As electric vehicle use grows more popular each year for company fleets, delivery, and personal use, an EV plan can help you assess and address your facility’s needs.

Maybe you’ve already implemented upgrades to your smart building, but with Canada’s electric car sales soaring (up a whopping 646 per cent in the last five years), adding an EV component to your outdoor upgrade list could add value – and revenue – for your business.

Electric vehicles and charging stations are not a cheap endeavour, so planning ahead will help ensure that you’re fully informed and you budget accordingly.

What type of chargers do you need?

Not all chargers are created equally. For optimal charging ability, Level 2 or 3 chargers offer the fastest, most efficient service.

Level 2 will fully charge most vehicles in a few hours, making it very convenient for staff and visitors.

If you’re planning to use EVs for delivery, Level 3s charge a 250 km range per hour, so your drivers can quickly get back out there and on their way.

What are the potential costs?

Installing chargers involves getting a permit and hiring a licensed electrical contractor – but that’s not all. Depending on how far from your building your chargers will be located, you may need to dig under your parking lot or relocate some of your existing electrical. All these costs factor into deciding whether it’s worth your while.

There’s good news, though. Provincial and federal incentives may be available for charging stations, as well as for leasing and purchasing EVs for your company’s use. These incentives could help offset some of your initial costs.

Will you try and recoup those costs?

Many businesses are charging visitors and staff who use their EV chargers. You can bill users at a flat fee rate, or based on time used, as a revenue generator while they’re on site. Alternatively, some businesses are offering this service fee of charge as a perk for staff and visitors. This is something to consider as you assess the costs and benefits of these upgrades.

Electric vehicles are here to stay, so use your EV plan to determine if installing charging stations or converting your fleet makes sense for your facility. Plan ahead, get the right equipment, and know the costs and opportunities for revenue so you can budget for these expenses.