With the average cost of installing a commercial EV charging station or a DC fast charging station ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, companies must ensure this major purchase supplies the performance and service life sufficient to repay the investment. While still in its early stages as an industry, commercial EV charging is transforming transportation infrastructure across sectors.
From freight terminals requiring megawatt-scale power for electric semi-trucks to airports electrifying their ground support fleets or distribution centers converting to electric forklifts and municipalities introducing EV buses and fleets, the applications and transition span the full spectrum of commercial transportation. In addition, millions of passenger vehicles also require public access to charge, creating a potential passive income stream. Selecting the right commercial charging infrastructure has become a critical business decision.
What Defines a Commercial EV Charger?
Commercial EV chargers are high-powered systems engineered for continuous operation in demanding environments. Unlike residential units limited to 11kW, commercial chargers deliver 50kW to over 360kW, enabling rapid charging for multiple vehicles throughout the day. These systems require sophisticated power management, payment processing capabilities, and remote monitoring to serve diverse commercial applications, not to mention robust construction.
BTC POWER leads this sector with charging solutions that consistently achieve 98% uptime rates. Their systems deliver up to 360kW per port with planned expansion to 400kW, while pioneering dynamic power sharing technology that optimizes energy distribution across multiple charging points.
Critical selection factors for commercial EV chargers
1. Power infrastructure and management
The foundation of any successful commercial charging installation lies in understanding power requirements across different vehicle classes. Based on current industry standards:
- Light-duty vehicles: Level 2 AC (up to 19.2kW) and DC fast charging (up to 350kW with CCS)
- Medium-duty vehicles: High-power DC fast charging (up to 350kW)
- Heavy-duty trucks: Megawatt Charging System (MCS) up to 3.75MW
- Fleet depots: Multiple units based on fleet size and charging windows
BTCP meets these diverse needs with solutions up to 360kW per port and capabilities extending to 400kW on the horizon. Its pioneering dynamic power sharing technology automatically optimizes distribution across multiple charging ports, maximizing charging efficiency while reducing installation costs and grid impact. This becomes particularly crucial in applications like fleet depots where multiple vehicles need simultaneous charging during limited operational windows.
The power management system must also account for varying charging profiles throughout the day. During peak usage, dynamic load management ensures optimal power distribution without exceeding site capacity or utility constraints. BTCP’s systems continuously monitor and adjust power delivery based on real-time demand, vehicle capabilities, and available grid capacity.
2. Construction and environmental testing
BTCP sets industry standards with its comprehensive testing protocol that generates commercial charging stations with robust construction. Residential EV chargers may spend their whole lives hanging on a garage wall. But commercial EV chargers will be backed into, connectors run over, in extreme temperatures and more. BTCP operates a testing facility that subjects charging units to extreme conditions simulating years of real-world use, yielding a commercial unit with:
- All-steel enclosure construction, contrasting with residential plastic housings
- Industry’s most rigorous cable drop test protocol, setting new durability standards
- Specialized liquid-cooled cables for cold weather flexibility
- Operating range in temperatures of -30°C to 50°C (-22°F/122°F)
- NEMA 3R-rated weather protection
- ADA-compliant design for public installations
3. Maintenance and serviceability
Charging station downtime directly impacts revenue and customer satisfaction in high-traffic commercial environments. Maintenance design can mean the difference between a quick component replacement and days of interrupted service. BTCP pioneered modular design standards that transformed industry maintenance practices:
- First manufacturer to require interchangeable connector components
- Replaceable pins, faceplates, and housings
- Remote diagnostics capability
- 24/7 support infrastructure
- Preventive maintenance scheduling
4. User interface and payment systems
Commercial EV charging stations must serve diverse users while providing business intelligence and revenue management. Modern systems need sophisticated interfaces that balance ease of use with robust functionality. BTCP systems are backend-agnostic, offering:
- Multiple payment options (credit card, RFID, mobile)
- ISO 15118 Plug and Charge capability
- Optional 32-inch advertising/communications displays
- Remote monitoring and analytics
- Integration with various charge management systems
5. Futureproofing and adaptability
With rapid advances in EV technology and charging standards, today’s charging infrastructure must be ready for tomorrow’s requirements. This adaptability ensures long-term value and prevents premature obsolescence. BTCP demonstrates industry leadership through the following:
- Planned NACS/Tesla connector retrofit capabilities
- Power delivery expansion to 400kW
- Multi-standard connector compatibility
- Advanced monitoring systems
- Continuous durability improvements
Implementation strategy for commercial EV chargers
Successful deployment requires thorough site assessment and utility coordination. BTCP’s experience with high-utilization networks provides a blueprint for reliable implementation.
Site planning must consider not just current needs but future expansion capabilities. This includes:
- Utility service capacity and upgrade requirements
- Space allocation for additional units
- Cable routing and conduit planning
- Access requirements for maintenance vehicles
- Traffic flow patterns for various vehicle types
- Integration with existing facility operations
BTCP’s implementation team works closely with site owners, utilities, and contractors to supply guidance and advice for optimal installation planning. Their experience across diverse applications — from transit depots to freight terminals — informs best practices for each unique installation. In addition, team members can supply advice for available local, state or federal funding that, if awarded, can help defray some installation costs.
Success in the evolution of EV charging
Commercial EV charging represents a critical infrastructure investment. As the leading commercial EV charger manufacturer, BTCP’s proven track record in advancing industry standards, maintaining exceptional reliability, and pioneering maintainable design demonstrates the importance of selecting a provider committed to long-term innovation in the rapidly evolving EV charging landscape.
BTCP offers different types of DC fast chargers, including the Gen 4 All-in-One (AiO), fully equipped with the latest features and the speed, convenience, flexibility and reliability in a charger designed with durability and low total cost of ownership over time.
Some features with particular appeal to an audience looking for a commercial charger:
- SAE Combo CCS1, CHAdeMO and NACS connector options
- Simultaneous charging
- Stainless steel construction
- Liquid-cooled cables for 500A continuous charging
- Standard cable length of 18 feet, with optional 25-foot cables available for larger vehicles, such as fleet operations and class 8 trucks
- Distributive power allocation
- Credit card and RFID payment options
- Modular system allows for future upgrades
- Designed for easy installation
As the industry evolves, successful commercial EV charging installations will depend on choosing equipment that balances immediate operational needs with future adaptability. BTCP’s commitment to driving industry standards while focusing on reliability and serviceability positions the company as a leader in EV charging manufacturing in this transformative period for transportation infrastructure.