A licensed electrical contractor with experience installing EVSE can help select and obtain equipment based on the features that will meet your community’s needs.
Charging station manufacturers offer both single and dual-head charging stations that can be used as shared chargers in community associations. Some companies offer customized solutions and help communities identify the charging equipment that best meets their needs.
Not sure how to find a qualified contractor? Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) provides training and certification for electricians installing EVSE. Find an EVITP-certified contractor using their online database. Additionally, Dominion Energy maintains a Trade Ally Network for firms that work on Dominion programs, which includes companies with experience in commercial EV Charging installations. While the Trade Allies are located throughout Dominion Energy’s service area, Bowerbird Energy has confirmed that they serve Fairfax County.
Examples of terms and conditions agreements for EV charging equipment follows:
Some of the features community associations may like to consider in charging equipment include:
- Access via a smart phone app
- A reservation system
- The ability to charge guests a different rate than residents
- Utilizing a keypad, PIN, fob, or card to access the charging equipment
- Connectivity via WIFI or cellular service
- Retractable cable management system
- The length of the warranty
- The terms of the service agreement
- Including how quickly the equipment will be serviced if it needs to be repaired
- Whether a provider will make repairs to the equipment onsite
The U.S. Department of Energy website provides information to support Charging Electric Vehicles at Home:
"Most Level 2 products have standard safety features and status lights. More advanced, "smart" Level 2 products have features such as data collection, user interface systems, enhanced displays, charging timers, communications capabilities, and keypads. Purchasing safety-certified equipment is recommended, such as the products certified under the ENERGY STAR label, which are tested by a nationally recognized testing laboratory."