Commercial EV Charging - Workplace Charging, DCFC, and Electrical Infrastructure Planning

Commercial EV charging is a different animal from residential, and the electrical infrastructure demands can be significant. Level 2 commercial chargers typically run 7.2-19.2kW per unit. A parking lot with 20 Level 2 chargers is potentially a 384kW load - which may require a new transformer, upgraded service, and significant feeder upgrades. Start with a load analysis before you commit to a scope.

Demand management is the solution to the infrastructure problem: smart EVSE systems include demand management software that limits total power draw across all chargers. Instead of provisioning for all chargers running at full power simultaneously (which rarely happens), you install a managed system that allocates power dynamically. This can reduce the infrastructure requirement by 50-70% in typical commercial parking scenarios.

DCFC (DC Fast Charging) is the 50kW to 350kW category that charges in 20-45 minutes. These require dedicated high-power electrical infrastructure - a 150kW DCFC needs roughly a 600A, 480V, three-phase feed. If you’re bidding DCFC installation, the infrastructure design should involve the utility early - they’ll likely need to run new service conductors or upgrade a transformer, which can take months.