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Installing an EV charger can be good for business
Having an electric vehicle (EV) charger installed at your business is good for your customers and your staff. But it can be costly, so it’s important to do it right the first time.
If you’re planning to install an EV charger at your business, it’s best to do your homework first and not only rely on advice from an installer.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency estimates by the end of the decade more than 50% of monthly vehicle sales in New Zealand need to be electric to meet the country’s emissions reduction targets. This would need annual sales of EVs to increase from the 6,000 sold in 2020 to 150,000.
What you need to know
- How you charge your EV matters. It can reduce charging costs and emissions and support a move to renewable energy.
- Standards New Zealand provides a free guide to help you install a smart charger.
Change how you think
Changing from a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle to an EV means a change in mindset for business owners. You need to think differently about owning, running and refuelling your vehicle.
According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), if all cars and vans in New Zealand were electric it would create huge pressure on the country’s electricity supply – usage would increase by 20%. This would only be manageable if most EVs were charged during off-peak times.
Smart charging can reduce the risk of EVs overloading the electricity system, reduce your energy costs during peak periods, and reduce emissions from a partial fossil fuel-based energy supply.
"EV chargers will soon become the largest electricity consuming device in many homes and businesses.”
Brian Fitzgerald, EECA Technical Lead and Standards New Zealand committee representative.
Guide to smart charging
Standards New Zealand provides Kiwi businesses with publicly available specifications (PAS) on sustainable EV charging.
If you are considering installing EV charging facilities for your staff or customers, the specifications include advice on how to reduce charging costs, and your impact on the environment.
SNZ PAS 6010:2023 Commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging(external link) — Standards New Zealand
The specifications, recently updated, introduce the use of smart chargers with a built-in two-way communications function to vary charging and smooth peak demand.
The installation of EV chargers at commercial locations is more complicated than at residential locations. For this reason, Standards New Zealand has a dedicated PAS for installing EV chargers at a business.
The PAS provide information on:
- charger types
- design
- permits
- installation
- electrical safety requirements and efficiency
- cybersecurity.
Making smart choices about EV charging
The PAS, like standards, are created by a group of experts from different fields, who decide on the best way to do things. International standards organisations also work this way.
Brian Fitzgerald, EECA Technical Lead and Standards New Zealand committee representative, says EVs are an opportunity for New Zealand to move to a lower carbon transport system.
“EV charging is equally important at home, on a journey and at your destination.
“The PAS has to ensure all potential scenarios and needs are covered and that consumers, industry and government have access to the best possible information based on international best practice.
“The revised EV charger PAS will provide free access and information to New Zealanders that they need to make smart choices about how to charge their EVs, reduce their costs and do their bit for the planet,” says Brian.