Planning a commercial EV charging station means understanding exactly how much power you’ll need. But how much electricity is typically required?
Commercial EV charging stations typically require between 7 kW to 22 kW per charger for AC Level 2 chargers, and 50 kW to over 350 kW for DC fast chargers. Higher power chargers provide faster charging speeds, ideal for commercial areas with high vehicle turnover, but require substantial electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Let’s break down these power requirements clearly.
What Power Does a Commercial EV Charger Need?
Commercial EV chargers vary greatly in power requirements depending on their intended use and speed of charging.
Level 2 AC commercial chargers typically need between 7 kW and 22 kW per charger. DC fast chargers used commercially range from 50 kW to 350 kW or more, requiring stronger electrical connections and advanced infrastructure.
Commercial EV Charger Power Requirements:
| Charger Type | Typical Power Requirement | Charging Time (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| AC Level 2 Chargers | 7–22 kW | 2–6 hours (full charge) |
| DC Fast Chargers | 50–350+ kW | 15–45 minutes (up to 80%) |
Choosing the right power level depends on your station’s purpose, location, and available electrical infrastructure.
How Much Power Is Required for an EV Charging Station?
The overall power requirement for an EV charging station depends on how many chargers are installed and their type.
A small commercial charging station with four AC Level 2 chargers may require around 28–88 kW, while a station with four DC fast chargers can demand between 200 kW to over 1,000 kW (1 MW). Infrastructure must be sized appropriately to accommodate total demand.
Example of Total Station Power Needs:
| Number of Chargers | Charger Type | Power per Charger | Total Power Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | AC Level 2 | 7–22 kW | 28–88 kW |
| 4 | DC Fast Chargers | 50–350 kW | 200–1,400 kW (0.2–1.4 MW) |
Careful planning ensures the electrical infrastructure supports total power demand without costly future upgrades.
What Is the Power of an EV Charging Station?
The power rating of an EV charging station refers to its capacity to deliver electrical energy to connected vehicles.
Commercial EV charging stations typically range from lower-power AC chargers (7–22 kW), suitable for businesses where vehicles park longer, to high-powered DC fast chargers (50–350+ kW), ideal for rapid turnaround locations like highways, commercial hubs, or fleet operations.
Charging Station Power Rating Summary:
- Low to Medium Power (7–22 kW): Ideal for workplaces, hotels, and malls.
- High Power (50–350+ kW): Essential for highway stops, commercial fleets, and rapid charging needs.
Selecting the right power level depends on your target customers and usage patterns.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Commercial EV Charging Station?
Cost is directly related to charger power levels and infrastructure requirements. So, what are typical installation costs?
Installing a commercial charging station typically costs between $10,000 and $80,000 per charger. AC Level 2 chargers cost about $2,000–$8,000 each, with installation costs of around $2,000–$10,000. DC fast chargers range from $20,000–$80,000 each, plus significant infrastructure expenses.
Commercial EV Charger Installation Costs:
| Charger Type | Charger Unit Cost (USD) | Installation & Infrastructure Costs |
|---|---|---|
| AC Level 2 | $2,000–$8,000 | $2,000–$10,000 per charger |
| DC Fast Charger | $20,000–$80,000 | $10,000–$50,000 per charger |
Costs vary based on location, electrical grid conditions, charger type, and power capacity.
Conclusion
Understanding power requirements and costs is critical when planning a commercial EV charging station. Selecting the appropriate power levels—whether Level 2 AC or DC fast charging—depends on your location, target customers, infrastructure, and budget, ensuring long-term operational efficiency and profitability.
