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The untold costs of offering EV Charging stations
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A few years ago, when I purchased my initial electric vehicle (EV), I quickly realized the significance of infrastructure. My first EV was a first-generation model, and there were virtually no local charging facilities. This limitation meant that the 100-mile range was effectively halved, as half of the range was needed for the return journey home. As more level 2 chargers began to emerge in the nearby urban areas, I found myself using the EV more frequently, particularly when I planned to spend time in establishments that provided charging points.
At this stage, I found myself on what most people refer to as the "Peak of Mount Stupid" on the Dunning-Kruger curve. Being one of the few EV owners in my area, I assumed I had considerable knowledge on the subject. With this newfound confidence, I contemplated the possibility of installing a Level 3 fast charger locally. The idea was to find a charging station supplier, hire an electrician to make the necessary connections, and locate a suitable business to host it. This, I thought, could potentially increase the popularity of EVs in the surrounding regions.
However, as I delved deeper into the matter, I realized that the task was far more complicated than I had initially thought. Even if I could find a DC fast charger, securing sufficient power for even a medium-speed one was challenging. Power companies informed me about some substantial expenses, the majority of which would be shouldered by the individual or entity responsible for the electricity bill. Additionally, they warned of an extended waiting period of six months to a year. Hence, such undertakings required advanced planning.
Even if the financial aspect of the installation was addressed, there were more obstacles to overcome. The shocker was the monthly demand fee based on the peak power usage in any 15-minute period. For a modest 50 kW charger, this amounted to over $600 per month. This rate, being per kilowatt, would result in a monthly cost of at least $2400 for a station with multiple 100+ kW stalls.
Having gained this insight, it was clear why the entire region lacked a single DC fast charging station and wouldn't have one for years to come. The only exceptions were Tesla, who installed Superchargers and another company that set up a small station. No other entities took the initiative until grant money became available in 2023.
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ClearSky recently shared an innovative approach to this issue. Rather than drawing power directly from the grid, they use a more reasonable grid connection to charge batteries. The result is that when an EV driver arrives, they can still get a quick charge without the station owner having to pay hefty demand fees each month.
ClearSky presented some compelling and detailed data on the potential cost savings. Their data highlights the problem of high costs and shows how much batteries can save during installation. Moreover, accelerated installation time also results in overall cost savings by reducing idle time waiting for power after investing in utility infrastructure, thereby enabling faster service to customers or the fleet.
When considering demand charges, which can exceed $5,000/month for two 150 kW chargers, the cost savings are even more significant. In one sample scenario provided by the company, the cost was reduced to only $1,240 per month. The savings are even more substantial for larger stations.
Besides cost savings, ClearSky's solution is an effective way to lessen strain on the local electric grid and provide customers with more reliable charging through buffering. It also allows for avoiding electrical upgrades, faster station setup (approximately three months), and easy control of utility expenses with simple software controls.
While the cost is still higher than I initially assumed when I first started using EVs, ClearSky demonstrates that the expenditure can be significantly reduced. By utilizing battery storage in conjunction with a DC fast charger, the lower cost is something that businesses of various sizes can afford more easily.
Another key advantage is reliability. With battery storage, the charging station can continue serving drivers even during power outages and periods of high grid demand. This ensures not only convenience for drivers but also keeps the station generating revenue when competitors may be out of service.
So, the charging station is not only up and running in approximately three months but also maintains a high uptime. If you're interested in learning more about ClearSky's battery-powered EV fast charging stations, I'd recommend checking them out.