Transforming your parking lot into a power plant isn't just a sustainability dream—it's a smart financial strategy. This week, we explore the world of solar canopies and carports. Learn how to design structures that protect vehicles, generate clean energy, and work in tandem with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to create a resilient, low-cost charging ecosystem. We’ll cover the engineering basics, structural requirements, and the "layered" financial benefits of going solar.
As the shipping and logistics industries electrify, standard fast chargers aren't enough to keep Class 8 trucks moving. This week on Commercial EV Charging Minute, we explore the dawn of the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). We break down the technical leap from 350kW to over 1MW, the massive grid requirements for logistics hubs, and how property owners can plan for these high-power loads to stay ahead of the freight electrification curve.
You've bought the chargers, secured the permits—but your project is stalled in the utility's queue waiting for interconnection approval. This week, we expose the biggest hidden cost in EV deployment: the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) delay. Learn practical strategies to speed up approval, use "flexible interconnection" to avoid costly upgrades, and leverage "Make-Ready" programs to shift financial and logistical burdens back to the utility, accelerating your path to energization.
EV charging is no longer just an amenity—it's a critical infrastructure investment. This week, we guide commercial real estate professionals through the process of integrating EV provisions into commercial leases. Learn how to use Green Lease principles to legally align the interests of landlords and tenants, clarify who pays for installation (CapEx) and electricity (OpEx), and establish ironclad policies for maintenance and future expansion without creating legal headaches.
EV charging isn't a utility cost for retailers—it's a customer acquisition and retention strategy. This week, we explore the fundamental rule of retail charging: matching the charging speed to the customer's typical stay (dwell time) to maximize in-store spending. Learn which charger level works best for grocery stores versus malls, and how to use smart pricing and data to turn 30 minutes of charging time into hundreds of dollars in additional sales.
Workplace EV charging is rapidly becoming a non-negotiable employee perk, vital for attracting and retaining talent. But how do you provide this amenity without incurring massive, unpredictable energy costs? This week, we outline the best practices for office parks and corporate campuses, detailing how to establish fair pricing models, manage charging demand with smart technology, and create clear user policies that maximize charger availability for everyone.
Imagine your entire fleet of parked EVs earning money by selling energy back to the grid. That is the promise of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. This week, we move V2G out of the theoretical and into the business plan. We’ll show commercial property owners and fleet managers three clear financial models—from demand charge avoidance to generating new revenue streams—and outline the critical steps you must take now to ensure your future charging infrastructure is V2G-ready and profitable.
A massive shift is underway in North America as major automakers adopt the NACS connector. This week, we explain what the change means for your charging investment, from hardware retrofits to consumer access. Crucially, we dive into ISO 15118 and Plug & Charge, the foundational technology that makes charging as simple as plugging in—eliminating payment friction, enhancing security, and paving the way for next-generation features like V2G.
The U.S. is quickly scaling its EV infrastructure, but global pioneers like Norway, China, and the Netherlands offer valuable blueprints for commercial success. This week, we examine key international trends: the shift to standardization, strategies for achieving charger density, and policy models that eliminate user friction. Learn what foreign markets are doing right to boost utilization, enhance customer experience, and future-proof their charging investments—and how you can apply those lessons to your hospitality or commercial property.
Direct charging fees are just one piece of the puzzle. The true financial payoff of EV charging comes from its indirect benefits: increased property values, tenant retention, and enhanced ESG performance. This week, we introduce practical methods for measuring these soft returns. Learn how to convert tenant satisfaction into real dollars, leverage your chargers to boost green certifications, and strategically position your property as a future-forward investment.
As EV charging demand strains the electrical grid, property owners are looking beyond the utility meter for resilient power solutions. This week, we explore the world of microgrids and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Learn how integrating solar and on-site batteries can dramatically reduce your exposure to high demand charges, ensure your chargers stay operational during grid outages, and significantly enhance your property's sustainability profile and long-term value.
EV chargers are Internet-connected devices that sit at the intersection of customer data, payment processing, and the power grid—making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This week, we expose the main vulnerabilities in the EV charging ecosystem and provide a security blueprint. Learn best practices for defending your network, protecting sensitive data, and leveraging secure protocols like OCPP 2.0.1 to maintain integrity and compliance across your commercial properties.
Accessibility isn't just a compliance box to tick—it's essential for providing a functional service to every customer. This week, we dive into the critical requirements for building and managing ADA-compliant EV charging stations in commercial real estate and hospitality. Learn the specifics on space dimensions, accessible operable parts, and the necessary cord management systems required by the updated federal guidelines. Designing for accessibility minimizes legal risk and ensures your amenity truly serves all EV drivers.
EV charging promises huge savings over gasoline, but the complexities of commercial utility tariffs can quickly turn potential profit into painful expense. This week, we demystify the commercial electricity bill. We'll break down the difference between energy consumption and costly "demand charges," and give you three actionable strategies—including smart scheduling and load management—to slash your utility costs, maximize your savings, and protect your EV charging investment.
A non-functional EV charger is more than a minor inconvenience—it's lost revenue and a negative reflection on your property. This week, we go beyond basic troubleshooting to create an uptime blueprint for your commercial EV charging infrastructure. Learn how to track key performance indicators, implement proactive maintenance, and use advanced software to predict failures before they happen. We’ll also guide you on what to look for in a robust Service Level Agreement to ensure your chargers are always ready for business.
The shift to electric fleets is happening now, but charging a dozen or a hundred vehicles at a depot requires a specialized strategy. This week, we provide the playbook for fleet managers and property owners. We'll cover the essential planning, hardware choices, and software solutions needed to ensure your fleet is always charged and ready to roll, without blowing your energy budget or causing costly downtime. From assessing your unique operational needs to mastering load management, this episode is your guide to successful fleet electrification.
EV charging in apartments and condos presents a unique set of challenges—from limited electrical capacity to complex billing and HOA rules. This week, we're providing a practical roadmap for property managers and condo boards. Learn about innovative solutions like smart load management, fair billing strategies, and flexible charging models that can help you overcome these hurdles, meet resident demand, and add significant value to your property without costly, disruptive overhauls.
The cost of installing EV charging is a major consideration, but did you know there's a wealth of federal, state, and local funding available to help? This week, we'll demystify the world of EV charging incentives. From the federal 30C tax credit and NEVI program to state-specific grants and utility rebates, we’ll show you where to look for funding, what you need to qualify, and offer key tips for writing a successful grant application. Turn the financial hurdle into a strategic advantage and accelerate your EV charging deployment.
The EV charging landscape is evolving at lightning speed, with innovations far beyond today's standard plugs and even Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) tech. This week on Commercial EV Charging Minute, we peer into the future, exploring the groundbreaking technologies poised to transform how we charge electric vehicles. From seamless wireless charging and rapid battery swapping for fleets, to autonomous charging robots and smart road systems, discover what's on the horizon and how these advancements could impact your hospitality and commercial real estate properties.
Your EV charging stations are collecting a wealth of data – but are you truly leveraging it to optimize your operations and maximize your ROI? This week on Commercial EV Charging Minute, we'll demystify EV charging data, guiding you through the key metrics that matter most. Learn how to interpret usage patterns, energy consumption, and financial reports to make informed decisions about pricing, infrastructure expansion, and enhancing the overall experience for your guests and tenants.