Electric vehicle sales are expected to soar from 2.5 million unit sales in 2020 to 11.2 million in 2025 and 31.1 million by 2030. But plugging into the future raises some real questions around the right charging infrastructure for your setup, budget, and timeline. How do you plan and strategize your EV charging infrastructure? That’s where EV charging advisors come in. They can help you investigate, plan, design, and implement the ideal EV charging infrastructure for your business, condo, or network of facilities.

What exactly is an EV charging advisor?

These seasoned experts in EV charging infrastructure have deep, practical, and extensive knowledge of EV industry standards and practices. Their job is to deliver an end-to-end strategic plan for your EV charging needs, including investigating, planning, designing, and implementing your ideal EV charging infrastructure.

Whether you need a helping hand at the early planning stage or a full A-Z service delivery, your advisors will help you understand benefits, potential barriers, and best options. Perhaps most importantly, they will ensure your solution is future-proof, so it is scalable for your evolving needs.

What’s the process of working with an EV charging advisor?

Phase 1: Intake and Proposal

The first step is a complimentary phone or video call to discuss your current state — from your short and long term needs and goals, to your key project stakeholders. Your advisors will then customize a proposal for delivering your EV charging strategy, along with a clear breakdown of the costs.

Phase 2: Data Analysis and Educational Sessions

The next step is a visit to your site, to conduct a complete assessment and an energy load evaluation (the goal is to determine your power threshold). Your advisors will interview and survey your key stakeholders, to identify your key priorities and most optimal solutions.

Along with a detailed analysis from the site visit, your advisors should also provide you and your stakeholders with educational sessions — to help you make the right choices and maximize the functionality and benefits of your EV charging, including:

• Choosing fleet or public charging (or a combination)
• Controlling traffic
• Billing users
• Sharing chargers
• Monitoring usage
• Future-proofing
• Taking a phased approach
• Secondary benefits (ie. engaging your community, generating new income with chargers)

Phase 3: Strategic Direction and Planning

Your advisors will design an end-to-end strategic plan for your EV charging infrastructure, including:

• EV Charging Policy
• Hardware Selection (number of chargers, installation location, Level 2 or 3 charging)
• Software Selection
• Installation (obtaining and reviewing quotations, meeting potential contractors, preparing tender documents, applying for installation rebates, leasing or financing charging equipment)
• Maintenance and Repair
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  Phase 4: Evaluation and Implementation

  Your strategic advisors are not only your partners in planning, but also in cost-effective execution. They will provide you with the professional expertise to ensure all of your needs are met. Your advisors will help you implement, manage, and supervise your project — from issuing plans to obtaining an electrical engineer, selecting an installer, and overseeing the work.

  How do you find a good EV charging advisor?

  Right here. Signature Electric has been installing EV chargers since 2012, and are recommended advisors for multiple electrical vehicle brands and charger manufacturers. You can count on our team of leaders in EV to provide you with strategic planning, clear budgeting and quotation, sound advice, and effective implementation.

  Here’s another bonus. As part of the mission to transition to a low-carbon future and get more EVs on the road, the Government of Canada will be announcing a new round of funding for the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Funding will be available for strategic EV charging infrastructure projects (level 2 and higher) at multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), workplaces, and for light-duty vehicle fleets. To that end, Signature Electric will be happy to submit a proposal (RFP) on your behalf.

  Are you interested in learning more? Download our free checklist on 50 Critical Questions to Consider in planning an EV charging infrastructure strategy.

  Ready to speak with an EV charging advisor? Head to our contact form and let’s get the process started.