The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Toolkit

 

The Electric Vehicle Charging Toolkit provides the information you need to initiate your electric vehicle charger installation project.

About the Electric Vehicle Charging Toolkit

Electric vehicles are expected to radically change our transport system towards a sustainable, low carbon model. Many residents and businesses will adopt the technology as new and desirable models enter the market. As uptake of electric vehicles increases, so too will demand for charging services. This presents an opportunity for businesses in Central NSW to generate income from the provision of charging services. The EV Charging Toolkit is designed to facilitate the roll-out of charging infrastructure, by providing: - Information about charging hardware and installation - Processes to follow when installing a charger
- Contact details for planning permission This toolkit was produced by: Central NSW Joint Organisation and Evenergi



Site selection

The location of charging infrastructure will have a large bearing on its success. A good site will possess a range or characteristics classified into two groups: functional characteristics that will influence the value that the site has to EV drivers, and technical characteristics that will influence the cost of the charging station development. A site that scores well in functional criteria is more likely to have higher utilisation and potential for revenue generation, and a site that scores will in technical criteria will likely be more feasible or cost effective to execute. Functional criteria that will influence the value that the site has to EV drivers: - A short walking distance to existing facilities with good patronage - Easy access for passing traffic - Site owner is supportive - Nearby retailers or attractions are supportive - Low potential for conflict with existing parking spaces - Consider undercover parking if available - Ability to obtain Council consent (if applicable) Note: Section 104a of NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 states when an electric vehicle charging station requires consent – on land adjoining a public road in a prescribed zone or on and existing service station. An electric vehicle charging station is exempt if it is on private property, in a car park, bus depot or in an existing service station. Councils are still contemplating whether roadside chargers can be considered 'carparks' and until this is clarified, it is recommended to discuss the matter with your local Council. Technical Criteria that will influence the cost and feasibility of the site: - Carpark already constructed or requiring little improvement - Site drainage suitability (water drains freely from site) - The difference between site electrical capacity (power that can be delivered) and the existing maximum demand (refer to recent power bill for peak demand charge) - Site reticulation electrical and physical capacity (size of wires and conduit already existing on site, and connecting site to grid) - Site 3G/4G reception quality - Proximity of charger to switchboard - Site does not present major installation challenges A site selection matrix can be found here and can be used to help prioritise sites for further investigation. Average ratings for functional criteria and technical criteria are generated as a score out of 5, and described as ranging from 'Very Strong', 'Moderately Strong', 'Fair' through to 'Poor'. This tool can be downloaded and used to compare various alternative sites for functional and technical suitability, but as a model should be considered a guide only, and should be supplemented by site specific considerations by experienced installers. Installers may approach multiple sites and work through the various considerations iteratively until a specific site is identified. It can be advantagrous to progress reviews of multiple identified sites in case unexpected roadblocks are encountered in relation to a specific site upon closer inspection by experienced installers.



Why consider installing an electric vehicle charger for customers?

Charging infrastructure may be a good way to attract more people to your business. Many hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets have found that installing chargers can be a differentiator. For a retailer, it may increase the amount of time people spend in or around your establishment. ​ Depending on how many chargers you install, if you own the land on which you aim to install the charger then the process of installation and connection is likely to be simpler than if you want to install it in front of your shop on council-owned land.



Why consider installing an electric vehicle charger for my business?

Buying an electric vehicle is a great way to differentiate your business, lower transport costs, and enjoy quiet, efficient motoring. If you want to install electric vehicle chargers it is usually a simple process, especially if it is on your own land. Read our how-to-guides for everything you need to know about installing a charger on your land.



How much will an electric vehicle charger cost?

