What is DC Fast Charging?    

DC fast charging, also known as DCFC, provides high-power charging stations designed to charge EVs much faster than traditional AC chargers.With the ability to deliver power levels between 50 kW and 350 kW, DC fast chargers can significantly reduce charging times, making them ideal for commercial locations that cater to customers in a hurry.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing DC Charging Stations for Your Business

Selecting the best DC charging solution for your commercial location requires careful evaluation of various factors. Here are the key considerations to help guide your decision:

1. Installation location environment

Space and Location: The available space for installing a charging station plays a major role in your decision.For compact spaces, like basements or tight parking areas, a wall-mounted charging station is an excellent option due to its space-saving design.In larger areas, a vertical charging station could be more suitable, offering a larger capacity.In addition, if the space is large enough,Charging stations can be categorized into two types: Vertical charging and Split charging.

Vertical vs. Split Charging Stations: DC fast chargers come in two main configurations:

Vertical Charging Stations: These are all-in-one units that combine both the user interface and power supply in one bulky design, ideal for simple installations.

Split Charging Stations: These separate the user interface and power supply into two modules, providing higher power output and faster charging, perfect for larger or more complex setups.

2. The Type of EVs Your Customers Drive

The kind of electric vehicles your customers drive plays a big role in choosing the right DC charging stations. EVs come with different battery capacity and adapter types (NACS vs. CCS2), which can impact charging needs.

For example, if your customers mostly drive electric vehicle with large batteries, you’ll need to consider that even though they’ll be parked for shorter periods, they’ll still need higher power output to charge quickly. On the other hand, if your customers primarily drive passenger vehicles with smaller batteries, ultra-fast DC chargers might not be necessary. Even though a fast charger can deliver up to 350 kW, if the car can only handle 40 kW of fast charging, a lower-powered charger might be just as effective.

It's also important to keep in mind that offering a variety of charging ports is key to increasing accessibility for different types of vehicles.

3.The time of Your Customers spend at your location

Understanding how long customers stay at your location is key to choosing the right DC charging station,for high-traffic location like charging stations on highways, where drivers typically arrive with low battery levels, they'll want a quick charge and minimal stop time. A high-output charger, like 180 kW or more, is ideal choice.

But for places like restaurants or retail stores, where customers tend to stay longer, a lower-output charger (50 kW to 90 kW) might be more cost-effective and still meet their needs over a longer visit.

4. Your Customers preferred payment method

Since you are offering charging to the customers at your locations, you might want to make additional revenue out of it. Therefore, it is important to consider different payment methods available, such as RFID cards, key fobs, payment terminals, or an app. Ease of payment is one factor that will determine how your customers experience charging and whether they become repeat customers.

5.Budget for Charging Station Installation

When selecting a commercial charging station, budgeting is crucial. Prices can vary widely depending on the type of charger, features, and installation requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Initial Costs: DC fast chargers tend to be more expensive than AC chargers, both in terms of equipment and installation.

Ongoing Costs: Don’t forget to account for electricity costs, regular maintenance, and any software or service fees.

Return on Investment (ROI): Consider the ROI of offering charging services.With the increasing demand for EVs, providing fast charging can attract more customers, increase foot traffic, and improve your bottom line.

In conclusion, choosing the right DC charging station for your business can make all the difference in attracting more customers and boosting your brand as a key player in the EV revolution. DC fast charging directly addresses the top barrier to EV adoption—range anxiety—while encouraging longer stays and higher spending from customers.

At SETEC, we understand the importance of reliable and safe charging solutions. Our range of DC charging stations ensures your network operates smoothly, with ongoing support and maintenance. To learn more about our products and see how they’ve worked for businesses around the world, visit the solutions section of our website.