Did you know that a total of 1.2 million EV vehicles were sold in the US in 2023? It is a huge number, and a huge portion of it has been claimed by commercial vehicles, as businesses and industries are adopting them as part of their fleets, logistics, and customer service operations. It also highlights the importance of EV charging stations in commercial and industrial settings. While EV adoption is a smart move, EV charger installation is one of the challenges that needs to be addressed properly.

So, if you are planning EV charge installation in Los Angeles, read this blog and learn about the top 5 mistakes to avoid during the installation. 

Underestimating Power Requirements and Existing Electrical Infrastructure

The biggest mistake witnessed during EV charger installation in Los Angeles is that businesses fail to assess the power requirements, the potential for increasing demand, and the existing electrical infrastructure. Unlike home installations, commercial installations require DC fast chargers which need much higher power levels that accommodate multiple vehicles simultaneously.

In case the existing infrastructure isn’t good and can’t support the load, it will slowly damage the power grid, resulting in frequent power failures in the building and overloading circuits.

If yours is an old commercial building, then it will require substantial electrical infrastructure changes to support large-scale EV charging.

You are required to make a thorough initial assessment of the daily power load required and whether the existing infrastructure is ready to support it. If required, plan for upgrades to accommodate expansion. Here, one must also consider the growing demands in the future, so frequent upgradation isn’t required soon.

Not Hiring a Professional 

The biggest mistake you can make during EV charger installation in Los Angeles is to rely on your commercial electrician for this specialized installation. 

Remember that EV charging installation is relatively new, and many commercial electricians are still getting the hang of it. Not every commercial electrician is fit for the job. It might seem like a good idea to save money, but without the proper training and experience, there is a risk of short circuits and safety hazards. 

The job of the EV charger installation professional is to assess the existing load, suggest required upgradation, and plan the entire layout based on the demands. So, hire a certified professional for this job.

Not Considering Load Management Systems

A load management system distributes the power between the chargers on demand. It optimizes energy consumption, reduces peak loads, and ensures all vehicles get the necessary charge without overburdening the system.

The lack of an LMS in EV charging stations can result in energy inefficiency, higher operating costs, and stress on the power grid. 

The simultaneous load from all the charging points can lead to blackouts and grid instability.

So, discuss it with your EV charging installation professionals and invest in a reliable LMS that distributes the power based on vehicle demand, reduces the operational burden, and enhances efficiency.

Site Location and Layout Planning

Unlike a home installation, commercial EV charger installations need vast space as they handle numerous vehicles in one go. Charger placement must consider multiple factors, such as accessibility, traffic flow, proximity to power sources, and compliance with local building codes. It requires site planning, and the lack of which might lead to suboptimal use of space and inefficient operations. Placing chargers too far will require extensive cabling, thus increasing the cost. Placing them too close will create charging bottlenecks and safety hazards for employees, customers, and business partners.

It requires a detailed analysis before installing the site about moving patterns, type of vehicles requiring charging, traffic flow in the area, distance from the power supply, etc. to create a well-organized and efficient charging space.

Not Complying with Regulatory Requirements

The EV charging installation is new; thus, many business owners are unaware of the regulatory requirements. However, it doesn’t excuse them from the penalties.

Note that adherence to the local building codes, zoning laws, and requiring permits is essential, and any business that overlooks or underestimates the power of permits and requirements will be subjected to fines, penalties, and removal of the installed equipment.

In LA, the LADWP and Building and Safety Division ensure that the installation is accurate and is not a risk to the beneficiaries.

Consult with the local authorities and a certified professional to understand the process of obtaining permits and requirements. 

Final Thoughts

EV charging installations in Los Angeles have no space for any mistake. Multiple cars, fleets, and other vehicles depend upon it, and thus, the business owners and electricians are required to ensure that the installation is completed after gaining thorough permissions, doesn’t violate any building codes, has been properly planned and implemented, and ensures efficient operations in the future.

Refrain from making these five mistakes and support your business’s sustainability goals and operational efficiency.