Frequently Asked Questions
This list of FAQ’s represents the most common concerns we address when developing a new partnership. We hope you find it helpful!
What is an EV charging station infrastructure provider?
An EV charging station infrastructure provider, like HiON EV, takes care of all details associated with EV charging station construction and management on behalf of third-party businesses and property owners. This allows private entities to provide EV charging opportunities to their customers and employees without incurring the costs and headaches associated with procuring and maintaining the equipment themselves.
Why do businesses need EV charging stations?
According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle sales will make up more than 60% of all global sales by 2030. By the end of 2023 alone, some predictions put the number of US electric vehicles at more than 14 million. As the world decarbonizes road transport, and more people switch to EVs, readily available, convenient public charging options will be crucial to support the transition.
The park-and-charge model is critical to supporting EV drivers because it takes longer to charge an electric vehicle compared to filling up a gas-powered vehicle. This method allows drivers to charge their cars while running errands, visiting the doctor, working, and visiting entertainment venues. Private business plays a crucial role in the park and charge system – without their participation, drivers will need to seek out charging stations much like they would have to seek out gas stations and wait, sometimes for hours, while they power up their vehicles.
What are the maintenance costs associated with publicly accessible charging stations?
For functionality and safety, EV charging stations require regular maintenance and upkeep. Inspections, cleaning, software updates, component replacement, electrical maintenance, and network maintenance are all required regularly to ensure the station is running at optimum performance. That said, it is difficult to estimate how much time and costs are associated with these tasks, as they fluctuate according to user wear and tear, potential vandalism, weather events, and other unforeseen circumstances that can impact charger functionality.
As a full-service infrastructure provider, HiON EV takes care of all regular and unexpected maintenance so businesses can focus on their operations without the added headache and expense of being EV charging station providers.
What happens if a HiON station gets damaged or vandalized?
In the event of an unforeseen maintenance issue such as vandalism, HiON will deploy a repair team to the site as soon as possible. Repair timelines are subject to proximity, weather and time of day that the maintenance request is processed.
Who handles charging station real-time payment issues?
All issues regarding payment are handled by either HiON EV or the charging station network provider. HiON works with the most reputable EV charging systems in operation, many of whom have their own networks and payment systems. Regardless of the payment structure, when you work with HiON, you are not responsible for dealing with these types of issues.
To support users in finding the appropriate help channels, HiON-supported EV chargers feature clear, easy-to-see, easy-to-understand instructions regarding what to do in the event of a payment issue or other problem at the station.
How do businesses benefit from partnering with an EV charging station infrastructure provider?
Businesses benefit from partnering with an EV charging station infrastructure provider, like HiON, because the provider assumes all responsibility for the initial construction, financing electrical upgrades, permitting, ADA compliance, commissioning, and long-term maintenance, payment management, and system upgrades.
How long does it take to install a public-facing EV charging station network?
The time it takes to install an EV charging station network varies depending on site constructability, the local permit approval process, and general construction factors, including weather, materials availability, and utility commissioning timelines. That said, a general estimate, according to our experience, is between three to six months from permit approval.
Will charging stations create parking congestion at my business?
If not properly managed, EV charging stations can potentially create parking congestion issues at a place of business. However, the opportunity for congestion is minimized with proper planning, station location design, and layout. Working with an infrastructure partner can ensure your parking lot’s EV charging stations are situated in a way that deters congestion. Depending on the location, measures including time limits (similar to metered parking), reservation systems, and clearly posted signage regarding expectations can also help minimize these potential issues.
How will HiON decide whether to install level 2 or DC fast chargers at my location?
HiON evaluates locations for usability based on parking lot layout, size and traffic potential. We require a minimum of three usable parking spots, but there are a multitude of factors that will be taken into consideration. Decisions regarding how many DC fast chargers and how many level 2 chargers (if any) will be the result of careful discussion regarding site needs and other factors regarding operations. For example, a movie theater may have more level two chargers than a coffee shop because people spend more time at movie theaters than they do at coffee shops. Other factors may include the businesses’ employee charging and fleet management requirements.
