EV Charging FAQs
Installation & Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we begin with procuring EV charge points?
The easiest way to procure EV charge points is to partner with a trusted EV solutions provider. You can contact Addelec and arrange a consultation with one of our experts to discuss your needs, options, and budget.
We will work through it with you and provide all the necessary information. We guarantee to make the entire process as seamless as possible.
What are the safety implications if the EV infrastructure is not installed correctly by a licensed electrician?
If your Electric Vehicle Charging Point is installed incorrectly, it may damage your vehicle's battery, and your insurance provider may not cover any damages as a result of the improper installation. Your EV charger must be installed and assessed by a qualified electrician to protect users and the public from potential risks.
What is the Installation process and requirements?
Installing EV charging stations requires careful planning, qualified electricians, and compliance with electrical standards.
Many locations have simplified the approval process for EV chargers, but understanding local regulations is essential as they can vary from state to state.
By working with an experienced national provider such as Addelec, we can manage all these obstacles to ensure total compliance and professionalism.
How do I start with a commercial EV charger installation for my business?
You can get started by contacting Addelec to discuss your business requirements. We will help you find a tailored EV charger solution that fits your needs. You will then receive a customised quote before coordinating the installation. Our experts will work to ensure minimal disruptions to your operations.
Who can install an EV charger?
Only a licensed electrician can install an EV charger and associated electrical infrastructure.
Non-licensed electricians are not permitted to install EV chargers. They are also prohibited from installing a power point or other permanent electrical equipment.
How long does installing EV chargers take?
A commercial electric vehicle charger installation can take anywhere from 4 hours to 3 months. The time frame depends on the number of chargers, any planning required, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the existing electricity system; in some cases, utility upgrades are required.
What is the typical workflow for installing a commercial EV charger
Most EV charger installation processes follow a similar workflow. However, the needs of each commercial client may be unique.
- The process starts with an initial consultation. At Addelec, we will discuss your business goals and desired scope. We will then conduct a review and identify if your business qualifies for any local government rebates for EV charging installation.
- The next step is site consultation. A representative from Addelec will visit the site(s) to clarify the scope of work and understand how the installation process will be undertaken.
- Based on the information collected, our team will suggest products appropriate to your target clientele, location, logistics, and budget.
- We will present you with the final work proposal, which includes an estimate (including any rebates) and the scope of work (the number of chargers to be installed at which locations).
- If you agree to the final proposal, Addelec will acquire permits, procure equipment, and schedule an installation date. We will then proceed with the EV charger installation and check if the hardware and software components work correctly before conducting the handover.
- After installation, Addelec will continue to support you through ongoing proactive and reactive maintenance.
For a residential charger installation, Each EV charging station should have the following:
- A dedicated circuit
- No other appliances wired from the same circuit (such as washing machines and dryers, lighting, etc.)
- An overcurrent protective device (circuit breaker)
- RCD protection (Residual Current Device)
- The correctly sized cable for the required load
Minor switchboard upgrades may be required to support the new appliance and maintain compliance with AS/NZS 3000.
How many EV chargers should we install in our car park?
It depends on your organisation’s criteria. To make an informed decision on how many chargers to install, consider the following factors:
- Determine the number of EV drivers associated with your company, including employees, visitors, and other stakeholders. The more users you have, the more chargers you may need to support them.
What is the use case of the vehicles in a fleet? How many kilometers do they drive each day, and how long are they parked up to charge? - Consider your budget. Ensure that your budget includes installation/maintenance costs and the ongoing energy consumption required to operate the chargers effectively.
- Consider your energy grid's capacity and the size of the chargers you intend to install. (AC and/or DC) These criteria will determine how many chargers your infrastructure can accommodate without overloading the system.
- Decide whether you want to future-proof your business by accounting for projected EV adoption and demand growth.
- Determine the primary purpose for installing EV chargers. Are you looking to generate profit, gain a competitive advantage, or meet internal needs? Clarifying this purpose will help you better link your charger installation approach to your company's objectives.
- Determine the number of EV drivers associated with your company, including employees, visitors, and other stakeholders. The more users you have, the more chargers you may need to support them.
Do you offer maintenance services for electric vehicle chargers once installed?
Our installations are designed for durability, which means EV chargers require little maintenance. However, we recommend that our customers subscribe to a maintenance regime to ensure minimum downtime. You can contact us for more information.
Software Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having EV charging software?
EV charging software gives you access to the following benefits:
- Billing
- Remote troubleshooting
- Energy monitoring and usage
- User authentication
- Load management
- Real-time information
Fleet managers often require data and analytics for reporting.
What do I need to ensure that the software will work?
The chargers will require OCPP 1.6J or above capabilities. This is how CPO software communicates and controls the charger. You will also need a steady, reliable internet connection. We recommend using a hardwired ethernet connection to the charger or a built-in GSM modem and sim card. However, a wireless connection is also an option but not preferred. Addelec configures the software and chargers during commissioning in our workshop before the charger is deployed to the site, minimizing commissioning time onsite.
Why do I require load management?
You require load management for the following reasons:
- Prevent local network disruptions by managing the available power.
Load management can prevent the overloading of essential devices and minimise the wear & tear of circuitry by ensuring the network of EV chargers never overdraws from the power distribution system they are connected to. - Improve existing electrical infrastructure.
You can operate additional EV Chargers to a DB network without upgrading existing electrical infrastructure, i.e., distribution boards, wiring, etc. - Reduce associated power costs.
Load management can allow for scheduling charging times outside of peak loading periods, avoiding the rates associated with electricity usage during peak hours.
- Prevent local network disruptions by managing the available power.
Charging Types Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different charger types, and how long would it take to charge?
EV chargers are categorised by levels indicating the amount of power delivered to an EV from the charger. Level one is the lowest, and level three is the highest. The types of chargers currently available are listed in the table below.
Level 1
- Alternating current (AC) slow charging ranging from 1.4kW to 3.7W AC charging capability.
- The same as plugging into a regular power point at home or work.
- 10 to 20 km range added after being plugged in for an hour. Charging is usually performed overnight.
Level 2
- Alternating current (AC) charge ranges from 7kW to 22kW.
- A dedicated charger with its plug or socket. Level 2 chargers are much faster than level 1 chargers.
- Typically adds 30 to 130km of range per hour, dependent on each car configuration.
Level 3
- Direct current (DC) fast charging. The fastest charging option offers 25 kW to 400 kW DC fast charging capability.
- This level charger can add 150 to 300km range per hour, with some vehicles being fully charged in 10 to 15 minutes.
Safety Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to charge an EV?
No. When installed correctly, electric vehicle charging stations are extremely safe.
However, while connecting the vehicle to a station is simple, the vast quantity of current transported along the connection from the power source to the vehicle requires cautiousness.
The charging station has been designed so that power only flows through the power cable when it is attached to the car and the Charge point is turned on. If the cable connection to the vehicle fails, the power is cut off.
As an added precaution, EVs cannot move once connected to the charging station and while the cable is plugged in.
Financials Frequently Asked Questions
How much does installing EV chargers in our car park cost?
The cost varies depending on the charger, location, and the output. This includes hardware (i.e., the physical charger), software, cabling, and installation.
Can I monetise my EV chargers?
Yes, if the software package you select allows for this - which our included software does - you can charge EV drivers for the energy they use while charging their car. Additionally, Addelec collaborates with partners who own and operate public-facing EV charging and may be able to offer subsidised installation.
Talk to one of our experts today about monetising your EV charging stations to cover your costs and reduce your payback period.
For additional information, please visit the Addelec website or contact our customer service team on 1300 795 262.