31 July, 2023

What Are The Best Commercial Charging Points?

With the pressures to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), fuelled by net-zero commitments and the UK government announcing a ban on the production and sale of new gasoline vehicles from 2030, many businesses are starting to invest in commercial charging points to support their electric fleets, EV driving employees, customers and visitors. However, when it comes to choosing the best commercial charging points for your business, there are several factors to consider. Keep reading to discover what to look out for when choosing the best commercial charging points for your business.

How to Choose the Best Commercial Charging Points?

When choosing EV charge points for your business or site, make sure to consider the following factors to ensure a seamless charging experience for your clientele.

Charging Speeds

An EV charger’s charging speed is a crucial factor in selecting the best commercial charging points. Commercial charging stations typically offer AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) charging options. 

AC Chargers – are ideal for workplaces, with typical charging speeds of 7kw-22kw. 

DC Chargers – also known as rapid chargers provide faster charging speeds at 50kW-350kW, making them suitable for high-traffic locations or areas with limited charging time.

Charging Capacity 

It’s important to consider the current and future demand of your charge points to decide on the number of commercial charging points required of your business. Depending on the size of your establishment and the expected number of EV users, you may need multiple charging stations to accommodate simultaneous charging sessions.

Connectivity & Networking Features

Commercial charging points with networking capabilities and management software provide added benefits, such as allowing you to remotely monitor charging sessions, track usage, and manage access to the charging stations. They also enable you to set pricing for charging sessions, if applicable, and gather valuable data for billing or reporting purposes. These can be vital features for many businesses and therefore choosing EV charge points that have these capabilities is important. 

 

At eFaraday, we provide an all-in-one management platform that is compatible with all OCPP charge points and powered by iEquos software. Learn more about the platform here. 

User-Friendly Interface

An intuitive and user-friendly interface might not be the first thing you consider, but is essential in enhancing the charging experience for your customers. Clear instructions, easy-to-read displays, and simple payment options contribute to a positive user experience, encourage repeat visits and reduce any user problems. 

Durability & Weather Resistance

Commercial charging points should be durable and capable of withstanding outdoor conditions. Look for charging stations with sturdy construction and weather-resistant materials to ensure reliable performance and longevity, even in harsh weather conditions.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount when it comes to EV charging. The best commercial charging points should have safety features such as ground fault protection, overcurrent protection, and thermal sensors to prevent overheating during charging sessions.

Customisation Options

Consider whether the commercial charging points can be customised to reflect your business’s branding or fit seamlessly into your establishment’s aesthetics. Customisation options allow you to create a cohesive and attractive charging station setup that complements your overall business environment or provides potential advertising opportunities for your own business or as an additional revenue stream. 

Compatibility

Ensure that the commercial charging points are compatible with a wide range of EV models, as this ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all EV users.

Commercial EV Charging with eFaraday 

Selecting the best commercial charging points for your business requires careful consideration of various factors. At eFaraday, we specialise in commercial charge points and have extensive experience across multiple industries and businesses across the UK. We only partner with reliable, compliant and established EV charge point manufacturers that are leaders in the market and are compatible with all EV models, such as Easee, Teltonika, Alfen, Tritium, and Sevadis. 

 

We will work with you to understand your site and business needs and recommend the best commercial charge points to meet your requirements and budget. 

Getting Started

If you’re ready to embrace the transition to EV and install commercial charging points on your site, get in touch with the eFaraday team today. Call us on 0330 002 1154 or email us by clicking here.