Typical costs for investing in an electric vehicle charger for your business or for your customers include:
- Buying a charger: $1,000 - $10,000 typical - Installing a charger: $1,000 - $10,000 typical - Buying electricity: $200 - $400/month typical* Return on investment for installing an electric vehicle charger can include: - Additional patronage - Public image and promotional value - Charging fees as charged to users (if charges applicable) *derived from an assumed commercial rate of 30c/kWh, and an energy draw of 20-44kWh/day. This equates to 3-6 hours of utilisation of a standard 7.2kW charger per day. Note that connection and infrastructure costs may vary significantly. For instance, connection to an existing supply that does not require infrastructure upgrades may cost less than $1,000. Installations that require meter or supply upgrades, trenching or creation of a new charge location can be much greater. It pays to get quotes from different tradespeople to get the best deal.



Using the Electric Vehicle Charging Toolkit

The Electric Vehicle Charging Toolkit broadly can be used sequentially to support you on your journey as you go through the various stages of an electric vehicle charger project.

The toolkit is recommended for use in the following order: 1. FAQs 2. Overview of Charge Station Technologies 3. Application of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure by Use Case 4. Getting a Return on Your Investment in Electric Vehicle Charging 5. Site Selection Matrix 6. Overview of Charging System Installation Process 7. Approval Process Guide and Flowcharts 8. Electric Vehicle Charger: Risk and Hazard Matrix 9. Procurement and Installation Planning Checklist 10. Charge Station Signage Guide



Site accessibility

While there are currently no regulations specific to electric vehicle chargers for site accessibility, it may be an important consideration when future-proofing sites for future legislation or regulatory changes. Considerations may include: - the impact of site selection on existing site accessibility - equity of access to electric vehicle charging
- electric vehicle charging for existing accessibility car parks



Interested in installing an electric vehicle charger but not quite sure where to start? The Toolkit provides information about electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, site selection considerations, which approvals may be needed and more. 

 

FAQs

Answering a range of common questions about electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

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Glossary of Terms

Provides a glossary of the terms used throughout the Toolkit.

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Choosing Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
 

Overview of Charging Station Technologies

A brief overview that can help you to decide which charge station(s) might be right for your project, covering:

  • Charging services

  • Types/Levels of chargers

  • Charger Terminology and Descriptions

  • Charger Design and Features

  • Management software and billing services

 

Application of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure by Use Case

Electric vehicle charging stations take many shapes and sizes, and this overview will help you decide what type of charging station is best suited to your charging needs.

 

Getting a Return on Your Investment in Electric Vehicle Charging

As an owner of an electric vehicle charge station, there are variety of ways you can benefit from the investment. This information may help you decide how to operate your charging station, covering:

  • Value creation

  • Sources of revenue

  • Charge station operation

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Installing EVSE

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Site Selection Matrix

This site selection matrix can be used to quantify the feasibility of a potential site for installing EVSE. This can be used to help understand the suitability of your business site for charging or to compare a number of potential commercial charge station sites in an objective way. Simply score each site against the functional and technical criteria set out in the tool and it will output a score and rating.

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Overview of Charging System Installation Process

Once you have followed the recommended process in the Site Selection Matrix to select the appropriate site to install an electric vehicle charger, it is now time to commence installation of the charger. The overview of the installation process provides a list of actions to guide you through from site inspection to commission.

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Approval Process Guide and Flowcharts

The approval process for a given project will depend on the land use, ownership and scale of the electric vehicle charging station. Use the guide and flowcharts to help you provide the Council with the right information when seeking approval for the charge station installation.

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Electric Vehicle Charger: Risk and Hazard Matrix

Like any investment in infrastructure, there are certain aspects to be aware of that may impact upon your installation. This risk and hazard matrix will help you identify the main risks and how to minimise them across the following categories. 

  • Financial

  • Safety

  • Business Productivity

  • Operational

  • Reputation

  • Legal / Regulatory​

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Procurement and Installation Planning Checklist

This checklist comprises a step-by-step guide to procurement and installation of your charging station.

 

Charge Station Signage Guide

Publicly accessible charging stations should be easy to find, with clear signage directing electric vehicle drivers to the car park and specific charging bays within. The charge station signage guide provides considerations that may be useful in planning signage for your project.

EV Charging Toolkit

Image credit: Bathurst Regional Council