Which commercial electric car charger is best for your business?

With the global electric vehicle (EV) count expected to hit 130 million by 2030, and widespread pledges by carmakers and governments to fully embrace electrification, EV charging infrastructure has become an urgent priority. Businesses worldwide are exploring how to integrate EV charging into their operations—whether to support employees, boost sustainability, or unlock new revenue streams.

But with so many options, how can you choose the right commercial electric vehicle charger for your business? In this guide, we cover seven critical questions to help you identify the ideal charging solution for your specific needs.

1. How Important Is Charging Speed to Your Business?

Charging speed can vary from over 20 hours with standard AC charging to just minutes using a DC fast charger. But faster isn’t always better—it depends on how your customers, employees, or fleet use their vehicles.

• Workplaces: Level 2 chargers are typically sufficient, since vehicles are parked for long durations.
• Fleet Operations: Fast charging may be necessary to minimize downtime if vehicles need to stay on the road throughout the day.
• Hospitality & Dining: Slower charging encourages guests to stay longer.
• Highway or Quick-Service Locations: Fast DC charging attracts on-the-go customers.
• Retail: Charging can extend dwell time or offer quick top-offs during shopping.

Align charging speed with your business model to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

2. Do You Want to Charge Users for Energy?

EV charging stations can be offered for free or monetized:

• Revenue Generation: Set pricing per kWh or per session, and differentiate rates for employees vs. public users.
• Customer Experience: Offer discounted or free charging to enhance satisfaction and increase time spent onsite.
• Employee Perks: Free workplace charging can support retention and recruitment.

Choose a pricing strategy that supports your financial and brand goals.

3. How Will Your Charging Needs Evolve?

Electric mobility is growing rapidly. What works now might not be enough in a few years.

• Plan for scalability: Leave room to add chargers as demand grows.
• Choose chargers that support firmware updates or power upgrades.
• Consider energy needs for future vehicle types (e.g., larger batteries).

4. Will You Use Charging Management Software?

Modern EV chargers are smart devices that connect to cloud platforms for greater control. Benefits of Charging Software:

• Monitor usage and energy consumption
• Set different pricing for different users
• Track revenue and optimize charger uptime
• Enable smart charging and load balancing

Ensure your hardware and software are OCPP-compliant to avoid vendor lock-in and maintain flexibility.

5. What Are the Limitations of Your Location?

Physical space, electrical capacity, and local regulations can all affect your EV infrastructure plans.

• Involve landlords, utility providers, and local governments early
• Treat each site individually when operating multiple locations
• Consider the ideal placement for visibility, safety, and access

6. Can You Take Advantage of Government Incentives?

Incentives can significantly reduce upfront costs:

• UK Example: The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) provides 75% of installation costs up to £350 per socket (up to 40 sockets).
• Many countries offer tax credits, grants, and subsidies for EV infrastructure

Explore national and regional programs to reduce your investment.

7. What Happens After Installation?

Ongoing service is essential to protect your investment:

• Check standard warranty terms and available extensions
• Ask about support, remote diagnostics, and maintenance
• Consider comprehensive service plans or commissioning packages

Look for providers who offer long-term care to maximize your return.

Conclusion

The transition to electric mobility is accelerating, and EV chargers are more than just a utility—they’re a strategic investment. By answering these seven questions, your business can confidently choose a charging solution that aligns with your goals today and scales for the future. From enhancing employee benefits to unlocking new revenue streams, a well-planned commercial EV charging strategy will position your business at the forefront of sustainability and innovation. Keywords: commercial EV charger, business EV charging, fleet EV infrastructure, electric vehicle charging station, OCPP charging software