys.

However, selecting the right EV charger isn’t just about speed. The perfect EV charging design balances your business needs with customer expectations while maximizing the potential of your charging infrastructure.

Consider Power Supply and Infrastructure

Electrical and power supply requirements are two critical aspects of EV charging station design. Key considerations include:

The key is to be proactive in addressing your power supply and infrastructure needs early. That way, you can get up and running quickly while minimizing the risk of costly disruptions later.

Calculate Costs and Financial Incentives

With the design of EV charging station components covered, it’s time to crunch some numbers! Owning a charging station can be lucrative. However, the initial financial investment can be substantial, so it’s crucial you understand the full scope of costs:

• Installation: This includes materials and equipment costs (like chargers, lighting, security, and installation infrastructure), invoices for labor, and permitting fees. Your cost estimate may vary significantly depending on the type and number of chargers you install and the complexity of installation.

• Operation and Maintenance: Ongoing costs include electricity, software fees, and maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures your chargers remain in good working condition and provide the best possible experience for users.

• Incentives: The good news is that some local governments offer grants, tax credits, and zoning incentives that offset the cost of installation. Plus, many utility companies offer incentives, customized rates, or rebates for commercial EV chargers.

Learn more about getting ready for EV charger installation.

Ensure Compliance with Permits and Safety Regulations

It’s essential that your EV charging station design complies with the relevant safety and legal requirements. Here is a list of the most critical considerations:

• Permits: Depending on your location and station types, you may need to get a permit for EV charger installation. Check with your local municipality to ensure you have the necessary paperwork in place before starting any work. Note that DCFC projects usually take longer than L2 projects due to permitting requirements.

• ADA Compliance: Your service should be accessible to all, so compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a must. This includes clear signage, properly placed chargers, and the provision of accessible payment options.

• Fire Safety and Emergency Protocols: EV charging station installations must be designed with safety in mind. Implement adequate fire safety measures, ensure proper ventilation, and install emergency shut-off switches in case there is an electrical malfunction or emergency.

Of course, ensuring compliance isn’t just about avoiding legal complications. It’s also about protecting your customers and enhancing your brand’s reputation for responsibility and care.

Enhance the User Experience & Payment Options

User experience plays a significant role in the success of new EV charging stations. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Payment Options: Multiple payment options provide seamless user experiences and enhanced customer satisfaction. Flexible payment options like mobile apps, RFID cards, and tap-to-pay are especially popular.

• Pricing Models: Consider whether you’ll offer free charging, per-minute or per-session charges, or use a subscription-based model. You could also experiment with a strategy that offers discounted rates for members or loyal customers. Note that available pricing models may vary by market.

• Value-Added Services: Additional services can encourage customers to spend more time at your location while their car charges. Examples include high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable lounge areas, and partnerships with other local businesses.

The bottom line? A thoughtful approach to user experience can transform your charging station from a service point into a destination that keeps customers coming back. Discover best practices for selecting charging rates.

Market Your EV Charging Stations

Effective marketing helps ensure long-term success by attracting more users. Here are a few effective strategies you can use to get the word out:

• EV Charging Apps: Get your station listed on popular apps and platforms that are widely used by EV drivers to find available charging stations in real time. Top examples include PlugShare, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and the Blink Charging app.

• Promotional Strategies: Promotions, loyalty programs, and memberships all help drive traffic to your station. Consider offering discounts during off-peak hours or rewarding frequent users with special rates.

• Sustainability Marketing: Highlight the environmental benefits of your charging station to enhance your brand’s image. Positioning your business as an advocate for green energy will improve customer loyalty and attract new, eco-conscious consumers.

By leveraging the right platforms and promotional strategies, you can increase visibility while also strengthening your brand's connection to the growing EV community. Here are 20 ways to announce your EV charging station to the world.

Manage Your Investment

To ensure maximum return on investment, it’s important to make sure your charging station design and infrastructure are ready for the future. Here’s how to do it:

• Maintenance: Establishing a regular maintenance schedule keeps your chargers running smoothly. Remember, regular troubleshooting doesn’t just help with user satisfaction. It also helps you scale to accommodate increasing demand more easily. The Blink Care preventative maintenance program makes Level 2 and DCFC maintenance easy.

• Safety: As the EV industry evolves, so do safety regulations and charging station standards. Staying up-to-date with local, state, and national regulations is essential in protecting both your users and your investment.

• Software Updates: EV charging stations should be regularly updated to improve performance and security. Always make sure your station supports the most recent software updates to ensure optimal functionality.

• Expansion: Considering scalability from the very beginning positions you for market leadership. Key considerations include choosing equipment that can be easily upgraded, selecting locations with room for additional chargers, and planning for increased power capacity.

By addressing maintenance, safety, software, and scalability in your initial EV charging station design, you set your facility up for sustained success, ensuring it remains a valuable asset for years to come.

How Your Business Can Benefit

With electric vehicle adoption rising rapidly, businesses providing EV charging stations stand to reap multiple rewards:

• Revenue generation: Charging stations can be a lucrative source of income, as nearby businesses often see sales increases of around 3%.

• Tax credits and rebates: Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), EV charging infrastructure may be eligible for up to a 30% federal tax credit. Local and state rebates and incentives may also be available.

• Business growth: A well-placed EV charger differentiates your business from your competitors. It offers added convenience that can increase your customer base, leading to even higher sales.

• Market expansion: Surveys show that 62% of U.S. consumers are willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce environmental impact. A well-placed EV charger helps you tap into that spending power.

• The sustainability factor: The presence of an EV charger aligns your business with the global shift toward sustainable energy, showcasing your commitment to environmental responsibility.

• The employer advantage: As more employees switch to electric vehicles, an on-site charging solution may act as a valuable perk, helping you boost worker satisfaction and retention.

As you can see, EV charging stations are more than just an electrical product for charging vehicles. It’s a powerful tool for supercharging your business, too!

Host EV Charging Stations with Blink

Are you ready to make the leap and host EV charging stations? Blink offers a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored to meet your industry and unique business needs.

Our commercial EV charging solutions are designed to get you up and running with ease. Whenever you need help, our dedicated support team is here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Request your quote today and prepare to unlock the transformative power of Blink Charging stations.