Installing EV Chargers? 5 Things to Know

SPX Service Solutions, which has been working with GM and Daimler on charging stations for the Chevy Volt, smart fortwo and Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell, has outlined five key lessons it’s learned about installing such devices.

SPX says it is increasingly focused on charging installations beyond the home – specifically, projects for utilities and municipalities. Director of business development and electric vehicle solutions Charlie Yankitis outlined his five key lessons for Green Car Congress:

1. Use a realistic business model. Many cities don’t realize at first that a model based on usage fees probably won’t work.
2. Learn from handicapped parking. Such parking spots demonstrate good signage practices, and also suggest a model for tackling unauthorized parking.
3. Update building codes. If a city requires conduit to be placed underground whenever new construction takes place, this will save time and money tearing up concrete later.
4. Install certified charge equipment. The station should meet SAE and UL standards.
5. Think carefully about charging locations and “cord management.” If cord is left exposed, it’s more easily damaged.

Last week SPX Service Solutions global president Tanvir Arfi, interviewed for MLive.com, described the market for EV charging stations as competitive but said there is room for a number of players.

GM selected SPX to serve as the exclusive provider of home charging installation for the Chevy Volt. SPX has installed thousands of charging stations since then. It is also developing a 440-volt Level III DC fast-charging charging station.