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Answers to Smart Questions You’ve heard that businesses are
installing public charging stations at workplaces, malls
and movie theaters. And you’re wondering if this is
the right direction for your business to head. After all,
it is a bold move. So here are some facts to help you
make the right decision.
As the premier provider of Electric
Vehicle infrastructure products and services, Edison EV
has spent a lot of time giving straight answers. These
are some of the questions we frequently hear. If you
don’t find the answers you’re looking for, just
give us a call.
REASONS TO INSTALL ...
Q: Sure, I’ve heard the
hype, but are electric vehicles for real?
A: As real as
seven major auto manufacturers can make them. GM’s
EV1, launched in December 1996 ... followed by the
Chevrolet S-10 Electric Pick-up and the all-new Honda EV
PLUS by mid-1997. Then the Ford Ranger and Toyota RAV4-EV
by fall of 1997 and Nissan by 1998.
Q: Okay, I’ll buy what
you’re saying about these cars, but why should I
install an electric vehicle charging station for public
use?
A: There are lots of
reasons:
- Your image-By
installing a charging station, you’re not
only supporting the environment, you’re
showing your leadership position in the
community, demonstrating your interest in
advanced technologies, and associating your
business with major brand names, like GM, Honda,
Delco and Edison, who are equally committed to
these technologies.
- Your customers-Sure,
it’s a subjective call, but consumers who
purchase EVs are almost certainly the type of
people you want at your business place. Like you,
they’re leaders, interested in new
technologies and in the environment. Typically,
they’re well-educated and tend to fall into
higher income brackets.
- Your employees-When you
support EV technology, you’re supporting the
innovative thinkers among your employees who are
committing themselves to new technologies. You
build employee loyalty and boost morale, as well
as pride among your employees that theirs is a
forward-looking workplace.
- Your community-Demonstrate
to your community that you are future-oriented
and progressive.
- Your bottom line-Investing
in EV technology may make your company eligible
to apply for significant federal tax benefits and
incentive programs.
Q: But I’m talking about a
financial investment here ... are there really going to
be enough cars to justify the dollars I put into this
technology?
Startup costs in this industry are reasonable. It is possible to start a vending machine route for less than a few thousand dollars. The work of a Vending machines business operator can be divided into two basic areas. As a vending machine business owner you can choose to work by yourself, with a partner or hire teams to work for you A: It’s the
"chicken and egg" dilemma ... studies show that
consumers interested in EVs are far more likely to
consider buying an EV if they can charge at work or other
convenient locations. As more and more consumers discover
there’s a public infrastructure to power their
vehicles, the EV market is likely to grow faster and
faster. And you will have identified your business’
name with EV charging. When consumers think of where to
go with their electric vehicle, they’ll be in the
habit of thinking of you.
Q: Technology changes at
lightning speed, though. Won’t charging stations
become obsolete when better batteries and higher powered
fast-charging become available?
A: No. With better
batteries, more consumers are likely to buy EVs, but
those owners can use the same charging system and will
still look for a source of low-cost, convenient
"topping off" where they work and play and
shop.
CHARGING TECHNOLOGY ...
 Q:
Is there such a thing as "standard equipment"
for charging?
A: As the EV moves into the
marketplace, there are currently two types of electric
vehicle support equipment:
- Inductive charging systems
work like your electric toothbrush: there is
never a metal-to-metal contact in the connection.
Edison EV is the distributor of the Delco Magne
ChargeTM inductive system that GM uses
for its vehicles. Nissan plans to use inductive
technology, as well.
- Conductive connecting devices
work like a hair dryer. They’re the more
traditional plug and outlet technology. Ford,
Honda and Toyota are considering conductive
technology for their demonstration vehicles
between 1997 and 1999.
Q: So, you’re saying there
are two completely different types of technology out
there. What if I choose the wrong one?
A: The good news is that the
electrical requirements are the same for standard
inductive or conductive charging systems. But since there
will be at least two types of 240-volt chargers, you can
approach the question by considering what types of cars
are most likely to use your charging station. The best
and most inexpensive way to minimize risks - start small,
put in one of each, and provide room for expansion.
Q: How long does it take to
charge an EV?
A: For a completely
discharged vehicle, it can take 3 to 6 hours, depending
on the vehicle. But most owners who use public charging
to "top off" their vehicles will charge for
less than an hour.
Q: Okay, so what is
"fast-charging" and when will it be available?
A: High-powered chargers
(25kW or higher) can deliver about a 50% charge in 20
minutes or less. These chargers aren’t commercially
available yet, and they cost a lot. But as technology
catches up to demand, fast-chargers will probably be
available at specialized locations like service stations
and rest stops.
PUBLIC CHARGING STATION
OPERATING COSTS ...
 Q:
How much will the electricity for charging cost us?
A: It’s hard to tell.
If we assume, however, that in the first couple of years
100 cars were to use your chargers to top off for 1 or 2
hours, it could cost you as little as $150-$300 annually.
Costs will vary depending on actual usage and the rate
plan to which you subscribe with your utility. Please
consult your utility to allow them to select the right
plan to meet your needs.
Q: Are there special rate plans
for commercial customers providing EV chargers?
A: Yes. Many utilities have
established special rate schedules for electric vehicle
charging. Usually, substantial savings are offered with
EV rate plans if the majority of charging is done during
off-peak hours, which usually span from night through
noon the next day. Please consult your utility to
determine if they have any plans available that might
lead to cost savings.
Q: So how do I recoup my costs
... can I charge customers for electricity?
A: At present, there is no
"standard" billing system for EV charging. But
because there will initially be few cars on the road,
your operating costs will be low. Those costs will be
determined by a number of factors, including the time of
day charging is done, the number of cars using your
system, and your local utility rates. In the near future,
we expect to see billing systems that operate by prepaid
subscription, coin or credit/debit cards.
Q: Are there any government
financial incentives that I can count on?
A: Yes. You can receive
significant tax advantages - up to a $100,000 tax
deduction for business infrastructure installation.
And, you can take advantage of
limited-time incentives for public charging stations
offered by several local air districts. For example,
SCAQMD has already committed over $1.5 million in
matching funds - and may provide more in future planned
funding.
CHARGING STATION MAINTENANCE
& INSURANCE ...
Q: What about maintenance for an
EV charger? What does it require and how do I take care
of that?
A: There is no regularly
scheduled maintenance needed for EV chargers. With the
installation of the Delco Magne ChargeTM
system, you receive a 3-year manufacturer’s
warranty. Plus, you receive the Edison EV 3-year
installation warranty. Edison EV also offers a
maintenance and repair policy for periodic checks and for
EV Charger repair.
Q: And what about insurance for
the EV Charging System?
A: The charger should be
treated like any other piece of equipment covered under
your regular liability and property damage policy.
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